The Big Idea: A step-by-step guide to creating effective policy reports
By Suri Duitch with Kathleen McGowan and Carl Vogel; 127pages; published by The Center for an Urban Future
Considering that most people are swamped with a barrage of information each
day, it's easy to understand why writing effective reports is important. If
you want to reach your target audience, your information needs to be well
researched and your message must be clear. Otherwise, there is little chance
that it will be read at all. This is the point that the authors make in The
Big Idea. Drawing on their experiences at the Center for an Urban Future,
they offer advice and know-how that will not only help your reports get noticed,
but will hopefully lead to the desired changes as well.
Regardless of an organization's mission, the author's recommend that policy
work be part of a long-term plan. They also reiterate many old but important
lessons about creating reports and communicating effectively. Chapters focus
on such key components as having an up-to-date contact database, creating
a plan, building your team, conducting thorough research, and attracting media
attention. Readers will find that the suggestions offered in this book are also practiced throughout. It is clear and concise, easy to follow, and jargon-free, making it an accessible guide for any organization interested in improving its communications.
Although it is aimed specifically at helping nonprofits write effective policy
reports, many of the tips and resources could easily be applied to other areas
or aspects of an organization's work. Whether you are writing your first policy
report or your fifteenth, or even if you just want to learn more about improving
communications, this book is an informative and quick read that can help you
make the most of your efforts.
Buy the book:
Canada: buy through Amazon.ca: CDN$16.89
International: buy through Amazon.com: US$11.20
