Instruction
Solutions Based Action Paper
Length: length 850 words (4 sources)
Part I. Contextualizing and Analyzing the Root Cause:
(the problem is that people cannot live without technology, the person was suppose to walk the streets for 4 days without a phone and socializate with people and collect data like how many people doesn't use the phones, etc.Inform the reader about the context in which the significant societal issue is taking place. Discuss who the people being affected by the problem are. Include demographic information, like gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, etc. Explain how these people are being affected by the problem and what the main causes and effects of the problem are. What is responsible for perpetuating the problem? Investigate what makes the problem so difficult to solve. What are the cultural, ideological, and systemic factors responsible for the perpetuation of the issues? In this section, the main goal is to explain cause and effect, and to explain the complexity of the issue so as to “shine light on the problem.” End by asking asking a “How might we…” question that is not too broad and not to specific. For example: Given that the root cause of the problem is lack of education and the denial of psychological treatment, how might we reduce the amount of homelessness in downtown Miami?
Part II. Comparative Analysis of Possible Solutions:
Now that you have identified and understood the complexities of your chosen problem, find a solution! Explain what has and has not been done before. Use the “Solutions Story Tracker” Website: http://storytracker.solutionsjournalism.org/ and/or the MDC database to find solutions. You may also investigate nonprofit organizations (you have several ways to approach this: you may want to investigate three solution articles; you may want to investigate two articles and one nonprofit organization, or you may want to investigate three nonprofit organizations). The goal here is to explain the purpose or mission statement, the approach, the services provided, and how each solution works. Then you must analyze the effectiveness/ineffectiveness of each. In analyzing, ask yourself “Is this article or organization producing ameliorative or transformative change?” Are they putting a band aid on the problem or is their solution transformative and sustainable?
III. Plan of Action: In this section you will include 1) how your solution will work, 2) anticipate obstacles and plan for them, and 3) justify your solution to your target audience through arguments of principle, consequence and precedent.
*Explain what the best solution to your societal problem is given the place where your solution will be implemented. AND, *Argue from Precedent that action should take place because doing so is similar to what was done in another case (does not have to be the exact problem to be able to borrow strategies from another project). The idea is to show that your solution will work because it has worked before or because solutions currently available are inadequate, but you plan to do something different to solve the issue. Make sure to quote your research at least once in proper MLA or APA style.
* Anticipate your audience’s counterarguments by presenting some of the objections or doubts your audience may have regarding your solution. Then, explain why your solution is practical and possible and why their doubts are not warranted. Include at least one of your sources to add credibility to your claims.
*Argue from Consequence: Argue that your solution should be implemented because doing so will lead to positive results that your audience may think are good, and might avoid negative consequences doing nothing will cause. Use examples, statistics, and quotes to support your claims and convince your audience that your solution is the most reasonable action to take.
Argument from Principle: Argue that the solution should be enacted because it is the right thing to do according to some value, principle, or belief you share with your audience. Make them care. Appeal to their humanity and argue for the importance of social responsibility. Argue why it is important to act and make a difference.
NOTE: you must include a works cited page. You must use 4 new sources. One for part I and three for part II.