Writing Public Policy

• Practical approach to public policy making by communicating effectively in the process
• Oriented to 'doers' (practitioners)
• Introduces 'the system' (institutional democratic policy making process in the United States)
• Shows communication's integral role in policy making process

Readership: The primary audience is advanced undergraduate and graduate students in public policy studies, political science, public administration, professional/technical communication, public communications, legal studies, engineering (fields such as civil engineering), environmental studies, public health, and social work. It is most appropriate for advanced writing or communications courses, special topics writing or communications courses, advanced public policy studies or political science courses, writing-intensive courses in social science or applied science disciplines such as civil engineering or public health. Such courses are offered in both fall and spring. The primary audience is advanced undergraduate and graduate students in public policy studies, political science, public administration, professional/technical communication, public communications, legal studies, engineering (fields such as civil engineering), environmental studies, public health, and social work.

Catherine F. Smith, Professor, East Carolina University and the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

Catherine F. Smith teaches undergraduate and graduate students of writing, rhetoric, communication, public policy, public administration, political science, sociology, geography, and interdisciplinary programs to communicate in policy-making at local state, and national levels. As a consultant to government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit businesses, she has trained executives and professionals to communicate as witnesses in public hearings.

Preface
Introduction
List of Writing Samples
Chapter 1 Public Policy Making
Case 1: Milk Labeling
Case 2: State Budgeting
Summary and Preview
Reference
Further Reading
Chapter 2 Communication in the Process
Viewpoint 1: Cultural Context
Viewpoint 2: Experience
Viewpoint 3: Process into Product
Viewpoint 4: A General Method of Communicating in a Public Process
Two Checklists
Example
Summary and Preview
Further Reading
Chapter 3 Definition: Frame the Problem
How to Define a Policy Problem
Five Examples with Scenarios
Summary and Preview
References
Chapter 4 Evaluation: Analyze and Advise
Case: Food Supply Chain Security
How to Analyze Policy and Policy Discourse
Three Examples
Summary and Preview
References
Further Reading
Chapter 5 Legislative History: Know the Record
How to Conduct Legislative Research and Write a Legislative History
General Tips for Using Government Information Libraries
Three Examples
Summary and Preview
Chapter 6 Position Paper: Know the Arguments
How to Argue in a Position Paper
Example
Outline of the Argument to Expand the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in the United States
Summary and Preview
Reference
Further Reading
Chapter 7 Petitions and Proposals: Request Action or Propose Policy
How to Petition for Action or Propose Policy on Behalf of a Group
Five Examples
Summary and Preview
References
Chapter 8 Briefing Memo or Opinion Statement: Inform Policy Makers
How to Inform Policy Makers in a Briefing Memo or Opinion Statement
Two Examples
Summary and Preview
Chapter 9 Testimony: Witness in a Public Hearing
How to Deliver Oral Testimony Based on a Written Statement
Develop a Testimony in Context
Two Examples with Scenarios
Summary and Preview
References
Chapter 10 Written Public Comment: Influence Administration
How to Write a Public Comment
Four Examples with Scenarios
Summary and Preview
Conclusion: Continuity and Change
Summary and Looking Forward
References
Appendix: Public Policy Writing for the Web
Index