Changing Policies: An Overview Overview of Tactics for Changing Policies

What do we mean by policies? Official government policies Unofficial government policy Policies made by government bureaucracies and public services Policies of foundations and other private funders Policies of businesses Policies of the media Policies adopted by the community as a whole

Why try to change policies? It can start a community conversation about the issues in question It is easier in the long run than fighting the same battles over and over again It can change people's minds and attitudes It has effects on the next generation It is the path to permanent social change 3

Who should try to change policies? Coalitions Organizations that work with the issue Community initiatives Professional groups with interest in the issue Concerned individuals 4

When should you try to change policies? Election years When the issue first arises When a crisis is reached When public opinion has reached critical mass When there is a specific debate about the issue When new information changes perceptions about the issue When the issue is brought to public attention 5

How do you change policies? Planning Preparation Personal contact, with those who influence or change policy Positivism Participation Publicity Pulse of the community, understand what citizens will support 6