Individuals and Lobbyists and public policy By Mrs. Zangara, age 28

What goes into calling a snow day? http://viewpure.com/aSYN5g_LJ-A?start=0&end=0

What if there was a LOT of snow on the ground and Dr What if there was a LOT of snow on the ground and Dr. Williams didn’t call a snow day. What could you do to change public policy? YES SCHOOL EVERYDAY

This actually happened This actually happened!!! How did individuals change public policy in this instance? http://viewpure.com/iH0vWoRwn20?start=0&end=0

1. What are the 3 media influences on public policy? 1. Bringing attention to selected issues 2. Showing both viewpoints 3. Holding government officials accountable

How do individuals and interest groups influence public policy? Public Policy is the actions and plans of government which includes laws, amendments, executive acts and court decisions Individuals are one person or a small group

Interest groups are an official group of people with a specific interest Lobbyists are individuals who contact lawmakers or government officials directly to influence

Individuals are 1 person or a small group They influence public policy by 1. Joining interest groups 2. Expressing opinions (lobbying, demonstrating, writing letters 3. Participating in politics (voting, campaigning) HOW TO REMEMBER THIS! JEP Join Expresses Participate

Interest groups are official organization with a specific interest They influence public policy by : 1. Lobbying government officials 2. Identifying issues websites, commercials, songs and speeches 3. Making political contributions (donating money)

A student, Beckie, is having trouble with her class schedule. In order for Beckie to arrive at work on time, she needs to be on a schedule that allows her to take earlier classes. She has met with her counselor to see if she could get this changed and has also met with her employer. Neither party would budge. Beckie went to her parents to see if they had any ideas about how to help her solve her problem. They discussed how her employer cannot change the work situation for Beckie, as it would disrupt the rest of the company. School looked to be the best chance at solving her dilemma. Her mother offered to go into the school and talk to the counselor on Beckie’s behalf. After the meeting, Beckie and her mother left with a feeling of success, because Beckie was now going to have the schedule she needed.

What about net neutrality? http://viewpure.com/ltzy5vRmN8Q?start=0&end=0

Why did major companies do to address the issue? http://viewpure.com/4te6Odyq75A?start=0&end=0

But what can individuals do?