Assignment task:
There is a factory on the river in the town where your college is located. For several years, people living along the river have been experiencing higher than average rates of Parkinson's disease, damage to the immune system and kidneys, and birth defects. You grew up nearby and spent your childhood fishing and swimming in the river. A local environmental group recently tested the river water and soil around the factory and found increased levels of Trichloroethylene, or TCE, which is a known carcinogen. TCE is not currently on the EPA's list of banned substances. A local media outlet reports that the factory uses TCE as an ingredient in the paint removers and adhesive that they produce. You are shocked by this news and decide to form a student group, Students for a Swift Cleanup. The goal of the student group is to develop a campaign to educate the surrounding community and bring this issue to the attention of federal policymakers who can add TCE to the list of banned substances. Develop an agenda-setting plan for students at your university. Craft a memo to Students for a Swift Cleanup outlining what the group will do to convince local lawmakers to include this issue on the policy agenda (at the local or state level). Make three arguments:
Q1.) What is the most compelling argument against the factory? (Pick an argument that resonates with the public.)
Q2.) Your argument will be stronger if you get the appropriate groups and people on your side. Who should the student group partner with? Give examples of community groups, student groups, and local, state, and federal politicians who can help your cause. Explain the roles of each group or politician. What can they do to help get the message out?
Q3.) How will you engage the media? Should the student group raise money for a TV advertisement? Newspaper? The internet? Social networking sites? Give specific examples of what types of media you would use and the message you would convey.