Assignment: Political Action

Why is Policy Important?

Policy is the mechanism through which much of the "top-down" change happens in the world. Even most grassroots "bottom-up" movements appeal to policy change as one way to catalyze change across a society. Gunthorp Farms and Hawkins Family Farm are shining local examples of how local and regional food system players catalyze big changes in policy. As citizens of the United States we have a privileged opportunity to help make policy decisions for one of the most influential countries on the planet (both in terms of power but also in terms of environmental footprint, cultural influence, etc.). Many US citizens never interact with their local, state, and federal policy makers and this is a lost opportunity - especially when it comes to our food! Large scale conversations over the farm bill (and the 50 year farm bill) are contentious and worth getting involved in - as are discussions over local ordinances like urban chickens and water access for vacant city lots. We never know where the path might lead if we don't try! This assignment is meant to provide a jumping off point for closer engagement with our policy makers - and the policy that gets made!

Policy Action Letter

1. Identify a specific policy maker (or their aide) and a specific stance, committee, policy, bill, campaign promise, popular issue, etc. (25%)

   • The more specific you are about why you are contacting them the better. Make sure you do your homework...this shows the addressee that you really care about both what they do as part of their job as well as the issue at hand.

   • Remember that aides are usually the people opening, reading, and responding to mail. If you get to know which aides advise your target policy maker when it comes to food issues you could even try writing a letter directly to them.

2. Identify yourself as a constituent that they care about. (15%)

   • Be personal and show that their work directly impacts you, your family, your community, etc. It is especially helpful when you show how their policy-making impacts their constituents (such as yourself!). Perhaps you know that your policy-makers really rely on the votes of farmers, or veterans, or younger students. Utilize your identity as leverage to have them listen to what you have to say.

3. Ask for something very specific. (50%)

   • Cite facts (play the role of the expert) and be very clear, concise, and specific about what you would like to have done.

4. Be courteous and say “thank you” or “well done” when appropriate! (10%)

   • It is always worth being nice. Feel free to mention votes, policies, etc. that they have been part of in the past and say “thank you” or “well done” to encourage them to continue acting in that way in the future.

Once you have completed your letter hand it in via the Turn-in Portal. Make sure you satisfy the conditions above as best you can. Wait for me to grade it and leave comments. At that point feel free to incorporate whatever changes you like and send it off!

For more tips look here:

https://www.ucsusa.org/action/science_network/writing-an-effective-letter.html

http://www.center4research.org/writing-policy-makers/