Take Action: From Protest to Policy from Coursera

In Take Action, you will learn four strategies for transforming your activist work into policy change. First, we'll explore how to use the courts to mobilize constituents, raise awareness, gain information, and change the law. Second, we'll analyze the benefits of communicating your message across platforms and review a case study in cross-platform communication of a criminal justice reform message in the U.S. Third, we'll examine how to connect to power through stakeholder analysis and issue framing. Fourth, we'll appraise the benefits of working locally to generate wins, gain knowledge, and create meaningful change.

By the end of this course, you will be able to formulate a comprehensive plan for real world change. This course will engage you if you care about specific issues such as climate change, racial justice, or mass incarceration, or if you want a broader understanding of how the U.S. courts and justice system operate, how communications professionals think about social media strategy, how change-makers network with policymakers, or how local actors and positive deviants possess answers to complex social problems.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

-Recognize and explain policymaking terms

-Describe important policymaking places, people, and procedures

-Analyze law and policy documents and texts

-Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of policymaking actors and institutions

-Appraise the effectiveness of policy-oriented communications

-Identify policy stakeholders

-Communicate your policy-related ideas clearly

-Develop a plan of action to influence policy

INSTRUCTORS

Mary Alice Haddad, John E. Andrus Professor of Government; Professor, East Asian Studies; Professor, College of the Environment

Sarah Ryan, Attorney, Director of the Law Librarianship Program at the University of North Texas, and Associate Professor of Information Science

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

This section will offer an overview the course and some of the key concepts that we use to talk about policymaking. It will also introduce the Connected Stakeholder Model as a way to understand how advocates can influence policymakers.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

An advocate with a background in policy or change-making, seeking a strategy to transform their work into lasting change

Addresses both local and national levels of policymaking, positioning learners as change-makers in their communities

Taught by instructors who have experience as policymakers, advocates, and law librarians

Relevant to diverse fields, including climate change, racial justice, and criminal justice

Examines the effectiveness of different policymaking strategies, communicating across platforms, stakeholder analysis, and issue framing

Provides a plan for policy engagement, fostering learners' real-world application of skills

Reviews summary

From protest to policy: actionable strategies

Learners say this course provides an excellent framework and actionable strategies for turning protest into policy. Students particularly appreciate the practical tools and the emphasis on developing a comprehensive plan, culminating in a highly valuable final project. The instructors are knowledgeable and engaging, effectively simplifying complex policy concepts. While many find the content incredibly relevant to real-world issues, a few reviewers suggest it might be too broad for those with prior experience, potentially lacking depth in advanced strategies. Some international learners noted the U.S.-centric examples. Overall, it's a largely positive experience for aspiring changemakers.

Examples and case studies are primarily focused on the U.S. context.

"Sometimes the examples felt a little U.S.-centric, which is understandable given the instructors, but worth noting for international learners."

"While the course is beneficial, I wished for more diverse examples outside the U.S. context to broaden the applicability."

Instructors effectively explain complex policy topics with passion and clarity.

"The instructors, especially Professor Haddad, were knowledgeable and engaging."

"The instructors were passionate and clear."

"The instructors did a fantastic job explaining complex topics simply."

"The concepts are clearly explained, and the materials are well-organized."

Provides a solid, relevant framework for understanding and influencing policy.

"The content was incredibly relevant and actionable."

"An incredibly well-designed course for activists and aspiring changemakers."

"It breaks down complex policy concepts into understandable parts."

"This course provided a fantastic framework for understanding how to influence policy."

Equips learners with practical tools to create a comprehensive action plan.

"The final project helped me consolidate everything into a practical plan. Highly recommend for anyone serious about policy advocacy."

"I feel much more confident in developing an action plan now."

"This course gave me the framework I needed to turn my passion into effective action."

"I learned practical tools to contribute to positive change."

May be too broad or introductory for learners with prior experience.

"For someone with some prior knowledge, it was mostly a recap."

"I was looking for advanced strategies, not an introduction."

"I was hoping for more 'how-to' guidance on actual lobbying or grassroots organizing beyond just identifying stakeholders."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Take Action: From Protest to Policy with these activities:

Develop your research skills

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Developing your research skills will help you to find and evaluate information effectively. This is essential for any activist or change-maker.

Browse courses on Research Skills

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Take a course on research methods
Read books and articles about research
Practice conducting research

Read 'Rules for Radicals'

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This book is a classic guide to activism and social change. It provides valuable insights into how to organize and mobilize people to achieve your goals.

View Rules for Radicals: A Practical Primer for... on Amazon

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Read the book
Take notes
Discuss the book with others

Review the history of social movements

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Understanding the history of social movements can help you to learn from the successes and failures of others.

Browse courses on Social Movements

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Read books and articles about social movements
Watch documentaries about social movements
Talk to people who have been involved in social movements

Five other activities

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Join a study group

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Joining a study group can help you to stay motivated, learn from others, and improve your understanding of the material.

