Write your policy brief
Describe the issue and your recommended solution. Get a complete 3-5 page policy brief for advocacy.
Write your policy brief
River's Policy Brief Writer creates complete 3-5 page advocacy briefs for policymakers. You provide the issue, problem description, policy recommendation, target audience, and supporting data. The AI generates a comprehensive brief including executive summary, issue background, analysis, policy options, specific recommendations, and implementation considerations. You get professional policy briefs ready to share with legislators, agency officials, and decision-makers.
Unlike academic policy papers, advocacy briefs are designed for busy policymakers who need clear, concise analysis and actionable recommendations. The AI structures briefs for maximum impact using proven advocacy communication principles including front-loaded key messages, evidence-based argumentation, specific policy solutions, and practical implementation guidance. Strong policy briefs make complex issues understandable and show policymakers exactly what action to take. You get documents designed to influence policy decisions.
This tool is perfect for advocacy managers, policy directors, and nonprofit leaders working to change laws, regulations, or government practices. Use it when preparing for legislative sessions, responding to policy proposals, submitting public comments, or educating policymakers. It works best when you provide clear problem statements, specific policy solutions, and solid evidence. Effective advocacy requires translating research and community needs into clear policy asks that decision-makers can understand and act on.
What Makes Policy Briefs Persuasive
Persuasive policy briefs make a clear, specific ask supported by compelling evidence. Weak briefs describe problems without proposing concrete solutions or make vague recommendations like 'increase funding for housing.' Strong briefs specify exactly what policy change you want: 'Allocate $50 million in state budget for rental assistance, serving 5,000 households earning below 30% area median income.' Policymakers need specific proposals they can actually implement, not general wishes. Your brief should enable a sympathetic legislator to turn your recommendation into legislation or budget language.
Effective briefs anticipate and address counterarguments. Include cost analysis showing your recommendation is financially feasible. Address concerns opponents will raise. Show how your solution balances competing priorities. Acknowledge tradeoffs honestly while making the case for why your approach is best. Policymakers face pressure from multiple sides. Your brief must equip them with responses to opposition arguments. One-sided briefs that ignore complexities are less credible than balanced briefs that thoughtfully address concerns.
To write influential policy briefs, understand your audience deeply. What are their priorities and constraints? What political pressures do they face? What arguments persuade them? Frame your issue in terms they care about: economic impact, constituent concerns, moral imperatives, or alignment with their stated values. Use local data and stories from their districts. Make the issue real and urgent. Include both emotional appeal (stories of people affected) and rational appeal (data, research, cost-benefit analysis). Strong briefs combine rigor with relevance, making both the policy case and the political case for action.
What You Get
Complete 3-5 page policy brief
Executive summary with key recommendations
Issue background and problem analysis
Evidence-based argument for change
Specific policy recommendations
Implementation considerations
Formatted for policymaker audiences
How It Works
- 1Enter policy issueProvide issue, problem, recommendation, target audience, and supporting data
- 2AI writes briefGet complete 3-5 page policy brief with analysis and recommendations in 5 minutes
- 3Refine and add citationsAdd specific citations, local data, and examples from target jurisdiction
- 4Distribute to policymakersShare with legislators, officials, and decision-makers through meetings or submissions
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a policy brief different from a position paper or white paper?
Policy briefs are shorter (3-5 pages), action-oriented documents for policymakers. Position papers state your organization's stance on an issue but might not include specific policy asks. White papers are longer research documents (10-30 pages) providing comprehensive analysis. Briefs are designed for busy decision-makers who need quick understanding and clear recommendations. Think of briefs as executive summaries with a specific call to action. Use briefs when you want policymakers to take specific action soon.
Should I include citations to research and data sources?
Yes, cite authoritative sources for all key statistics and claims. Policymakers want evidence-based policy. Citation shows credibility and allows staff to verify claims. Use footnotes or endnotes for citations to keep main text readable. Cite government data, peer-reviewed research, authoritative reports, and local examples. Avoid citing only advocacy sources. Mix in neutral research institutions, government statistics, and academic sources. Diverse, credible sources strengthen your argument.
How should I handle cost analysis of my recommendation?
Include realistic cost estimates if they strengthen your case or if cost is a likely objection. Show the recommendation is affordable within existing budgets or propose specific funding sources. Compare cost of your solution to cost of inaction (what problem costs in economic terms, human suffering, etc.). If your recommendation requires significant funding, show return on investment or cost-effectiveness compared to current approaches. Policymakers cannot support unfunded proposals. Show you understand fiscal realities.
Can I use this for public comment submissions to government agencies?
Yes, adapt the format for public comments. Agency comment submissions often have specific formatting requirements or questions to address. Use the policy brief as your base document, then restructure to match the agency's comment format. Public comments should still include clear recommendations, evidence, and impact analysis. Check word limits and submission requirements. Many agencies have online portals with character limits or required fields. The brief content adapts to various formats.
Should the tone be neutral analysis or persuasive advocacy?
Balanced persuasion. Present evidence objectively and acknowledge complexity, but clearly advocate for your position. Avoid inflammatory language or partisan framing. Focus on problem-solving and public benefit rather than attacking opponents. Policymakers respect briefs that are substantive and professional while making a clear case. You can be persuasive without being polemical. Frame recommendations in terms of shared values like economic prosperity, public health, fairness, or community wellbeing that cross partisan lines.
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