Growing my understanding of policy

So, my interest in being involved with policy and legislation has increased. But, it’s been hard to get a grasp around what all of it actually means.

• What’s the difference between policy and legislation?

• What can policy solve? What can’t it solve?

• Where should I start pushing policy changes?

That’s just a few rattling in my head. Recently some things have started clicking for me.

Policy is a tool to influence behavior

Policy (whether law or policy in an organization) are rules that are meant to define what behaviors are ideal or not. There’s two primary ways to influence behavior - incentivize preferred behavior by giving it material rewards or disincentivize disliked behavior by punishing it.

I stand strongly in the camp that punishment should be a last resort. Additionally, punishment is about accountability - not revenge and retaliation. So, while I strongly disagree, most American policy is often punitive. This reality highlights my next learning.

If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu

Although I strongly disagree with the overuse of punishment, I’ve not done much on my part to be at the table influencing these decisions. And there’s ample historical reasons as to why that’s the case, but it’s critical we grow into the void to be at the table influencing the decisions.

So, since I haven’t been in the rooms fighting for my beliefs, I’m now just a victim of the punitive policies I vehemently oppose.

Policy influences behavior - it doesn’t stop it from happening

At it’s core policy is meant to influence behavior. It can not stop people from doing undesired actions.

Speed limits are policies on how fast we should drive. Yet, many often speed past it.

The failed War on Drugs dictates that drug use is illegal. Yet, many Americans use recreational drugs for various uses.

Murder is absolutely illegal. Yet, people are still murdered. Daily.

So, when we get into fighting for policy, remember we may intend for the law to curb certain behaviors and boost others. But humans are extremely complex. And rules written on paper won’t be the only thing to make society better.