U.S. Office of Personnel Management - Ensuring the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce

The better you understand how public policy works, the more you’ll be able to achieve your agency’s goals, serve your stakeholders and advance the Government’s agenda. This seminar focuses on the political, social, economic and cultural factors affecting how U.S. public policy is initiated, developed and implemented. It will also give you an in-depth understanding of the ways that policymaking institutions and non-governmental organizations interact and shape policy.

Through interactive simulations that look beyond theories of the public policy process, you will discuss thought-provoking questions: How does it feel to be a White House aide arguing the President’s case to members of Congress? What is it like to be a Representative trying to determine your constituents’ best interests while being lobbied by your party as well as special interest groups? What is your perspective as an interest group leader trying to articulate your group’s message? By putting yourself in these real-world situations, you will gain a better understanding of public policy and a more sophisticated foundation for dealing with policy in your day-to-day activities.