Policy Approval Process
Definitions:
Policy issue/policy recommendation: One that requests or requires a governmental body to take or refrain from taking some action.
New policy issue: One that the Law Center has never addressed before.
Publish: To post on a website, listserve, or social media, to print for dissemination, or to make a statement to the media or at a public event.
Policy forum: Policy forums are open spaces where the proposing circle describes the proposed initiative and receives feedback from participating staff.
Threshold for objections: For the purposes of this policy, the objector must be a member of the GC.
Letter of support/opposition: A letter to a governmental body (or member of that body) requesting that they take or refrain from taking action, including letters sent as part of a coalition.
Process:
Do you want to co-lead or be a major player in a legislative campaign?
Not Sure: ask Policy Circle on Slack
Yes: Bring a proposal to a relevant circle meeting and complete the Long Policy Questionnaire (in the template gallery).
No: Follow instructions below.
Do you want to send a letter of support or opposition, publish or sign on to a policy recommendation, or participate in a legislative campaign?
Not sure: Consult with Policy Circle first.
No: Then do whatever you want to do!
Yes: Is it about a new policy issue?
No: Send a slack message with the Short Policy Questionnaire (in the template gallery) to the relevant circle notifying them of the issue and your intent to send a letter of support/opposition on behalf of the Law Center, and why.
Yes: Send a slack message to a relevant circle and attach the completed Policy Questionnaire. Notify the circle members that they have 48 hours to ask questions, raise concerns, or object.
Did you receive any objections or concerns?
Yes: If you received a concern, address that concern in good faith and to the best of your ability. If you received an objection, do not send the letter. Either you or the person who opposed your proposal may exercise your right to initiate the integration process.
No: Send the letter of support or opposition!