STEP 3: CONDUCT EVIDENCE-BASED RESEARCH
FIND PROVEN SUCCESSFUL POLICIES
☐An internet search is the best place to start! Look up your priority issue to find policies with evidence of success in communities similar to your own. Look for news articles, policy papers, or websites on the topic.
1. For this discussion board assignment, tell me and your classmates about one example of a policy already in place which deals with the issue you selected. Also, provide a link to the source you found such as a news article, policy paper, or website.
☐Dig deeper. Look into academic institutions, including university departments and centers that specialize in the issue area.
2. For this discussion board assignment identify an academic institution or a policy organization that specializes in the area of your priority issue.
☐Call or check websites of associations whose focus is local government or who deal with your issue area. (e.g., here are a few selected examples from around the nation: Michigan Municipal League, Colorado Association of School Boards, Georgia Economic Developers Association, The New Jersey Association of Environmental Commissions. Your state should have similar organizations.)
3. For this discussion board assignment identify one interest group that deals with your priority issue.
☐You can also go to The Citizens Campaign’s website and look at the Solutions Sharing Platform. The Platform contains evidence-based solutions previously developed by citizens and the experts from The Campaign’sLaw & Policy Task Force.
4. For this discussion board assignment comment on at least one other student’s post and ask questions or offer support. Give them feedback.