Discussion Post: Policy Issue
You are a lobbyist for an issue that you find important. For example, you would like to see the banning of smoking in federal buildings (Note: This policy has already been enacted.) You are going to make an informational pamphlet to highlight your points to prominent members of Congress. Research members of Congress that you will target in your lobbying. Explain why these members are critical to your goal. Make a plan of action and produce a pamphlet supporting your cause. Who will you be reaching out to? Why? Write a cover letter to a Congressional member and include your reasoning for reaching out to them in particular in the letter. Remember a lobbyist is only as good as the information they provide. A lobbyist who provides incomplete or unreliable information will soon be unemployed, or lose access to officials.
Cover letter should:
a) Follow a standard business format
b) Correctly address your Congressperson
c) Use the correct postal address
d) Explain your choice to write to this representative in particular, and provide your pamphlet. For example, maybe your research showed that this representative sponsored legislation on this issue in the past.
Pamphlet should:
a) Define the problem. Tells us exactly what the problem is. Detail its urgency and provide data. Be objective.
b) Analyze the problem. Provide relevant data. Tell us how to make sense of the data. Provide any findings
c) Offer a recommendation. Do not generalize. Be specific.
The response should include a reference list. One-inch margins, Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space and APA style of writing and citations.