Policy Memo (750 words minimum)

A policy memo is aninstrument used to provide analysis and recommendations for a particularpolicy situation or problem.These recommendations are used by policymakers in the policy making process to determine how to confront policyissues.A well-written policy memo is a concise distillation of researchand recommendations about an issue or policy that could serve as a guidefor your target audience.Here are some basic guidelines to completingthe project:

1). Read current news and find a “state or local” levelproblem or issue that is aligned with your interests (Examples includePublic School Financing, Healthcare, Community Policing, CriminalJustice Reform, etc.).Do additional research using relevant books,journals and websites as necessary (you should have at least three collegiate level sources).

2).In addition, you should use MLA citations in the body of the paper todevelop your argument (see the example memo provided in D2L).Absolutely no plagiarism will be tolerated in this class.This is a short writing assignment, so avoid long quotes and quoting general material.

3). Each memo should consist of 750-1000 words (2-3 pages) with

one-inch margins (in #12-font size).Tightly organized policy memos with a

clear message have a better chance of influencing others.

4). Paragraphs should be single-spaced.Proofread carefully.Do not distract your audience from the content of your memo with poor spelling or grammar.

5).You can use any standard layout for your memo, including the use ofbullet points or numbering to highlight or organize information.However,make sure you address your audience at the top of the page.See theexample memo in D2L for a suggested layout.

Here is a brief suggested memo guideline based on the Policy Making Process:

• Problem Identification-Thisis the first step in the policy making process.In this step you willidentify a social or governmental problem that needs to be addressed oris not being addressed adequately by governmental actors orinstitutions.
• Policy Formulation-This is the second stage of policy making.This is the stage where youwill complete your research of the problem you have identified and comeup with recommendations to the problem identified.
• Implementation-In this stage of the policy making process you should select agovernment agency or actor to report your memo to (Governor, Executivedepartment, legislative member etc.) and address your recommendations tothem.Also, at this stage policies are put into effect.
• Evaluation-Is the last-policy making stage.In this step, policy makers evaluatepolicies and make adjustments if necessary.While you cannot evaluateyour recommendations, you can write about your expectations.

Write the paragraphs according to the “Memo Guideline”, and the example paper following the guidelines above.

Memo Example: http://core.ecu.edu/engl/smithcath/ppolicy_book/fr…

You can use these links to find information for the paper:

http://www.txcourts.gov/supreme/

https://capitol.texas.gov

https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/shows/houston-m…

https://texas.gov