A policy white paper is a persuasive essay that uses facts and logic to promote or oppose a policy or policy change. White papers are used by policy advocates as a clear statement of their position on why a policy should be implemented, changed or blocked. They are a tool for clearly articulating the desired policy, the reasons for it, and the opposition to it, as well as the advocate’s position. Thus, while it is expected that policy papers will take a position, it is also important that (a) the position they take be well reasoned, and (b) they be fair.
Politicians generally have at least three questions when it comes to policy changes:
(1) Why is this policy or policy change a good (or bad) idea. Who will be pleased with this policy or policy change, and why? Who will be unhappy with this policy change, and why.
The quality of your white paper will be judged on the following criteria:
Clear and concise statement of the policy or policy change that you support or oppose.
The fairness of your reasoning
The persuasiveness of your conclusion
Quality of your facts and evidence
Each of the four qualities above will be weighted equally in grading your white paper.
Clarity:
A white paper is seeks the implementation of a new policy, a change in an existing policy or opposes such an implementation or change. You will need to be clear and specific about exactly what policy or change you favor or oppose. However, most policy issues are complex and easily jumbled with a lot of other issues that, while important, are not the main focus of your intended policy change. Clear papers keep the reader focused on the change that is proposed or opposed, without digressing or distracting with issues that are not the main focus.
Fairness:
Most policies and policy changes are not perfect. Of course you need to clearly give the reasons for your viewpoint.
What is more difficult, is explaining the logic of the people who oppose your viewpoint. Even the best policies have arguments against them as well as arguments for them. In most cases you will be arguing that on balance policies you advocate for are good ideas and those you oppose are bad ideas. Beyond that elected officials represent ALL of their constituents, not just the ones who agree with you. Fairness means that you show why someone might oppose a policy you favor or favor a policy you oppose, and why this position seems reasonable them. It is critical to policy makers to know all sides of the issue.
Persuasiveness:
On most issues there are three kinds of people:
(1) the kind that are totally in favor of your viewpoint,
(2) the kind that are totally opposed to your viewpoint and
(3) the kind that could be persuaded either way. Your whitepaper targets this last group. The main question in persuasiveness is whether an open minded reader, after reading your paper, is likely to be persuaded to adopt your viewpoint.
To persuade the reader your logic needs to be clear, and lead to your viewpoint as a clear conclusion. It also has to be timely. There is an old saying that “no one invests in a sinking ship.” It does not matter how clear your logic, nor how compelling your argument if you cannot show that there is sufficient support for your viewpoint to carry.
Quality:
No matter how good your reasoning your argument will fall apart if your evidence is questionable. Use facts and figures, and get them from the best possible, and most recent sources. Accurately cite your sources. Avoid polemic sources. Do not use websites as sources.
White papers are generally concise. Papers longer than 15 pages will not be accepted.
You will be asked to submit a hard copy and an electronic copy (email is acceptable for the electronic copy) by the beginning of class on the due date.
See the suggested outline for the Policy White Paper at the end of this syllabus. There are other formats that will work for the white paper, but the suggested outline should help you achieve the four graded criteria of clarity, fairness, persuasiveness and quality.
Policies or policy changes that you oppose or support may be taken from any of the following areas:
Long-term care
Health insurance,
Obesity,
Hunger
HIV/AIDS
Immigration
Substance abuse (tobacco, alcohol, licit or illicit drugs)
Health issues affecting a specific population (children, homeless, elderly, GLBT, etc.)
Other policy area (must be approved by instructor)
