50 Free Essential Videos to Learn About Local Government

Written by admin at 01:23:am on 2nd November, 2010

Right now, there are a lot of questions out there related to public policy. The way government works is relatively uniform in our system, but there are some subtle differences amongst different municipalities. It can be interesting to get involved in your community, learning more about local government, and how it works.

If you are looking for something of an education in public policy, you can watch some of the many videos on the Internet. Indeed, here are 50 free videos that can provide you with a better understanding of how local government works.

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Top 10 Most Influential Public Policy Professors

Written by L.G. at 01:03:am on 18th October, 2010

Public policy is all about action — at least when it comes to decision-making and analysis of governmental decisions. Those decisions can cover topics as broad as health and as specific as the CIA. The following top 10 most influential public policy professors have made their niche with publications, public service, research and in teaching at high-profile universities. When you follow the links to their faculty pages, you can read more about their degrees and how they came to be so influential. [click to continue…]

Top 20 Helpful iPad Apps from the Government

Written by admin at 11:18:pm on 22nd September, 2010

One of the best things about technology is that it makes it possible for you to take care of business on the go. For those involved with public policy, technology applications can be a true boon. Indeed, technology allows public policy experts and works to keep up with what is happening — no matter where they are.

The iPad has been especially helpful in keeping those with public policy jobs connected. And, if you want to keep up with what is happening in government, there are apps for that. Indeed, the U.S. federal government, as well as states and local governments, offer a number of iPad apps that can help you stay up with government happenings. Here are 20 helpful iPad apps from the government: [click to continue…]

Top 25 Up and Coming Think Tanks in the US

Written by L.G. at 03:40:am on 27th August, 2010

Every think tank created usually has a public policy agenda focused on a variety of political, financial, educational or even moral issues. The following 25 up and coming think tanks are no different, as they address issues that mainly adhere to a strict bi-partisan (or centrist) perspective or lean left or right politically. What makes these think tanks interesting is that they have been formed since 2004, or since the middle of the previous presidential administration. [click to continue…]

Top 50 Public Policy Bloggers

Written by admin at 02:44:am on 16th August, 2010

There are a number of areas of interest when it comes to public policy. The way our country works depends a great deal on the laws and policies adopted by those in charge. Our system of government allows for public input, so, as a result, many do their best to share their ideas and influence the policymakers. The rise of Internet technology has made it possible for a number of people to share their thoughts on public policy. You don’t have to have a Masters in Public Policy to share your views on what should be happening in the world of government. Here are 50 public policy bloggers you can read to help you participate in the conversations:

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Top 25 Young Organizations Revolutionizing Public Policy

Written by L.G. at 10:27:pm on 2nd August, 2010

This list of 25 young organizations that are revolutionizing public policy range from White House initiatives to local neighborhood launches. Despite their youth (five years or less), some organizations have become household names, either through their positive impacts or through political controversy. You may not have heard about other organizations listed here, but each one, all nonprofit organizations, has opened doors to debate, solutions to problems and/or awareness about political agendas. [click to continue…]

50 Public Policy Projects Worth Following On Twitter

Written by admin at 11:01:pm on 14th July, 2010

When you are involved in public policy, you help set the course for the future of the country. There are a number of matters related to the public interest that are addressed through public efforts on the city, state and federal level. It is possible to learn more about public policy by following what is happening on various projects. You can be more informed and participate more effectively in our civic life if you stay informed. Here are 50 public policy projects worth following on Twitter:
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10 Blogs About Public Policy Worth Subscribing To

Written by C.M. at 07:52:am on 11th June, 2010

When you want to know what’s happening in the world of Public Policy around the country and around the world, check out these ten blogs by movers, shakers, and policy makers.

  1. WIPP – Women Impacting Public Policy is a bi-partisan public policy organization and blog that represents over 500,000 women in business and business owners.  Blog posts are centered on the specific interests of women in business and cover everything from the Budget, to Clean Energy, to Healthcare.
  2. Google has its own Public Policy blogs for every place in which there is a Google Office. GooglePolicyEurope is particularly interesting since it covers European public policy from the perspective of the media giant. It’s a great site to learn about Public Policy regarding online and information technology.
  3. PublicKnowledge is the blog of the D.C. based public interest group “Public Knowledge” which focuses on defending citizens rights in digital culture. To learn how public policy affects everything from your phone to Facebook, this is the place to go.
  4. FreightPublicPolicy is a nicely designed blog about Public Policy and Sustainability in regards to freight transportation and logistics. Hey, I said “movers” would be on this list, and these guys are all about big trucks, trains and planes.
  5. Shopfloor.org may not look like a public policy blog, but it is. It just has very cool videos of Cool Stuff Being Made in addition to policy commentary by the National Association of Manufacturers.
  6. WaSupremeCourtBlog chronicles the Supreme Court of Washington’s activities, providing news, information and analysis of the cases before the court.
  7. CATOatLiberty is the blog of the CATO institute, one of the major political think-tanks in Washington D.C. The blog is mainly focused on providing interesting and insightful perspectives on the public policy issues of the day, without a concentration on a single theme. The analysis is good, the subjects are fun, if there is such a thing as light Public Policy reading, this is it.
  8. The Volokh Conspiracy is a blog authored mainly by law professors on Public Policy issues, often from a conservative perspective. The analysis is insightful and carefully argued, making this a highly educational blog for those studying Public Policy.
  9. The Reality-Based Community blog, where “everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts,” looks at the major public policy issues in the news, like green energy, drug policy, climate change, arts and cultural policy with an analytical eye. It’s one man’s opinion, true, but he carefully backs his statements with facts and precedents.
  10. Economix by the New York Times is a blog partially devoted to public policy, but also has stories about many other economic issues. The journalism is sound, facts are supported, and the issues covered are interesting, like “Will This Jobs Bill Do Any Good?” and “Does Policy Trail Public Opinion on Gay Rights?”

