English 20803

Advocacy Web Site

Fall 2023

Section 63/Shearer

 

Using your entire semester’s worth of research, graphics, images, essays and media assignments, construct an advocacy web site based on your research topic and your findings, using a Wix.com template. The site will need to meet the criteria below:

 

 Evidence-Based Advocacy

• Clearly prove the exigence of an existing problem in human society.

• Follow scientific integrity: privilege evidence at the meta-analytic level, but indicate awareness of any important work at the pilot study level.

• Suggest an evidence-based specific call to action or policy change.

 

Assume a Leadership Role

• Shoulder responsibility for educating the public or audience about the problem. Use “catch and release” and fair use to publicize high-level research in layman’s terms.

• Use a "big net" approach so that your arguments will impact various levels of power: individuals free to make a choice,  professionals who can change the way they practice, and public policymakers who can implement wide-reaching changes. 

• Suggest a realistic call to action. Use your arbitration experience to attract opponents to your point of view.

• Direct your audience to any relevant, larger agencies or advocacy groups that affect public policy changes. (examples:  FDA or American Cancer Society).

                 

Acknowledge and Refute Opposing Points of View:

• Educate the public about the opposing point of view.

• Offer a counter-argument or rebuttal of opposing sides’ evidence.

 

Orchestrate Your Campaign:

• Create a 2-part media campaign: Wix + Twitter feed 

• Link to “kindred spirit” web sites.

• Use multiple links to other sites that will reinforce your message and support your cause.

 

Comply With Copyright Law and Fair Use (images and text)

• Acknowledge sources in an unobtrusive way; use hyperlinks wherever possible.

• Use photo credits where due, with hyperlinks, or transformational use.

• Use no more than 10% of an original source.

• Place your own copyright notice at the bottom of home page and all others.

 

Use Basic Branding Elements:

• Send a clear signal, using a consistent message and call to action.

• Use the basic “key” branding elements: template respect, typography/fonts, consistent color palette, consistent style for images.