Public Hearing Process

The point of the student’s observation is to understand the policy making process from a public, stakeholder participatory process.  The student is to gather information about the public hearing process, who participated, how the hearing was conducted and other relevant issues presented.  The student is to observe how testimony is presented and by whom and what facts are presented and the panel/committee’s reaction to the testimony.  The student should be observant to how power is exercised throughout the process, who has it and who does not.  The student should pay close attention to any questions or issues that are raised by the panel members in response to the individuals presenting testimony regarding the issues.Your TaskFor this assignment, you will observe remotely a past or current  public hearing, or other meeting open to the public, being conducted regarding to a social policy topic.The purpose for observing the meeting is to collect data regarding the policy area and to observe how testimony is organized and presented.Your paper should include the following points in APA format with paragraphs:Introduction:• Identify the date of the hearing, where it was held and the purpose of the public hearing.  What topic or proposal was being discussed?  If this was related to a bill, please identify it by number and title. If it was related to a regulation or policy, please identify by name and number  Identify the committee or panel and chair names.Details of Hearing Process:• Discuss the agenda for the hearing• Provide details about how the hearing opened up and how it proceeded, who spoke and what groups they represented• Note if there were any changes to the original agenda or if any business items were deferred for a future date and whyTestimony Discussion:• Who presented testimony and what group did they represent?• Did they make compelling arguments for or against the particular issue(s) being proposed?• What was strong about their testimony?• Which issues do you think could have been strengthened and how?• What types of questions were asked?• What was the tone of the meeting?  Did the tone change at all?  How did people react to the change in tone?Conclusion:• The student is to summarize what they learned from this experience• How did this experience help you as a future MSW policy practitioner better understand your potential role on the policy development process?• Did anything discussed or presented conflict with the goals (e.g., promotion of social justice) of social work?  Please explain /expand.FormatThe written paper is estimated at 4-6 pages total, excluding your cover page and reference page, using a Times New Roman 12-point font size, double-spacing, and one-inch margins. Follow the formatting style as described in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th edition). No abstract is needed.