why is the issue important and what are some of the alternate proposals out there to deal with it. While looking into the issue, identify the key actors who have the ability to enact or block the change you are looking at. This requires you to know what level of government has the authority to do it, and to know the process used to make a decision. An effective advocate knows when the window of opportunity is open, where that window is, and who opens and closes the window. An ‘A’ paper will provide contact information as evidence that you know exactly who to contact when that window opens. Remember this is not a “why” paper, don’t let the bulk be taken up convincing me you are right. It is a “how” paper, tell me what steps to take to actually make your idea a reality. determine what course of action is needed to persuade or influence the policy makers. This is the most important part of the paper, and what sets this paper apart from a standard research paper. Use what you have learned in this course to detail how you can persuade a decision maker to act. You need to show me that you have learned how to use the political process to make something happen. That needs to go beyond just asking politely.
