Paper/Proposal Title
Writing for Public Engagement
Location
Kennedy Union 221 (on UD's main campus)
Start Date
11-4-2023 10:30 AM
End Date
11-4-2023 12:30 PM
Abstract
Academic research frequently speaks to current events and ongoing issues, from political protests and election events to climate change. Yet, the media often ignores academic expertise, and paywalled academic journals are inaccessible to most policy makers and the general public. How can university researchers effectively communicate our findings and ideas to audiences outside the academy? How do we ensure that our research is taken into account in public policy making processes?
This workshop highlights strategies for academics who wish to engage with broad audiences of politicians, policy professionals, and general audiences. In the first part of the workshop, we will discuss effective strategies for topic identification, media outlet selection, accessible writing, and pitching to editors, from writing analytical blog posts to developing opinion-editorial pieces and policy papers. In the second part of the workshop, participants will each prepare a draft analytical blog post or op-ed and receive real-time feedback from the group. Participants are encouraged to come to the workshop with a topic they would like to write about in mind, such as a recently or soon to be published article, research findings, or informed observations relevant to a current event.
Writing for Public Engagement
Kennedy Union 221 (on UD's main campus)
Academic research frequently speaks to current events and ongoing issues, from political protests and election events to climate change. Yet, the media often ignores academic expertise, and paywalled academic journals are inaccessible to most policy makers and the general public. How can university researchers effectively communicate our findings and ideas to audiences outside the academy? How do we ensure that our research is taken into account in public policy making processes?
This workshop highlights strategies for academics who wish to engage with broad audiences of politicians, policy professionals, and general audiences. In the first part of the workshop, we will discuss effective strategies for topic identification, media outlet selection, accessible writing, and pitching to editors, from writing analytical blog posts to developing opinion-editorial pieces and policy papers. In the second part of the workshop, participants will each prepare a draft analytical blog post or op-ed and receive real-time feedback from the group. Participants are encouraged to come to the workshop with a topic they would like to write about in mind, such as a recently or soon to be published article, research findings, or informed observations relevant to a current event.
