The scenario/assignment:

You need to prepare written background information for a presentation you, your board chair, or CEO will make to a group (i.e., mayor and aldermen, trustees, directors, etc.) on an issue that is pertinent to your department or organization (i.e., budget cuts, domestic violence, immigration, potable water, transportation, etc.).

a. Background/research: Using online sources including online searches, and social media outlets websites, association or interest groups websites, and library guides and resources, familiarize yourself with the latest developments (within the past few months or a reasonable timeframe given the organization and the issue) on this issue and the implications to your selected organization.

b. List the most helpful links to the most important and relevant stories (both national and local) you found. It may help to categorize by news, opinion, stakeholder involvement, or some other organizational scheme.

c. Analysis: Craft a short (5 to 10 sentence) analysis of the overall situation on your issue (i.e., budget cuts, housing access, domestic violence, climate change, gun control, immigration, potable water, transportation, etc.) making sure you are not just summarizing the findings of your research but also explaining how these insights might inform your organization's work on the issue, including needs, opportunities, or potential obstacles.

d. The elevator speech from everything above, craft your elevator speech (a 5- to 10-sentence speech)...what are the three most important concepts you would want to share with someone so that they understand the issue and why it is important and have some item or activity to act on. (e.g., Despite the improvement in the economy, X number of Manchesters school age children live in poverty and Y percent are eligible for free or subsidized meals programs during the year. It is hard to learn when youre hungry. In the long-term, these conditions will impact their ability to learn and prepare for their future. It also will impact our ability as a city and a state to respond to the economic opportunities that will benefit us all. I hope you will find the time to call your representative to support HB492 which expands funding for school lunch programs in the city.)

e. Submit your analysis and case statement by the end of Module 4 and include the information outlined above in the following order:

1. The issue and the problem: what is it, who cares? (1-3 sentences explanation of the issue)

2. Analysis (see c above)

3. List 3 key talking points (short statements/phrases) to support the position.

4. Summarize your research (see a above) at the end of your statement.

5. List of helpful links: (see b above),