Write a policy memo for the client you have been assigned that defines the problem you were asked to analyze, presents alternatives for policy action, and projects the outcomes from each of these alternatives. The memo should be no longer than 8 pages. You should not take the prompt you have been given at face value, but rather, use it to scope out the problem space, do research, and arrive at a reasonable formulation of the problem taking into account your client’s interests and frame for action.

Topic: The US and Mexican governments are not doing enough to combat global climate change.. Client: Environmental Defense Fund

Memo examples

Memos are a distinct type of medium and require concreteness, succinctness and elegance to be effective. Policy memos have to keep the policy issues clear, provide the reader with the factual elements needed to make a decision, and present options clearly.

I have compiled some guidance materials for you such as Michael O’Hare’s paper on rhetoric, and John Ellwoods guide to memo writing.