Discussion 8
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You have 2 options for discussion 8, for option A you may answer the questions below regarding the recent power outages in Texas or complete the public policy proposal as option B.
Option A: Texas Power Outages (Answer 2-3 of the questions below.)
How do we build a power grid that is sustainable, durable, climate positive, and economically friendly? Did the deregulation and privatization of the electrical grid equitably benefit all Texans? Is the new green deal to blame for the power grid failure?
Public Policy Proposal Outline
Topic Selection: What issue in the country or world is keeping you up at night? It may not impact you, but rather your loved ones, coworkers, or community. What problem do you want to address or solve?
Describe the Problem: State the problem that you want to address and who is impacted. What are the short-term and long-term concerns if the problem is not addressed? (2-3 sentences)
Recommendations: Propose 1-3 recommendations to solve the problem. (1-3 bullet points)
Policy Adoption & Implementation: How should your recommendations be implemented? What governmental agencies or organizations will you need to work with? How will your proposal be funded? State government, local government, private organizations, or nonprofit organizations? Can you provide a brief 3-5 step outline? What evidence, research, or statistics do you have to support your position? These can be from scientific studies, other companies, or organizations that have followed the newly proposed policy and support your argument. (3-5 sentences)
Conclusion: Write a short conclusion to your public policy proposal. Assess your proposed policy. Will your solution actually solve the problem? Will it solve an immediate need until a long-term solution can be found? If your solution will not solve the problem, will it mitigate the impact on people or the community? Provide a brief summary of the information you have presented in your policy proposal. Convince the class to support your policy proposal. (2-4 sentences)
Citations: Be sure to cite your sources. You will need to include at least 2 citations to meet the requirements to earn 15 points.
Presentation: Be creative! You may submit your public policy proposal in any format you choose, just make sure that you follow the criteria. Many students use their phones to complete coursework, so please be mindful when using certain software. If possible, use closed captions (cc) on all recordings. If you cannot, let me know and will work with you to include it. Closed captions ensures that the material is accessible to everyone. Here are a few format ideas: video, PowerPoint presentation, slide show, webpage, zine, Infographic, podcast, and a memo.
Extra Credit: Do not forget to ask a classmate a question or challenge their policy position to earn your extra credit point.
Additional questions to think about:
Does your policy proposal align with current legislation? If not, how do you propose to garner support?
Will others see your policy proposal as political? Or, is it a nonpartisan effort?
Is your policy proposal popular or on the fringe?
What organizations or individuals are currently profiting from the problem? How will they respond to the loss in profit?
What organizations would you partner/align with to support your cause?
What organizations would you consider advisories?
What organizations would help support your cause, despite your opposing goals?
What actions can you take today, this week, month, or year to further the cause? Make calls, create a media campaign, etc.
What organizations, communities, or individuals will be positively and negatively impacted if your policy proposal is passed?Sample Proposal
Describe the Problem
Every Texan can help reduce the carbon footprint and the impacts of climate change by committing to eating a plant-based diet. Texans have already seen the short-term impacts of climate change with recent floods, wildfires, and droughts. Years from now, Texans will experience increased respiratory problems due to algae blooms along the coast and an increase in devastating hurricanes. (Jones, 2020) If Texans love our state and the environment, they will commit to a plant-based diet so that future generations can thrive.
