Five Good Ideas about policy
The purpose of policy work is to improve the quality of life for all citizens. As part of that overall goal, it seeks to reduce poverty and inequality, and to promote the inclusion of individuals who typically are underrepresented in the social, cultural, political and economic life of a community – and of a nation. Policy work generally seeks to shift the way in which resources and opportunities are distributed in a society. This change could involve, for example, the provision of higher benefits or the reduction of income taxes. Policy work may also enable access to opportunities, notably advanced education or paid employment. It may build capabilities, such as literacy or skills development, to promote self-sufficiency in the long term. All policy work shares a common goal: to effect change deemed to be in the public interest. But policy efforts can also affect the people who do this work. Each attempt at reform comes with lessons that can be applied not only to future policy initiatives but also as helpful direction for the non-profit world.
Five Good Ideas
- Trust your knowledge
- Dream big
- Go the extra mile
- Hold that thought
- Find your Karasima
Five Good Resources
- Battle, K. and S. Torjman. (2000). A Proposed Model Framework for Early Childhood Development Services within the National Children’s Agenda. Ottawa: Caledon Institute of Social Policy, September.
- Pearson, K. (2006). Accelerating our Impact: Philanthropy, Innovation and Social Change. Montreal: The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation, November.
- Pitcher, P. (1999). Artists, Craftsmen and Technocrats: The Dreams, Realties and Illusions of Leadership. Montreal: McGill School of Management.
- Technical Advisory Committee on Tax Measures for Persons with Disabilities. (2005). Disability Tax Fairness. Ottawa: Department of Finance.
- Torjman, S. (2003). New Ingredients for the Fiscal Pie. Ottawa: Caledon Institute of Social Policy, December.