Silicon Flatirons seeks proposals for the creation of 30-minute teaching modules as part of the curriculum for a Policy Academy, which is intended to teach the basics of policy engagement.
The Entrepreneurial Policy Academy (EPA) is a project to introduce rural entrepreneurs to public policy skills and topics in pursuit of bringing additional voices into ongoing legislative and regulatory conversations. The first EPA was held in 2020 with a total of nine modules, addressing topics that included “where does the law come from” and “fundamentals of lobbying strategy.”
For the second EPA, we are looking for modules that fit into one of three overarching themes. Modules could draw on one or more topics in a theme, including topics that are not listed below but may be relevant to this audience.
Public Policy Foundations and Theory – modules could draw on topics such as:
- The different levels of government and the trade-offs in engaging at each one
- Building projects for sustainability
Process and Flow – modules could draw on topics such as:
- The steps for passing and implementing new laws and/or regulations
- How or where to participate or building and working in a coalition
- Finding and tracking issues relevant to their businesses
Practical Skills – modules could draw on topics such as:
- How to set a meeting with legislative staff (high priority)
- Writing letters and/or agency comments (high priority)
- How to talk to lawmakers and their staff
- The benefits and drawbacks of trade groups and how to get involved
Proposals are due on or before June 1, 2021. Applicants are asked to provide a one-paragraph description for their module tailored for an audience of rural entrepreneurs, which should include:
- The relevant theme from the three listed above
- Three to five top actionable takeaways that attendees will receive
- A description of their credentials to be able to teach on that topic
If selected, applicants will be asked to develop the module, which should include visual aids, course notes, and background reading materials. During the development process, applicants may be asked to consult with outside experts and incorporate suggested edits in line with the goals of the program.
Applicants will teach their module via a virtual platform to a cohort of eight carefully selected rural entrepreneurs from Colorado as part of a comprehensive curriculum during the second EPA in August 2021. As you apply, please mark the following dates of relevance:
- Wednesday, June 23: Deadline for first draft of modules
- Friday, July 23: All modules due in final form, including reading material
- Tuesday, August 3: Entrepreneurial Policy Academy Day 1
- Wednesday, August 4: Entrepreneurial Policy Academy Day 2
Modules will be selected on a range of factors, including the relevance of the chosen topic to the current environment, applicability to a diverse and inclusive audience, ability to execute the module with a high degree of quality, willingness to teach during the Policy Academy in August 2021, and placement within the broader curriculum. Successful applicants will receive a $500 stipend for the development of the module and an additional $500 stipend for their time presenting it during the Policy Academy.
All modules developed in response to this CFP will be expected to be licensed under the creative commons, CC BY-SA.
To submit a proposal, please provide the requested information to Silicon Flatirons, sf@colorado.edu, with the subject line “Policy Academy CFP”.
The Policy Academy is a project of Silicon Flatirons at Colorado Law. This project is a joint undertaking by Silicon Flatirons, Startup Colorado, and Telluride Foundation, and is made possible by an America’s New Business Plan Grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.