For this assignment, you will get to experience advocacy in action by participating in a local city council meeting (or other relevant governmental/legislative meeting with elected officials, e.g. city subcommittee meeting, school board meeting). Note that the frequency of city council meetings may vary depending on where you live. Get one on your calendar as soon as the semester starts to ensure you have time to attend a meeting and submit the assignment on time! You may also be able to attend a meeting virtually.
Write a 3-4 page report on the proceedings including:
First, give some context, such as which city council meeting you attended, on what date, how large the turnout was, and how the council is structured.
Describe the meeting agenda and discussions in detail. What are the residents’ concerns on this particular day that you attended? What issues were discussed and what viewpoints were expressed?
How does the local water market function?How does the local water market function?
Either:
Share your own viewpoints on a social issue at the meeting. What strategies did you employ to persuade the elected officials and leaders?
OR
In your paper, identify a social issue you would like to address at a future meeting. What strategies could you employ to persuade the elected officials and leaders?
Conclude with any lessons learned or takeaways from this experience.
Rubric
City Council Rubric
City Council Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Introduction
Give some context, such as which city council meeting you attended, on what date, how large the turnout was, and how the council is structured.
1 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Agenda and Meeting Discussion
Describe the meeting agenda and discussions in detail. What are the residents’ concerns on this particular day that you attended? What issues were discussed and what viewpoints were expressed?
2 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Advocacy Strategies
Discuss the strategies advocates of this issue/or opponents of the issue are using to effectively (or not!) communicate their positions.
3 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Personal Advocacy
Share your own viewpoints on a social issue at the meeting. What strategies did you employ to persuade the elected officials and leaders?
OR
In your paper, identify a social issue you would like to address at a future meeting. What strategies could you employ to persuade the elected officials and leaders?
2 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Lessons learned and key takeaways
3 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Writing
Paper is organized, well-written and grammatically appropriate, reflecting professional writing
2 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome APA
Paper follows APA guidelines, including title page, and section headings
1 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Length
Paper is 3-4 pages NOT including title page (no references needed). Paper should not be less than 3 pages or longer than 4 pages.
1 pts
Total Points: 15
