“Is the Action-Forcing Event section concise and to the point? Does the action-f
“Is the Action-Forcing Event section concise and to the point? Does the action-forcing event section convey the
timeliness of the issue?”
“The action forcing event is the “hook”.
• It tells the reader why the issue presented is timely relevant, and worthy of consideration now.
• This section of the paper should be no more than 1 to 2 paragraph.
• The action forcing event is not a “background” section. And you do not make recommendations, or preview your policy proposal in this section.
• Good action forcing events capture the reader’s attention. They give the decision-maker a sense of urgency.”
Writing an action-forcing event requires that you have some idea as to what policy problem you want to address. So be prepare to discuss which issue you are planning on focusing your paper.
• Also, you will need to know to whom you are writing this memorandum to. You must chose a person or an office held by
someone.
• The action-forcing event should be no older than 6 months since these papers are written in real time.
• Action forcing events must be real and cited. They cannot be made up.
The following is an action-forcing event:
• “The past week the Justice Department released data showing that
homicides in states with high unemployment rates has risen since the
financial crisis. The Department’s study indicates there is a strong correlation
between these two factors.”
• The following is NOT an action-forcing event:
• “Homicide rates have been rising all across America since the onset of the
Great Recession. This growing problem is particularly troublesome in states
with very high unemployment rates and low economic activity. It is vital that
you act to reverse this dangerous threat to the safety of the American
people. After all, the security of its citizens must be the number one priority
for its government.”
• BTW, the above statements were both made up. But you must use real
facts, data, etc.
