Big Idea Title:

Laying the Foundation for a Policy Oriented Program

Name of Congress Representatives: Lexi Stadstad and Mallory Carstens 

Your Proposal:

Why:

• o   Why did you choose this particular option for strengthening your program?

We chose this option because students in our Bonner program have a lot of political energy and are passionate about these issues.  

Public policy is a big part of the Bonner foundation that is not already a part of our program.

One area our program can improve is by having the resources to explore and understand public policy.

• o   What is the background surrounding your topic?

Public policy is a big part of the Bonner foundation and Augsburg College.

We have tried to implement public policy knowledge in the past and it has not been easy for students to understand.

• o   What is the project’s significance?

We can provide a foundation of knowledge using the 2010 Big Idea for the program to expand on in years to come.

What:

• o   What is your idea for strengthening your program?

Our Big Idea is to provide Bonner students with the framework, resources, and knowledge base on how to think about Public Policy and the effect it has on their education and community involvement.

• o   What effect will your project have?

Our Big Idea will give students resources to be able to move forward in making change. The Big Idea will inspire students to take political action on issues they are passionate about and connect Bonner to those ideas.

How:

• o   How will you implement your Big Idea?

The Bonner Program will provide throughout the course of the year, provide trainings, workshops, panels, and meetings to educate, inform, and encourage students to actively think about public policy and become involved.

• o   What skills and best practices will be useful for your project’s success?

Our Big Idea will require us to have knowledge of resources available on and off campus. We will need to utilize organizational skills in holding forums and meetings. This will be a good opportunity for Bonner Students to practice networking skills on campus and in the community.

• o   Who can be on your team to help implement or advise your project?

Our team will consist of Bonner Students, Bonner Students with special interest in political activism, professors, faculty, and community partners.

• o   How can your Congress experience help your project achieve its goals?

Our hope is that as a Bonner Congress Representative we will gain support from the larger Bonner network and the National Bonner foundation.

• o   What is the ideal timeline for your projects completion?

Our Big Idea is on-going throughout the school year with a completion date in April 2011. Each month there will be required meetings and trainings.