Public Policy professionals need to know what other cities, counties, states and nations are doing to solve their problems. In an increasingly globally aware world, sharing ideas and solutions have never been more important. Subscribing to these blogs will help keep you updated and informed so you can better serve your community.

    Top 11 Public Policy Statements Everyone Should Read

    Written by admin at 05:25:am on 3rd May, 2010

    Public Policy Statements can be understood as some of the best resolutions taken by any government for welfare of its citizens. Below are briefed some Public Policy Statements of the US government.

    1. Poverty: The purpose of this public policy statement is to develop welfare policies and programs as to help individuals and families to attain goal of economic self-sufficiency and family well being and, in so doing, to reduce poverty. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and related programs should help families achieve economic independence and child and family well being.
    2. Employment and Training: Every individual who has the ability to work, at whatever level, should have access to training and job-related services that will enable him/her to obtain and retain employment equal to his/her to obtain and retain employment equal to his/her abilities and sufficient to support a decent standard of living.
    3. Affordable Housing: All Americans have a right to adequate and affordable housing.The federal government should ensure that low-income people, elderly persons on limited incomes and people with disabilities have access to adequate and affordable housing by investing in the production, rehabilitation, and financing of affordable, accessible housing stock.
    4. Child Care: Affordable, accessible child care is a necessity for children of working parents, especially those who cannot afford care at market rates or for whom quality care is not available.   Quality is an essential criterion as children progress developmentally.
    5. Health Care: Quality health care should be accessible to all people, regardless of economic, language, or cultural barriers. The federal government should establish and sustain policies and programs that enable all people, including people of low or limited income and people of different cultures or who speak languages other than English, to readily access appropriate, affordable, quality health care.
    6. Mental Health: People with, or at risk of mental disorders or addictive disorders must be afforded access to needed treatment and other services on the same basis, and subject to the same terms and conditions, as care and services for medical and surgical conditions. The federal government must ensure that public and private health plans afford people equitable access to and reimbursement for needed mental health care and addiction services without regard to the severity or cause of their mental health problems.
    7. Youth Development: Recognizing children and youth for the assets they are and possess and involving them in activities which build and strengthen those assets benefit young people, families, and communities more effectively than problem-focused strategies and provide resources for community-driven positive youth development strategies and programs.
    8. Education for Children & Youth with Disabilities: All Children, including children and youth with disabilities, should be able to receive a public education that meets their needs. The federal government should provide funding sufficient to cover all children and youth qualified under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
    9. Care & Services for the Elderly: Every older American should be able to live as independently as he or she is capable and receive high-quality care, regardless of means, when and where s/he needs it. The federal government should support programs and policies that ensure that care for the elderly is accessible, coordinated, and of the highest quality and that responds to the desires of elderly Americans to remain in their homes or communities of choice, living with dignity and at the highest level of their abilities as ling as they possibly can.
    10. Choice & Effectiveness of Services: This statement say Americans have the right to choose health and human service providers, regardless of their affiliation, and to expect and receive the best, most effective services available. The rights of American to receive effective accountable services and of taxpayers to expect and receive full accountability for publicly funded programs must be of primary consideration in the use of government funds for health and human services.
    11. National & Community Service: National and community service programs should enhance and supplement the effective delivery of health and human services and build the capacities of communities and organizations as they foster civic involvement. The corporation for National and Community Service and other federal sponsors of community service should incorporate partnership, innovation, and flexibility in their relationship with organizational grantees at all levels; and should bridge programs and grant-makers mechanisms to achieve the best possible outcomes for people and communities served.

    Online Masters In Public Policy

    Written by admin at 10:00:am on 22nd April, 2010

    Public policy is a course of action and inaction taken by government with regard to particular issues. It can be referred to as course of action that entails regulatory measures, laws, funding priority concerns of the government. Their services are commonly employed in the constitutions, legislative acts and judicial decisions. Public policy entails decision making and analysis of government decisions.

    Getting an online masters degree is everyone wish especially those in the public policy. You may not have the time to go for a regular program by attending the physical classes due to the nature of work you are doing. Online program helps you achieve your academic dreams and improve on the skills and knowledge at the click of the buttons on your computer. The advantages of this program is that it helps you attain your masters in shorter time, you can live at home than travel all the way to the university, it gives you the flexibility since the materials and course is available 24 hours, the technology used to teach are well known and interesting to use than sometimes having to attend a boring lecture.

    The online public policy masters program will help you pursue career opportunities that promote public interest and give you added value for your employer. This makes you flexible for prospective employment loaded with professional skills that can be transferred to government, NGO, associations, private sector and international organizations. This course is adequate for those working with the public service, non-governmental organizations or private sectors. Other public professionals who are involved in public policies. This course covers fields like policy process, implementation and delivery of public service, and issues that affect policy making and delivery. It helps promote your skills in creation, analysis, influence of regulations and develop problem solving approaches affecting people at the local, national and international levels. Online masters in public policy helps you retain your job while increasing your knowledge bank that may mean an increase in your payments or salary or alternatively open for you better opportunities.

    The online masters in public policy is available in most of the universities such as the university of Phoenix, Capella university, Walden university, Grand Canyon university, California Polytechnic state university and university of Minnesota among other many universities.

    While choosing the best university to have your online masters program it is necessary to consider the reputation of the online institution. The institution’s masters program should be recognized and accepted in your work industry.  You should research about the accreditation of the online masters program and school. Some masters degrees from other universities may not be accredited therefore not recognized and going for such may mean wastage of time and money. The cost of completing the online program, the flexibility of the program and whether it matches your schedule, the length of the program, and the technology or mode of teaching should also be looked at.