Writing a Negotiation Proposal Objectives: Objectives:  To learn to write effectively as a group  To learn to write an effective solution proposal  To learn how to negotiate in writing  To present your senior project

Your group should have: 1. Brainstormed the causes and effects of your specific research paper issue 2. Chosen an issue for your group 3. Brainstormed solutions/projects that would help alleviate either a cause or an effect of this issue 4. Selected 3 possible solutions/projects to review, determined the specific needs of each project, then selected the best project for your group to use as your senior project

The Negotiation Proposal Your assignment is to write a group proposal - a genre that attempts to persuade an audience that a certain solution to a particular problem is not only feasible and sound, but also better than other solutions available.

The Purpose The purpose of writing a proposal is for you to learn how to negotiate in writing. In many careers, people put out a request for proposals, soliciting people to tell them what to do and how to do it better. If you understand how to write a comprehensive, fair and rhetorically effective proposal, you will be in the position to influence other’s decisions.

Overview of Assignment A proposal calls attention to a problem, proposes a solution to that problem, and justifies the chosen solution. As a group you have looked at several different solutions and have chosen the best solution for your social issue. This proposal will attempt to convince your audience to agree to your solution.

This assignment should do three things: Demonstrate that a significant problem exists Demonstrate that a significant problem exists Propose a solution to the problem Propose a solution to the problem Break down the specific requirements of the project Break down the specific requirements of the project

Audience Proposals should be directed to a specific audience who wields economic, political or some sort of institutional power, enabling them to put into effect proposed solutions. Often, these groups know there are problems with a given issue, but sometimes don’t know how to solve the problem. Your group must identify the audience you are addressing. Proposals should be directed to a specific audience who wields economic, political or some sort of institutional power, enabling them to put into effect proposed solutions. Often, these groups know there are problems with a given issue, but sometimes don’t know how to solve the problem. Your group must identify the audience you are addressing.

Topic Your topic will be your proposed group solution to your social issue. As a group you will decide on a solution which best represents your group’s talents, time and efforts.

Basic Requirements Each member of your group will write a section or several sections of the proposal depending on how many are in your group. There are four sections: An introduction to the issue An introduction to the issue A statement of concerns A statement of concerns Your proposed solution, including timetable and budget Your proposed solution, including timetable and budget A conclusion A conclusion

Cover Sheet Your proposal will also include a cover sheet listing the project title, class period, and each member of the group. Your proposal will also include a cover sheet listing the project title, class period, and each member of the group.

The Introduction The introduction of your proposal provides an overview of the situation and the general problem at hand. You should show your group’s understanding of the problem, provide relevant background information about the problem, and provide a thesis statement which presents your solution in general terms.

Purpose of the Introduction Your purpose is to help your audience realize there is a problem which needs to be solved. The proposal needs to show both the viability of your solution, and the absolute need for a solution of some sort The introduction MUST also contain a THESIS statement Your purpose is to help your audience realize there is a problem which needs to be solved. The proposal needs to show both the viability of your solution, and the absolute need for a solution of some sort The introduction MUST also contain a THESIS statement

The Thesis Statement The thesis statement must have three parts: Outcome Outcome Obstacle Obstacle Solution Solution The outcome is where you want to describe your goal, a desired state, or a value that you consider important The obstacle allows you to describe the problem that currently prevents the outcome from being achieved or realized at this time The solution is where you briefly describe your solution to the problem you have established in the other two parts of your thesis. Be very specific so that your audience knows what to expect in the body of your paper.

Thesis Example The Women and Children in Crises Center serves the diverse needs of many of the homeless children throughout Utah county; however, it currently lacks enough books or toys to offer these children much in the way of distraction or activity. The children often have nothing to allow a diversion from the problems and despair around them. Creating an activity center containing a variety of books, educational toys, and arts and crafts items would help alleviate this problem for this important population of young children. The Women and Children in Crises Center serves the diverse needs of many of the homeless children throughout Utah county; however, it currently lacks enough books or toys to offer these children much in the way of distraction or activity. The children often have nothing to allow a diversion from the problems and despair around them. Creating an activity center containing a variety of books, educational toys, and arts and crafts items would help alleviate this problem for this important population of young children.

The Statement of Concerns In a negotiation process each group member has specific concerns or priorities he/she would like to address. In this section, each of the group member’s specific concerns should be identified, followed by a summary of what concerns/priorities the group hopes to address by doing this project. This section will set the stage for the solution section of your proposal.

Solutions: The Body of Your Paper This is where you will present the specifics of your solution. Basing your argument on the information you listed in the previous two sections, specify how you believe the problem can be addressed. This includes specific steps your group will take to achieve a solution, and who will be affected by your solution. You should be very specific in what will take place, how it will be accomplished, who will do it, how much it will cost, when it will be done, and how the solution will be implemented. You should show your audience that you have carefully thought through the situation and have come up with a reasonable, detailed plan.

You should include the following: Present the specifics of the solution you propose Present the specifics of the solution you propose Show how this solution addresses the needs of the different concerns/priorities within your group Show how this solution addresses the needs of the different concerns/priorities within your group Indicate how this solution will be best accomplished (budget, schedule, implementation, etc.) Indicate how this solution will be best accomplished (budget, schedule, implementation, etc.)

The Conclusion: The conclusion should review your solution for your audience, summarize how this solution can help alleviate the problem, and issue a “call to action” that gives the audience something they can do to get involved.

See the example for specifics for this paper!!