There’s nothing new under the sun.
Your policy proposal? Your idea? Someone has thought of it. Someone has attempted it. Maybe what’s been done isn’t exactly your idea, but it’s probably close enough that there is a foundation to be built on, a lesson to be learned or a path that can be followed. That’s a good thing! Starting from zero rarely makes you a hero.
For this activity, use the Curated Library (or the Internet more broadly) to find two examples of policy ideas that are similar to what you’re trying to accomplish. One policy idea should be a success; the other should be a failure. Investigate the processes behind each policy idea to understand why one succeeded and one failed. After all, there are lessons to be learned from both examples.
Part One
Analyze your two examples to create a case study of what works and what doesn’t work when proposing a policy. Use the following questions as a guide:
- What’s the history behind the proposal? Why was it put forth?
- Who was consulted during the policy proposal/making process? Who were the policy’s stakeholders?
- Were advocates involved in proposing the policy? Did they help or hurt the cause?
- Create a chart listing the pros and cons of the policy that were debated when it was proposed.
- Was the debate surrounding the policy focused on positive or negative messaging?
- What role did the media/social media play in shaping the policy debate?
- What role did government and opposition political parties play in shaping the policy debate?
- Why do you think this policy ultimately succeeded or failed?
- Is there a template that can be used, or one that should be avoided?
- What would you have done differently, if anything, to help the failed policy succeed?
- Could the successful policy have been more successful in hindsight?
- What are the five main takeaway lessons from each policy?
Get together with someone who is analyzing two different policies. Compare notes and jot down their lessons learned. Reference these notes as you work to develop your policy.
Resources:
Policies, regulations and laws by department or agency (federal)
Provincial policies across Canada
Municipal policies across Canada
Here’s what died on the order paper
Here are the bills that passed, or died, when Parliament rose for the summer
Part Two
Select two podcasts from the Podcast Pool.
- Who do you think communicated their ideas and perspectives more effectively? Why?
- Did the podcast you enjoyed better convey a positive or negative message? Were they thoughtful? Why?
Part Three
As you now know, the policy-making process is long. And though you clearly understand what success looks like – a bill passing into law – it’s hard to measure success when you’re in the weeds. Use this guide to help you find different ways of measuring success before your reach goal.