The PolicyOption.org Issue Brief template provides a concise, informative analysis of a public policy topic on a local, state, regional, national, or global level. Our hope is that using a common template will facilitate communication and collaboration in researching and acting on this issues.

The goal of the issue brief is to help an individual, organization, or community make informed decisions. The issue brief answer eight questions:

1. goal statement
2. scope of the problem
3. past policy
4. current policy
5. policy options or model programs
6. key individuals/organizations
7. glossary of terms
8. bibliography

The central feature of the PolicyOption Issue Brief is the section on policy options (or model programs), which bring together the “best thinking” on each issue. This is accomplished by identifying and analyzing relevant solutions worldwide. These policy options or model programs are presented in a simple framework called a decision or planning tree. The planning tree format enables the reader to consider the range of different options for meeting any particular goal. They can then decide if they want to replicate a program that has worked elsewhere, or if they want to create their own program by combining elements of different solutions.

There are four steps in the development of an issue brief. These are, in order: Outline; Development; Planning Tree; and Verification. The time it takes a researcher or research team to complete all four will vary.

See the PolicyOptionsWiki.org website for the Guidelines for Writers & Editors.