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How (and why) write a policy article? 12 December 2011 Dr Jenni Viitanen Research Fellow

How (and why) write a policy article? 12 December 2011 Dr Jenni Viitanen Research Fellow. Outline. About think tanks and IPPR Think tanks as a career Constructing a policy article Practical exercise Things to remember Conclusion/ Q&A. (no time to) think, thanks.

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How (and why) write a policy article? 12 December 2011 Dr Jenni Viitanen Research Fellow

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  1. How (and why) write a policy article? 12 December 2011Dr Jenni ViitanenResearch Fellow

  2. Outline About think tanks and IPPR Think tanks as a career Constructing a policy article Practical exercise Things to remember Conclusion/ Q&A

  3. (no time to) think, thanks

  4. What is a think tank?Not-for-profit independent research institute influenced by values, aims to communicate research into practical policy: advocacy role. Sits somewhere between a university, consultancy, (government) policy advisor and pressure group.We’re also a ‘do-tank’: practical projects, volunteering etc.

  5. About IPPR IPPR is the UK’s largest independent think tank – established in 1988 ‘Progressive’, ‘pluralist’ and ‘centre-left’ The only Westminister-based thinktank with offices in Newcastle and Manchester We also draw on the expertise of Associate Fellows and a Policy Advisory Council Conduct research based on our values: social justice, democracy, environmental sustainability Dissemination, impact/influence, policy relevance and advocacy

  6. Areas of work Power and Politics New Era Economics Family, Community & Work Migration, Trade and Development Public Service Reform Energy, Transport & the Environment IPPR North: Localism Lab, Future of the Northern Economy, Creative and Capable Communities

  7. Future career path • Intern, Researcher, Research Fellow, Senior Research Fellow and Associate Director. Also support and specialist staff: media, external affairs, web/publications, admin & finance • Moving on, from a thinktank, a political career could be launched (SpAd, MP), obvious non-political trajectories include academia, consultancy, civil service or media

  8. Why should you bother?

  9. It’s a competitive process • Access to audience • Space to argue • Lower bar to entry • Build a profile/ CV • Influence/ ‘impact’ • Ask yourself: do you care about public policy? What is your motivation?

  10. How to succeed?

  11. Where to start • A topical peg • Strong argument • Supporting evidence • A plug for your research/ previous work? • The right length – keep to word limit

  12. Pitching – who, why, what? Think about the audience and how to structure your argument, eg: • Cuts are hitting northern councils hardest. • Northern councils have greatest need for £ because they deal with worse problems. • New analysis by IPPR shows how local tax raising powers could boost localism & counter the cuts. • You’re targeting METIS, the journal of IPPR@universities– have a look at previous volumes

  13. Structuring your paper • Peg • Argument • Evidence • Argument • Plug • Conclude by returning to peg / or ‘moral of the story’ • Recommendations? • For METIS, use sub-headings to structure the paper

  14. Pegs that are timeless rather than topical • Shocking fact • Powerful quote • Personal experience • Your research

  15. It’s not one size (or style) fits all

  16. Different types of writing strategies • Rebuttal • Analysis behind the headlines • Counter-intuitive • Spreading the word • Look forward / preview / curtain-raiser • Look back / wrap up • Theoretical argument – only if policy implications are evident

  17. It takes time… …so make time. Start now!

  18. Let’s get stuck in

  19. Practical (35 mins) • In groups of X, write a pitch which outlines your proposed article, the ‘peg’ , the ‘plug’ the main argument/s and conclusion (15-20 mins) • Feedback (15 mins)

  20. Ps.

  21. Useful facts • Submission deadline: 17 January 2012 • Word limit: 1500 • Style: not an academic essay, but use Harvard • Purpose: profile and feedback • Top tip 1: the clarity of your argument is key • Top tip 2: present professionally

  22. The end. Any questions? Please ask Further information from ippr.manchester@gmail.com Thanks and happy writing!

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