Assignment: Advocacy Project
Opening: This serves as the introduction to the advocacy topic/issue you are addressing. Briefly outline the importance of your topic and the need for action.
Background: This is where you provide more of the "meat" of your information. Provide more extensive examples of the importance/serious nature of your topic. Cite relevant, credible, and reputable information to add support. Explain why your topic is in need of attention and which action-steps would be beneficial.
Policy recommendations (propose specific ideas for a bill): Provide at least three specific ideas for further legislation/policy related to your advocacy topic (from what was addressed in the opening and background sections). Each idea/recommendation for your policy should be followed by supporting research/evidence highlighting the need for the idea you present.
Talking points: Talking points, as defined by Robinson and Stark (2005) are "a few sentences, standing alone, that get your point across quickly. In essence, they are soundbites telling why you support or oppose a particular policy" (p. 82).
Fact sheet: Provide at least four "fact statements" (credible statistics, research evidence, etc.) which support your advocacy topic. Include appropriate in-text citations. This should be approximately ¾ page in length,
Letter to official: Write a letter to an Oklahoma government official highlighting the importance and the need to support your advocacy topic. Be sure to use appropriate letter headings (date, address of official, proper title when referring to the official, etc.). Your letter should be approximately one page in length using single-spaced, block format (see example). Your letter should be "signed" electronically.
The response must include a reference list. Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.