Research and Policy

Globalgood’s Research & Policy team relies on volunteers in four distinct—but interconnected—roles. Each role turns raw information into persuasive, actionable policy. Below is a detailed breakdown of responsibilities, workflows, and best practices for each.

2.1. Data Collector & Analyst

Your Mission: Gather reliable data and transform it into clear evidence of fiat’s hidden harms and C2C’s benefits.

Key Tasks:

1. Source Identification
   • Locate authoritative datasets: IMF World Economic Outlook, World Bank World Development Indicators, national statistics offices, respected NGOs.
   • Verify data recency and methodology (e.g., ensure CPI series use consistent baskets over time).
2. Data Extraction & Cleaning
   • Download raw CSVs or use API queries.
   • Standardize variable names (e.g., “inflation_rate” vs. “CPI_change”).
   • Handle missing values: document gaps, interpolate or flag for exclusion.
3. Analysis & Visualization
   • Calculate metrics: annual inflation %, real-wage growth %, donation-volume change.
   • Create charts: line graphs for time series, bar charts for country comparisons, scatter plots to correlate inflation vs. real income.
   • Use clear labels, consistent color coding (e.g., red for fiat decline, gold for asset-backed stability).
4. Quality Assurance
   • Peer-review datasets and charts with another volunteer to catch errors.
   • Document sources and methods in a short “Data ReadMe” for transparency.

Best Practices:

• Maintain a shared data repository with version control (e.g., GitHub or Google Drive).
• Annotate all transformations in an “Analysis Log” to allow reproduction.
• Aim for simplicity: one chart per key message, with captions explaining “what it shows” and “why it matters.”

2.2. Policy Brief Writer & Talking-Point Developer

Your Mission: Convert complex data into concise, compelling briefs and one-page talking points for policymakers and advocates.

Key Tasks:

1. Audience Definition
   • Identify the target: a finance committee chair, a city council member, or a faith-community convener.
   • Tailor tone and length: 600-word memo for senior officials, 300-word one-pager for quick meetings.
2. Structure & Content
   • Executive Summary: One or two sentences stating the problem (“Hidden inflation cut real incomes by 40% since 1971”) and the proposed solution (“Adopt URU-anchored asset backing”).
   • Problem Statement: Bullet points with key data (cite charts) and human impact (case-study snippets).
   • Policy Recommendations: Specific, actionable steps—e.g., “Amend Section X of the Central Bank Act to require 100% URU-backed reserves for new issuance.”
   • Next Steps & Contacts: Who to call for technical assistance, draft text appendices.
3. Talking Points Development
   • Distill the brief into 5–7 bullet points, each 15–20 words:
     1. “Since 1971, fiat inflation averaged 6% annually, eroding median wages by 40%.”
     2. “Asset-backed money measured in URU restores purchasing power, safeguarding incomes and donations.”
     3. “Statement of support: ‘I endorse URU-anchored reform to protect our community’s future.’”
4. Review & Refinement
   • Circulate drafts to volunteers in other roles (Data Analysts, Draft-Bill Editors) for fact checks and legal precision.
   • Incorporate feedback swiftly, keeping versions clearly labeled.

Best Practices:

• Use consistent jargon: always refer to URU as “Universal Receivables Unit (℧).”
• Anchor arguments in local context: “In our city, inflation pushed healthcare costs up 250%.”
• Keep language clear—avoid technical jargon unless footnoted.

2.3. Draft-Bill Editor & Legal Liaison

Your Mission: Transform policy recommendations into proper legislative text and coordinate legal reviews to ensure compliance.

Key Tasks:

1. Legislative Format Familiarization
   • Study local legislative templates (e.g., clause numbering, formatting for bills and amendments).
   • Note required structure: title, enacting clause, definitions, substantive sections, penalties or enforcement.
2. Text Drafting
   • Convert each policy recommendation into legal language:
     • Policy Point: “Require 100% URU backing for new currency issuance.”
     • Draft Language:

Section X.1. New monetary issuance by the Central Bank shall be fully backed by asset reserves valued at not less than one (1) ℧ per unit of currency, as audited by the Reserve Authority. 

1. Definitions & References
   • Add or update a “Definitions” section: define URU (℧), asset reserves, Reserve Authority, etc.
   • Cite relevant statutes and international treaty language—e.g., “Article 5 of the Treaty of Nairobi.”
2. Legal Review Coordination
   • Send draft to pro bono legal volunteers or partner law clinics.
   • Track review comments in a “Change Log” spreadsheet—itemize section references, reviewer suggestions, and dispositions.
3. Finalization & Submission
   • Prepare the final bill packet: transmittal memo, clean draft, change‐tracked version, policy brief appendix.
   • Coordinate with the Stakeholder Engagement Planner to ensure an official sponsor (legislator) is ready to file it.

Best Practices:

• Maintain two versions: one for internal review (with annotations) and one “clean” for formal submission.
• Use consistent citation style as required by the legislature (e.g., “§ 12-3-4”).
• Document all legal sources in footnotes or an annex for future reference.

2.4. Stakeholder Researcher & Engagement Planner

Your Mission: Identify the key people and organizations who can champion or block policy, then design tailored engagement strategies.

Key Tasks:

1. Stakeholder Mapping
   • Legislative: Committee chairs, ranking members, influential aides.
   • Executive: Finance minister, central-bank governor, attorney general.
   • Civil Society: NGOs, faith leaders, business coalitions, labor unions.
   • Media: Journalists specializing in economics and policy.
2. Influence & Interest Analysis
   • Rate each stakeholder on two axes:
     • Support vs. Opposition (based on past statements or voting record).
     • Level of Influence (e.g., bill-sponsor potential, media reach).
   • Prioritize outreach to those with high influence and neutral or favorable stance.
3. Engagement Planning
   • When: Timing relative to committee deadlines, budget cycles, or treaty ratification windows.
   • Where: Formal hearings, private office visits, public roundtables, or community forums.
   • How: Format and messaging—data presentations for technocrats; narrative case studies for faith or business leaders.
4. Outreach Execution
   • Draft personalized invitations using the Talking-Point Developer’s bullet points.
   • Coordinate logistics: meeting requests, briefing packets, follow-up materials.
5. Relationship Management
   • Maintain a contact database with notes on past interactions, preferences, and next steps.
   • Schedule periodic check-ins—e.g., quarterly briefings or updates tied to new data releases.

Best Practices:

• Treat every interaction as part of a longer relationship—send post-meeting summaries and thank-you notes.
• Respect each stakeholder’s communication style: some prefer concise emails, others value in-person discussions.
• Use CRM tools or simple spreadsheets to track outreach status and reminders.

Action Checklist for Chapter 2:

• Sign up for one role and review its key tasks and best practices.
• For Data Analysts: locate your first set of country datasets and draft an initial chart.
• For Policy Writers: outline your first 300-word brief.
• For Draft-Bill Editors: download your local legislature’s bill template and draft Section X.
• For Stakeholder Planners: create your first stakeholder map and draft outreach emails.

By fulfilling these roles—data gathering, persuasive writing, legal drafting, and strategic engagement—you become the engine that moves Globalgood’s research from spreadsheets to statutes, turning invisible inflation into visible political action.