Respond to at least two of your colleagues. Describe at least one action a policy practitioner can take to move a social issue from obscurity to attention and consideration from those in positions of power.
1-SAD-
Social issues can be overlooked by decision-makers when they lack visibility, face competition with more urgent matters, or do not align with political priorities. As Jansson (2018) explains, these issues may require significant resources or challenge the status quo, making them less likely to gain attention. Limited media coverage also hinders their progress.
On the other hand, issues that align with political interests or receive strong public and media support are more likely to get noticed. According to Walker and Netherland (2018), well-framed issues with backing from key advocates have a greater chance of advancing.
To successfully advocate for change, it is essential to frame the issue in a way that resonates with public values and political priorities (Jansson, 2018). Building coalitions, engaging with media, and using evidence-based research can strengthen the advocacy effort, as seen in Walker and Netherland’s (2018) work. Timing and persistence are also critical, especially when broader societal concerns create opportunities for policy change (Kabiri et al., 2021).
2-KEN-
- Many social issues do not receive the necessary attention from decision makers. Why might these issues be cast aside?
Many decision makers can be part of a larger party in charge deciding which social issues deserve attention and which social issues do not, however, decision makers can or may be bias regardless of the relevant strengths listed within a presentation for the social issue (Walker & Netherland, 2018). If decision makers consider addressing a social issue can be too costly it possibly be deemed unnecessary to gain attention as well as support (Kabiri, Khodayari-zarnaq, Khoshbaten, Arab-Zozani, & Janati, 2021) and decisions makers will defer certain social issues when they feel it would embroil the agency in conflict (Jansson, 2018).
- Some issues receive significant attention from decision makers. Why might these issues easily find their way onto decision makers’ agendas?
Decision makers may recognize what they see as structural factors can impact them to provide significant attention and support for specific a social issue (Walker & Netherland, 2018). A social issue that furthers the interest of decision makers or seems possible to facilitate a steady flow of clients to their places of interest and locations (Jansson, 2018).
- As a policy advocate, propose some ways to gain the attention of decision makers based on your assigned readings for this week.
Presenting historical and update information that demonstrates development in an agency during a specific length of time, such as five years, will allow decision makers a chance to acknowledge successes or needed adjustments for a social issue (Jansson, 2018). Presenting the viewpoints reflected in recent polls and elections as well as supportive viewpoints from a highly esteemed legislator or legislators in the district of the decision makers can possibly sway their attention to line up with the presenters concerns with a social issue (Jansson, 2018).
