How can you develop a policy agenda that reflects community needs?

1 Identify your community's problems and assets

The first step is to understand the challenges and opportunities that your community faces. You can do this by conducting research, surveys, interviews, focus groups, or other methods of collecting data and feedback from your community members. You can also use existing sources of information, such as reports, statistics, media, or academic studies, to support your findings. The goal is to identify the most pressing problems that affect your community's well-being, as well as the strengths and resources that your community can leverage to address them.

2 Prioritize your issues and goals

The next step is to narrow down your list of problems and assets to the ones that are most important and urgent for your community. You can do this by applying criteria, such as the severity, scope, impact, and solvability of each issue, as well as the interest, capacity, and power of your community to tackle it. You can also consult with your community members, allies, and partners to get their input and support. The goal is to prioritize the issues and goals that are most aligned with your community's values, needs, and aspirations.

3 Analyze the policy environment and options

The third step is to examine the current policy environment and the possible solutions for your issues and goals. You can do this by researching the laws, regulations, policies, programs, and actors that affect your community's situation, as well as the gaps, barriers, and opportunities for change. You can also explore the best practices, models, and alternatives that have been implemented or proposed by other communities, organizations, or experts. The goal is to analyze the policy context and options that are most feasible, effective, and beneficial for your community.

4 Formulate your policy recommendations and strategies

The fourth step is to develop your policy recommendations and strategies based on your analysis. You can do this by defining the specific changes that you want to see in the policy environment, such as new or revised laws, regulations, policies, programs, or actions. You can also outline the steps, tactics, and tools that you will use to achieve your policy changes, such as lobbying, campaigning, mobilizing, educating, or collaborating. The goal is to formulate your policy recommendations and strategies that are clear, coherent, and compelling for your audience.

5 Communicate and disseminate your policy agenda

The fifth step is to communicate and disseminate your policy agenda to the relevant stakeholders and the public. You can do this by creating and distributing materials, such as reports, briefs, flyers, posters, or videos, that summarize and highlight your policy agenda. You can also use various channels, such as media, social media, events, meetings, or presentations, to share and promote your policy agenda. The goal is to communicate and disseminate your policy agenda that is accessible, engaging, and persuasive for your target groups.

6 Monitor and evaluate your policy agenda

The sixth step is to monitor and evaluate your policy agenda and its outcomes. You can do this by collecting and analyzing data, feedback, and evidence on the progress and impact of your policy agenda. You can also use indicators, benchmarks, and criteria to measure and compare your results against your goals and expectations. The goal is to monitor and evaluate your policy agenda and its outcomes that are accurate, reliable, and useful for your learning and improvement.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?