Research, Writing, and Analysis
“Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.” ~ Zora Neale Hurston
Keys to Policy and Legislation Development
Here are our main keys to policy and legislation development:
- How we talk about and discuss policy is often as important as what’s actually in the policy.
- Identify a clear and specific problem. Who are the key constituencies impacted?
- Use existing model legislation, research, and resources to create your own policy solution.
- Develop a policy narrative. Why it’s important, why should folks care, and why is your solution the strongest
- Write up your solution as a model piece of legislation, fact sheet, policy brief, etc.
Problem Identification
Overview
It is imperative to have a central purpose to your research, guided by creating solutions to solve a particular problem or issue. These problems/issues serve as the central direction for the whole research process. Here are the keys to keep in mind:
- How will legislation solve the issue?
- Who are the key constituencies impacted?
Problem Analysis
A problem analysis seeks to identify the negative systems that impact people’s lives (e.g., underfunded schools or high rates of pollution near a school) or what positive systems might not have been considered yet. Below are some guiding questions to help you complete your problem analysis:
- What problems does our constituency face? – The main grievances, day-to-day issues, and problems they face (e.g., inability to afford housing, disparities in school funding, discrimination, etc.)
- What are the roots of the problem? (e.g., punitive-based discipline, structural racism, lack of accessible jobs, etc.)
- Why has the problem not been solved yet? (e.g., not enough funding, divisive political issues, etc.)
Problem Statement
The problem statement is a short one-sentence description of the problem (e.g., Delaware’s population of 6,500 incarcerated individuals continues to grow). The problem statement could also highlight a potential future issue if not addressed soon, or identify a creative solution for social improvement..
Policy Goal
Write out the objectives of your policy so that if successful, what would it achieve?
Lay of the Land Review
Overview
For some issues, there may already exist publicly available research, studies, and analysis (at least at the national level). You will want to compile the information that already exists before deciding what new data you need to assemble.
Sources of Information
Create a list of data sources that will help you in your search.
- Reports and fact sheets – Look at think tanks, nonprofits, businesses, and government sources of information.
- News and analysis – Review respected sources of news and analysis.
- Past pieces of legislation – Look for relevant legislation (whether successful or unsuccessful) in-state or from another state.
Compare Best Practices From Other Areas
See if a similar type of problem has been addressed. You may be able to find valuable solutions.
Understand Your Opposition
Sometimes there may be people or groups who deny even the existence of a problem. Make sure in your research to review those on all sides of the issue and their values and ideas. Write up their view.
Policy Recommendation
Overview
Be as objective as possible, after contrasting policy options, then state one clear policy recommendation.
Policy Recommendation
Share your policy recommendation and why it does the best job of addressing the problem.
Write a Model Policy
Oftentimes, you may be able to find a supportive lawyer or policy expert who can do the actual drafting of the policy for you. That way when you bring it to decision-makers, they will have a draft they can work from.
Policy Narrative
Overview
The point of your policy narrative is to drill down your core argument and policy so that anyone you talk to understands the issue, why it is important, and your proposed solution.
Audiences
Think through your primary audiences for the policy and who you will be talking to.
Messaging and Framing
Spend time thinking through the best way to accurately portray the issue.
Elevator Pitch
Create succinct elevator pitches of 30 seconds, one minute, and three to five minutes that clearly summarize the policy and rationale.
Fact Sheets and Graphics
Create a one-page fact sheet and graphics to highlight your proposal. Many people need to see it before they can start acting. Considering using infographics and other ways to highlight policies.