The Public Policy Project

Public Policy Training Seminars

The basic Public Policy Project training is an 8-week classroom sequence followed by another 8 weeks of applied practice.

The Public Policy Project’s basic training model does not focus on specific issues. This is a conscious choice.

We examine the policy process itself where the linkages between issues or policies and the outcomes (such as the relationship of the concentration of poverty and school performance) can be highlighted. We believe that the applied practice segment is critical to reinforce the classroom learning and require it as a part of any training we do.

We began offering this training in 2002 and can also custom build training around the needs of an organization or community such as housing or education policy. We have done a variety of trainings, from four half day sessions for Somali girls on American government from the federal to the local levels to six month long leadership and policy initiatives focused on poverty and economic development.

We also have done train the trainer programs to enable participants who have come through our process to be able to carry it forward.

Session descriptions for the 8-week training

Session one: Behind the Policy Curtain

This session introduces participants to an overview of what public policy is and how policies are made.

Session two: Public Policy Effects

In this session we examine how communities have been historically impacted by various legislative, cultural and informal policies from micro (neighborhood, regional) and macro (system wide) perspectives.

Session three: Policy Case Study

This session focuses on a specific policy (usually selected by the sponsoring organization or participants) from historical and systemic perspectives.

Session four: Organizing principles

We present both theories under-pinning organizing and examples of successful campaigns. Specific organizing techniques - 1 on 1interviews as an example - are also covered.

Session five: Organizing techniques

This session continues the study of organizing focusing on the positives and negatives of coalition building, grassroots, faith based and other forms of organizing.

Legislative Field Trip

We offer participants a field trip to observe a policy-making body such as a City Council, Zoning & Planning Commission, School Board or State Legislature at work

Session Six: Advocacy Roles

This session explores the continuum from uninterested bystander to informed citizen to the professional roles of lobbyist and elected official and the role of each in policy making.

Session seven: Public Policy Makers

Decision-makers from various levels of government or other decision-making bodies — the state, county and city - participate a frank discussion on their approach to policy making.

Session eight: Applied Practice Planning

In this session participants identify what they want to work on as a group. The Public Policy Project provides technical assistance and oversight for the 8-week applied practice process.

Follow Up Session

We conduct a detailed evaluation the success of both the classroom and applied practice segments of the training. We also hold a graduation ceremony in which participants receive a certificate of participation and when supported by funding, a stipend.