Unit2Disc1

Who Makes Public Policy?

In Chapter 1 of the Simon Public Policy text, we see that in a governing entity (whether a government, for-profit, or non-profit organization), values are fundamental to the understanding public policy. Since Simon mainly focuses on the U.S. federal or state government as the principal actor in the making of public policy, we should note that the governing bodies of for-profit and non-profit organizations are influenced by the same ideas and practices. In other words, governance by any organization may serve to implement public policy. But, in these different governing bodies, who are the actors actually making public policy? Can we say it is people in a community, officials in program agencies, or governing officials? Can we envision a role for human services professionals? 

Drawing on Internet sources, identify one example of social change initiative promoting progress and one example of degeneration that can occur. Note in your discussion who the principal actors are in developing public policy in response to either progressive social change or degenerative social change.

Learning Components

This activity will help you achieve the following learning components:

• Describe the process of identifying principle actors related to policy development within a specific community.

Unit2Disc2

Social Change Experience

What is your experience with social change?

Drawing on your readings on progress and degeneration, and considering D. B. Bury’s and Benedict Morel’s perspectives, describe your personal experience in defining social needs for change either progressively or in degeneration (social worsening) as a professional in your community.

Include the following in your discussion:

• Identify the problem.
• Explain how the problem was first identified.
• Describe the population or individuals affected.
• Identify what or who was responsible for responding to the need for change.
• Explain whether the community, business, non-profit, or government agency was expected to implement social change policy.

Use a minimum of two references (and their associated citations in your discussion narrative), applying APA style.

Learning Components

This activity will help you achieve the following learning components:

• Differentiate between progressive and regressive social change.
• Explore the various roles that business, non-profit, and/or government actors play in the implementation of public policy.
• Identify a variety of resources used to identify a community problem.