The pitch (7 minutes) will bridge the past and the present by analyzing an issue of modern policy relevance that can be better understood through the theoretical frameworks addressed in this course. It is your opportunity to do some creative role-play and share an area of interest.
For months, you have diligently written to your elected officials, representatives, and government agencies to advocate for X (some policy or law). And your hard work paid off! Sorting through the usual ads and circulars in your mailbox one morning, you find a letter from the New York City Council. The letter commends you on your persistence and invites you to make your case to the Council—how exciting!
Once the initial shock wares off, you start to plan your 10min presentation to the Council, thinking about what information you should include and in what order to convince the Council that X is a good choice for the people of NYC. Feeling ready and fired up, you make your way to City Hall and give the speech of your life!
In order to find a policy or law, please peruse the NYC Council’s agenda here: https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/Legislation.aspx
Once you find your policy or law, you will need to do some background research. You can use Google Scholar or OneSearch to find credible, peer-reviewed information.
Armed with a solid background on the chosen policy or law, and looking back to the material we covered in class, put together 2-3 of the strongest reasons that the Council should adapt your chosen policy or pass your chosen law.
Your presentation should:
• very briefly introduce your chosen policy/law;
• motivate the issue (Why is this issue important?);
• clearly and logically lay out your arguments in favor of the policy/law;
• include supporting evidence and data (if appropriate);
• briefly address the opposition (What are people who are against the policy/law arguing?
How do you address those arguments?); and,
• be clear enough for someone with no prior knowledge of the topic to be able to follow
along.