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Find a study group that meets your needs
Attend study group meetings regularly
Participate in discussions
Help other students with their work

Learn about the court system

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By researching the U.S. court system, you'll gain a stronger understanding of how the courts work and how you can use them to your advantage.

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Read articles about the different levels of courts in the U.S.
Watch videos about how cases are handled in court
Take an online course on the U.S. court system

Develop a communication strategy

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Creating a communication strategy will help you to effectively communicate your message to your target audience.

Browse courses on Communication Strategy

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Identify your target audience
Determine your key messages
Choose the right communication channels
Create a content calendar
Measure your results

Use social media effectively

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Social media can be a powerful tool for activists. By learning how to use it effectively, you can reach a wider audience and amplify your message.

Browse courses on Social Media Marketing

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Create a social media strategy
Choose the right platforms
Create engaging content
Use social media analytics

Start a local campaign

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Starting a local campaign is a great way to put your skills into practice and make a difference in your community.

Browse courses on Community Engagement

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Identify an issue that you care about
Build a team of supporters
Develop a plan of action
Implement your plan
Evaluate your results

Career center

Learners who complete Take Action: From Protest to Policy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Legislator

Legislators make and pass laws that affect the public. The course will help you build a foundation in policymaking, preparing you to make informed decisions and advocate for change. Additionally, you will learn how to connect to power and spread your policy issues to diverse audiences, making you a more effective advocate.

See salaries and explore the career path for Legislator

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research, analyze, and develop public policies. The course will help you build your knowledge of policymaking terms, people, and procedures, preparing you to develop and advocate for effective policies. Additionally, you will learn how to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of policymaking actors and institutions, making you a more informed advocate.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Activist

Activists advocate for social and political change. The course will help you build a foundation in policymaking, preparing you to develop and advocate for effective campaigns. Additionally, you will learn how to communicate across platforms and connect to power, making you a more effective activist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Activist

Organizer

Organizers mobilize people to take action on social and political issues. The course will help you build a foundation in policymaking, preparing you to develop and advocate for effective campaigns. Additionally, you will learn how to connect to power and work locally, making you a more effective organizer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Organizer

Lobbyist

Lobbyists represent the interests of organizations before government officials. The course will help you build a foundation in policymaking, preparing you to advocate for your clients' interests. Additionally, you will learn how to connect to power and spread your policy issues to diverse audiences, making you a more effective lobbyist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lobbyist

Public Relations Specialist

Public Relations Specialists manage the public image of organizations. The course will help you build a foundation in policymaking, preparing you to advise organizations on how to effectively advocate for their interests. Additionally, you will learn how to communicate across platforms and connect to power, making you a more effective specialist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist

Political Consultant

Political Consultants help political candidates and campaigns develop and implement strategies to win elections. The course will help you build a foundation in policymaking, preparing you to advise candidates and campaigns on how to effectively advocate for their positions. Additionally, you will learn how to communicate across platforms and connect to power, making you a more effective consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Consultant

Communications Specialist

Communications Specialist help organizations communicate their messages to the public. The course will teach you how to effectively communicate your message across platforms, helping you raise awareness for your cause. Additionally, you will learn how to use social media strategy and network with policymakers, making you a more effective advocate.

See salaries and explore the career path for Communications Specialist

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. The course will help you build a foundation in policymaking, preparing you to advocate for change through your organization. Additionally, you will learn how to work locally and connect to power, making you a more effective advocate.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Researcher

Researchers conduct research to inform policymaking and decision-making. The course will help you build a foundation in policymaking, preparing you to conduct research that can inform and influence policy decisions. Additionally, you will learn how to analyze law and policy documents and texts, making you a more effective researcher.

See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher

Social Worker

Social Workers help people navigate social and economic challenges. The course will help you build a foundation in policymaking, preparing you to advocate for policies that support your clients. Additionally, you will learn how to work locally and connect to power, making you a more effective advocate.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Attorney

Attorneys use their knowledge of the law to represent clients in court and provide legal counsel. The course will help build a foundation in how the courts and justice system operate, preparing you to use the legal system to advocate for change. Gaining knowledge in how to mobilize constituents, raise awareness, and change the law will help you become a more effective advocate.

See salaries and explore the career path for Attorney

Teacher

Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. The course will help you build a foundation in policymaking, preparing you to teach your students about the policymaking process and how to advocate for change. Additionally, you will learn how to communicate across platforms and connect to power, making you a more effective teacher.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Writer

Writers create content for a variety of purposes, including journalism, marketing, and fiction. The course may be useful for you if you want to write about policy issues or advocate for change through your writing. Additionally, you will learn how to communicate across platforms, making you a more effective writer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

Journalist

Journalists report on news and events. The course may be useful for you if you want to report on policy issues or advocate for change through your journalism. Additionally, you will learn how to communicate across platforms and connect to power, making you a more effective journalist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist