Writing for Policy Reform: Crafting Narratives That Inform, Persuade, and Inspire Action

This writing-intensive, practice-based course helps students transform rigorous analysis into writing that informs, persuades, and inspires action. Students will learn how to craft compelling policy memos and reform narratives by applying proven frameworks, tailoring messages to key decisionmakers, and refining their voice. Weekly sessions combine interactive lectures, case studies, peer workshops, and individual feedback to facilitate clarity, structure, and persuasive impact. Along the way, students will explore audience analysis, behavioral insights, moral framing, and the responsible use of AI as an editing tool. The final portfolio includes a policy memo, a reform narrative, and a briefing-ready presentation. This course was previously named Persuasive Communication for Public Policy Professionals.