Reflection, Unit 3.4

Spring is in the air! Photo from Pexels. 

We moved into position this week in public relations writing. Position papers, that is. Last week, we covered backgrounders and fact sheets, which was very helpful in developing the position paper. 

The backgrounder really help us with this assignment because we had to do in-depth research for the backgrounder. The position paper required the same level of in-depth research. 

The video we watched over developing a position paper was useful. It gave us an idea of what to include in our papers. The format is simple. An introduction summarizes the piece. Next, you move into counterarguments and debunk them. After that, you offer three points to argue with solid supporting evidence. Finally, you tie everything up with a conclusion that offers solutions to problems. 

Our assignment required us to write a position paper on why the Tipton Children's Home was a viable option to Oklahoma DHS foster care. I started by plunging into research to find out more on the topic and what could be argued for this position. 

After finding credible websites and articles, I discovered my three main points to argue: teaching children self-sustainability, creating community and offering emotional support services. I gave detailed arguments for each point and found some strong support for my points through research. 

I found this assignment easy after the backgrounder. The more time you spend researching it, the better. 

Writing position papers comes as the advocacy part of being a public relations professional. We will be writing advocational materials constantly and should know how to do our homework. We need to know exactly what constitutes as a strong argument how to give strength to our arguments. 

In my dream career in tribal communications, there are plenty of issues facing Native American tribes that would require writing a position paper. One such event that comes to mind is the Dakota Access Pipeline crisis. Many tribes and nations came out in support of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and its efforts. I could imagine that writing position papers would come in handy in this situation. This way, tribes could express to local populations their concerns about this issue and how it affects them. 

I am very happy that spring break is next week. I am ready for some time off. I will be heading to Mena, Arkansas, via Talimena Drive. It's nothing much, but I am excited nonetheless.