Briefs

The Policy Circle brings together women in the same community to learn from fact-based research and strengthen their voices in public policy dialogue. By coming together and deepening our understanding of the issues we face in our communities, our states, and our nation, we feel heard, validated and energized and can come up with ways to influence policy.

On the whole, the population of the United States is getting older. But what does that entail? How might an aging population impact cultural perspectives on old age or prompt social changes? What can a workforce of older adults bring to the economy? What are the financial costs associated with this population trend in terms of retirement and health care? Individuals, private businesses, and policymakers will all play an important role as the impacts of an aging population become clear.

This brief dives into the basics of campaign finance, specifically the key terminology and debates surrounding campaign spending; the types of political organizations that raise and spend money in the political process; laws and court cases that have shaped campaign finance; and helpful information to know before you donate.

What is civic engagement? Why is it important and how can you become more involved in your community? In this brief, we seek to provide our Circle members with a deeper understanding of the importance of Americans’ participation in civic life. We’ll also explain how The Policy Circle helps to build social capital, a crucial element of society strongly related to civic duty, and how you can become a more engaged citizen.

This overview was prepared by By Suzanne Bates Policy Director at the Yankee Institute for Public Policy.

What policies can best meet the labor needs of our currently growing economy? And how can this urgent need for qualified workers be leveraged to lift up those in distressed communities who are in particular need of improved opportunity? The Policy Circle has assembled a panel of speakers who are leading the charge in proven tactics, like apprenticeship programs and technical college scholarships, and emboldening women and those with disabilities in the workforce. This brief provides an overview of workforce readiness, why it matters and what your role can be, especially in relation to distressed communities.

The way processing systems function means personal data online is part of regular life, as are the dangers that come with it. What exactly are the dangers of unprotected data? What are the roles of citizens, businesses, and the government when it comes to technology and data? How can these stakeholders work together to promote safe cybersecurity practices and frameworks that protect data without infringing on individual rights and freedoms?

From email and smartphones to Cyber Monday and Net Neutrality, technology has become an essential component of our lives. The following brief explores the digital landscape within the United States and across the world, as well as what governments and individuals can do to advance the social and economic benefits of technology. This brief will provide a basic understanding of the digital landscape, the government’s role in promoting digital infrastructure, and areas for reform including education, healthcare, data privacy, and security.