Choice 2: Policy Memo
The intention of writing a policy memo is to convince readers of your policy recommendations. So unlike the
annotated timeline in which you are recounting a mostly objective history, here the goal is to persuade. You can
do this by finding evidence to support your argument and build your case. You can find more information on
policy memos here (Links to an external site.) and here (Links to an external site.), and even more detail here
(Links to an external site.).
For this assignment, you should choose one social problem (e.g. economic insecurity, child poverty, deep
poverty, food insecurity). Then, use the policy memo to describe the problem, why current interventions are not
solving the problem, and why your solution is better. The memo should include four sections:
First, discuss the problem – What are the causes? Consequences? Prevalence? Why is in important?
Then outline current interventions. Here you want to talk about the specific social welfare program or programs
that are intended to address the problem. An example would be food insecurity being addressed by SNAP or
food stamps, WIC, and the school lunch program. Debate whether or not these programs are working, in what
capacity, and how they can be improved.
Once you have laid out the scope of the problem, existing interventions, and criticisms of interventions, outline
your own policy recommendations. How would your recommendations be different and why would they be
better? What would you expect to see if your recommendations were to be implemented?
Sample Solution