Advocacy Project

 Advocacy Project Instructions
Opening: This serves as the introduction to the advocacy topic/issue you are addressing. Briefly outline the importance of your topic and the need for action. This should be no longer than about one page to one and one-half pages (double spaced, 12-point font).
Background: This is where you provide more of the “meat” of your information. Provide more extensive examples of the importance/serious nature of your topic. Cite relevant, credible, and reputable information to add support. Explain why your topic is in need of attention and which action-steps would be beneficial. This should be no longer than about two to two and one-half pages (double spaced, 12-point font).
Policy recommendations (propose specific ideas for a bill): Provide at least three specific ideas for further legislation/policy related to your advocacy topic (from what was addressed in the opening and background sections). Each idea/recommendation for your policy should be followed by supporting research/evidence highlighting the need for the idea you present. This should be approximately one paragraph for each idea presented, double spaced, 12-point font.
Talking points: Talking points, as defined by Robinson and Stark (2005) are “a few sentences, standing alone, that get your point across quickly. In essence, they are soundbites telling why you support or oppose a particular policy” (p. 82). Provide at least three talking points addressing support for your topic in a clear and concise manner (approximately ¾ to one page in length; double spaced, 12-point font).
Fact sheet: Provide at least four “fact statements” (credible statistics, research evidence, etc.) which support your advocacy topic. Include appropriate in-text citations. This should be approximately ¾ page in length (double spaced, 12-point font).
Letter to official: Write a letter to an Oklahoma government official highlighting the importance and the need to support your advocacy topic. Be sure to use appropriate letter headings (date, address of official, proper title when referring to the official, etc.). Your letter should be approximately one page in length using single-spaced, block format (see example). Your letter should be “signed” electronically.
Conclusion: Provide a concise summary and synthesis of the points made relating to your advocacy topic. This should be approximately one paragraph in length double spaced, 12-point font.
Provide an APA (6th edition) formatted reference page that includes all references cited.
Provide a list of your Federal and State Legislators (include full names and contact information). Use the following link and enter your zip code to find this information: Find My Legislator
Find five websites with information on legislative and advocacy issues pertaining to children and families. Create an annotated web links page by pasting the web link followed by a brief synopsis (a sentence or two) of the information available at each link provided.