Using writeshops to produce policy briefs

1. Using writeshops to produce policy briefs Paul MundyIndependent specialist in development communication paul@mamud.com www.mamud.com, www.writeshops.org

7. Structure of a policy brief Content Plus… And… Title Summary Recommendations Introduction The body (main text) Policy implications Conclusions Boxes and sidebars Cases Tables Graphics Photographs The masthead (series title) Authors Acknowledge-ments Publication details References

8. Elements of an NCCR brief • Title • Max 80 chars • Policy message • Max 640 chars • Lead • Max 700 chars • Main text • Max 7000 chars • At least 6 subtitles • Final section = Policy implications • Cases • Max 1630 chars • 3 different countries • Boxes • Ca 440 chars • Table or graphic • Max 1 • Photos • Max 3 • With captions • Further reading • 2-3 key refs only • Authors • Name, position, institution, email • This issue • Academic adviser, policy adviser, editors, design

9. Why policy briefs? • Demand: Government wants information on which to base policy • Supply: Organizations and projects have experience and knowledge • Want to influence policy • Policymakers require specific types of information • Short, easily to digest • Non-technical language • Focus on policy implications

10. Problems with producing policy briefs • Do not know policymakers’ needs • Do not know what a policy brief is • Do not how to write in appropriate style • Hard to get started • Difficult to identify evidence and recommendations • Difficult to condense ideas and info to 2 pages

11. SNV guidelines for case writing

12. How to produce policy briefs through writeshops • Writeshops to produce policy briefs • Mini-writeshop as part of larger event

13. Writeshops to produce policy briefs • Within an organization • Multiple organizations • Training writeshops • ODI: India, S Africa, Vietnam • NCCR North-South: Switzerland • SNV: Zimbabwe

14. Identify authors (eg within your organization) Training presentations Authors complete draft Group discussions and exercises Submit to editor Invite authors to identify topic Editor works with author to finalize draft Provide authors with a structure and guidelines Individual work writing & editing Submit for approval One-on-one writing clinics Get authors to prepare draft Publish Presentations by the authors Training writeshops to produce policy briefs Before Writeshop After

15. Mini-writeshop as part of larger event Writeshop to produce book Conference or workshop Policy brief Policy brief UN-HABITAT/IIRR Participatory enumerations FAO/INMASP/IIRRFarmer field schools

16. Producing policy briefs as a result of a writeshop or conference • Form small group during later part of event • Define structure of policy brief • Identify elements • Allocate each element to small group or individual • Write drafts • Present drafts • Edit • Layout

17. Training materials on policy briefs • www.mamud.com/mamud/techniques.htm • www.foodsec.org > training