Bookmark and Share

Table of Contents >
   Part I. Organizing for Effective Advocacy
(Chapters 3... >
      Chapter 31. Conducting Advocacy Research >
         Section 10. Conducting Research to Influence Policy >
             Tools & Checklists - A checklist that summarizes the major points contained in the section. >

Conducting Research to Influence Policy

  

Tools & Checklists
Contributed by Phil Rabinowitz Edited by Bill Berkowitz

Checklist

Here you will find a checklist for approaching and conducting research to influence policy.

__ You or your group has agreed that you want to influence policies related to issues of concern to you and your constituents.

You have determined to conduct policy research to (choose one or more of the following):

__ Assure that an issue is actually addressed.
__ Assure that the issue addressed is the one that needs to be addressed.
__ Show a need for funding or intervention for an issue.
__ Support or discredit the use of a particular practice or approach.
__ Identify and advocate for appropriate policy on an issue.
__ Point out incompetence or corruption that harms the public interest.
__ Protect public health and safety.
__ Build a solid base for your advocacy.
__ Maintain your own integrity.

For maximum credibility, you have collaborated with or received help from (indicate which groups have helped):

__ Think tanks
__ Government agencies
__ Professional associations
__ Official commissions
__ Organizations that work with the issue
__ Watchdog organizations
__ Law enforcement agencies

You conducted policy research because:

__ There was a need for policy, and none has been established.
__ There was a critical situation that was not recognized or acknowledged.
__ Our issue was under legislative review.
__ The policy was under discussion, and we wante to make sure that important points weren't ignored.
__ The results of current policy were unknown or unclear.
__ Policy was headed in the wrong direction.
__ We were consulted as an expert.

__ Your group has determined how to influence policy.
__ You determined whom you need to influence, and what will sway them.
__ You used what you already know.
__ You conducted your research, with attention to the assumptions of your target audience.
__ You analyzed your data.
__ You presented your results, using communication guidelines that will assure that they reach your target audience(s).
__ You continued your research, in order to support the policy changes you've effected, and to be able to advocate for other change as the needs of the community and the situation change.