Overview

As the world experiences increasing ties through migration, communications, trade, and cultural contacts, global issues frequently become local ones. The COVID-19 pandemic is a good example of a worldwide crisis that has required local and state governmental authorities to make policies in response, from mask requirements to business closures to online schools. Local responses to global issues may be centered on economics, politics, or cultural identity, and local policies may draw both support and opposition from local residents. In this assignment, you will play the role of a citizen responding to the local impacts of a global issue by writing an opinion-editorial (op-ed) piece for the local press.

Scenario

Imagine your local area is experiencing changes resulting from a global influence. As a result, it will be up to a local authority to respond by making a new policy. In an op-ed, identify the issue facing the local area, the policy proposal to address it, and the local governing body you are trying to influence (school board, city council, county board of commissioners, or others as appropriate) through your op-ed.

You may select an issue and a policy proposal on your own or use the Hamilton Project website to select a policy proposal. Go to The Hamilton Project: PapersLinks to an external site. web page and use the second (All Topics) and third (All Paper Types) drop-down menus to filter for a topic and a policy proposal. Select a policy proposal that you will pretend is being proposed in your local area to address a challenge related to a global influence. Write your op-ed either for or against the policy proposal you select.

Instructions

Your op-ed should be 3–4 pages and cover the following:

1. Briefly explain the issue. Include how the issue arose from global influences or interactions and examples of its effects on the local community.
   • Title this section of your paper Understanding Global Influences.
2. Summarize the policy to address these concerns. The policy must be something that can be accomplished by the local authority.
   • Title this section of your paper Local Policy Solutions.
3. Argue in favor of the policy, and address opposing viewpoints, using references from research to support your arguments.
   • Title this section of your paper Advocating for Local Policy.
4. Use four sources to support your writing. Choose sources that are credible, relevant, and appropriate. Cite each source listed on your source page at least one time within your assignment. For help with research, writing, and citation, access the library or review library guides.

Important Note: The page count does not include title and reference pages, which are required.

This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards (SWS). The library is your home for SWS assistance, including citations and formatting. Please refer to the Library site for all support. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.

Resources

The following resources offer tips on how to write an Op-Ed:

• How to Write a Successful Op-Ed in 6 Steps.
• How to Write an Editorial?

The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is:

• Assess local policy responses to global influences.