Political Action Strategy
All civil organizations employ carefully calibrated strategies to reach their public policy goals. These may include appeals
to emotion, identification with religious or political ideologies, contributions to political campaigns, publications,
training, public information, and lobbying. Strategies vary according to factors such as the issue, its urgency, and
available resources.
To prepare for this assignment, identify groups or associations that share a common interest in the issue you selected in
Module 2. Use the Data Collection Worksheet to gather and organize information about these organizations. You will be
selecting one for in-depth analysis in Part II.
The Module 3 Assignment consists of two parts:
Part I: Graphic Diagram
Use MS Word or PowerPoint to create a new (second) graphic diagram based on the issue identified in Module 2. This diagram
should illustrate the relative influence of special interest groups and membership associations on that issue. Illustrate the
following:
The name and level (local, state, national, international) of the group or association
Influence over the selected issue (relative to that of other groups and associations)
Overlap with other groups and associations
Part II: Paper
Prepare a written analysis of one of the groups or associations portrayed in your graphic diagram.
Use both primary and secondary sources to conduct your research. The paper should include the following information:
Rationale (i.e., why is the organization interested in the issue? What does it hope to gain from its involvement?)
Ideological foundations (i.e., what values and belief systems underlie its involvement?)
Political action strategies (i.e., what tactics does it use to exert influence?)
Impact (i.e., what does the organization consider to be its most successful outcome? What do others say?)
Assignment length: Graphic diagram plus 3-page paper
Submit both parts of the assignment for grading by the end of Module 3