Lecture 6: Policy Change PDF

# What is Policy Change? - The concept of policy change refers to replacing one or more existing policies with one or more other policies. This includes both the adoption of new policies and the modification or repeal of existing ones. - It can take one of the following forms: - Incremental cha...

# What is Policy Change? - The concept of policy change refers to replacing one or more existing policies with one or more other policies. This includes both the adoption of new policies and the modification or repeal of existing ones. - It can take one of the following forms: - Incremental changes in existing policies; - The enactment of new statutes in particular policy areas; and - Major shifts in public policy as a consequence of change of government. # Why Policy Change? - Policies are the basis for community decisions. - Attempting to change policies can start a community conversation about the issues in question. - Changing policy is easier in the long run. - Changed policies can change people's minds and attitudes. - Changed policies have effects on the next generation; and - Policy change is one path to permanent social change. # Who Should Effect Policy Change? - A coalition is perhaps the most ideal group to effect a policy change. It represents a broader cross-section of the community and generates more ideas for going forward. - Organizations that work with the issue often have both technical knowledge, root causes of the issue, and the personal understanding of its human consequences that comes from working with those affected. - Citizen-led community groups are part of the community and intimate with the issue. - Professional groups with an interest in the issue for example a bar association or medical association can take the lead in trying to change policies. - Concerned individuals who are highly motivated to get a policy change campaign off the ground can initiate change. # When to Change Policy? - Election year. Politicians are most vulnerable and receptive to ideas. - When the issue first arises. The earlier the better before investment in time and resources. - When a crisis is reached. - When risk is existential. - When public opinion has reached critical mass. - When there’s a specific debate about the issue. When policies are already under discussion, it’s a good time to advocate for change. - When new information changes perceptions about the issue. - When a publication or other source brings an issue to the public attention. # How do you change policies? - **Preparation.** Conduct thorough research on the issue and all the components that are associated with it. - **Planning.** Preparation is followed by strategic planning which involves representation from all groups affected by or concerned with the issue. - **Personal Contact.** Establish and maintain personal contact with those who influence or make policy. - **Pulse of the community.** Take the pulse of the community to understand what citizens will support, what they will resist, and how they can be persuaded. - **Positivism.** Where you can, choose tactics that emphasize positivism. - **Participation.** Involve as many people in the community as possible in strategic planning and action. Concentrate on making your effort participatory. - **Publicity.** Use the media, the Internet, your community connections, and your imagination both to keep people informed of the effort and the issues, and to keep a high profile. - **Persistence.** You have to monitor and evaluate your action to make sure it’s having the desired effect, and change it if it’s not. And you have to be prepared to keep at it for as long as it takes if you hope to be successful. # Conclusion - When the policies stand in the way of beneficial interventions or necessary fundamental community change, you may need to change the policies themselves. However, there is an ideal time to increase the probability of effecting policy change. The image is a presentation slide with a yellow warning sign that reads: Change Ahead.