INSTRUCTIONS
You will write at least a four page position paper based on what you have worked on so far in class. This position paper should fully address an issue relevant to the organization you are writing on behalf. You are welcome to include visuals, branding, or charts to help make your point throughout the paper. You should use footnotes on each page to include your sources.
Keep in mind that a position paper is long-form content that argues your organization’s position and is supported by facts. Feel free to reference your presentation on advocacy writing (where it explores the aspects of a position paper in detail) or email me for details.)
Specifics
Using guidelines in the textbook chapter, design your paper to be appealing and easy to read, with subheadings
Feel free to use bullets, headings, graphs, charts, or other items to make your report more effective in conveying information.
The position paper should establish you as an expert and/or credible source regarding the topic
The position can be related to an issue directly facing your organization, the industry as a whole, or a problem or legislation that could impact your organization or the publics you serve
You must use at least 15 sources. You should cite your sources as footnotes. If you use the source more than once on different pages, include it as a footnote on each page you use it. You can also have a list of the sources at the end for easy reference on a separate page, but this page will not count towards the white paper page count.
The components of your position paper
Position paper required components:
Introduction
Identify the issue
State the position
Body
Background information (history)
How the issue stands today/how it might move forward
Supporting evidence or facts
Discuss both sides
Conclusion
Suggested courses of action
Possible solutions
Position Paper Grading rubric
145 points total
Content (85)
10 The issue is stated clearly
10 The position is stated clearly
20 Background puts the position in context, explores historical and current standings of the issue
25 Supporting evidence or facts are provided for position the organization is taking; these facts work together to persuade and inform
10 Both “sides” of the issue are considered and explained; issue is explained to accurately reflect reality
10 Recommendations are made for moving forward
Style (35)
10 GSPS – error free of grammar, spelling, punctuation and AP style issues (including internal and external citations)
20 – Footnotes at the bottom of each page include references; at least 12 outside sources are used
5 – Length is appropriate
Goal of Paper (25)
25- Paper is clearly organized, easy to read and follow as well as well-written and strategic
Below is an outline and a very rough draft I did.
