MAPS Translate This: Communicating Public Policy Clearly

Course Overview

Course Description

Translating complex policy into clear, actionable messaging is a vital skill for public sector leaders. This course focuses on elevating oral and written communication skills to effectively advocate for organizational goals. Participants will practice drafting compelling issue briefs, white papers, and executive summaries. The curriculum also covers media relations and spokesperson training, equipping leaders to confidently deliver key messages, handle press inquiries, and shape the public narrative surrounding their agency's initiatives.

Intended Audience

Ideal for policy analysts, public information officers, executive directors, and program managers responsible for advocating for organizational goals. Advanced writing skills are helpful but not required. This course equips public sector leaders to effectively shape the narrative surrounding their agency's initiatives and handle press inquiries professionally.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Apply techniques for simplifying legislative language, administrative rules, and complex data without losing accuracy
• Structure compelling issue briefs, white papers, and executive summaries designed for varied audiences (legislators vs. the general public)
• Formulate key messages, holding statements, and proactive pitching strategies effective in the modern media landscape
• Use media interview techniques for bridging, pivoting, and confidently delivering key messages under pressure
• Develop a portfolio of drafted communication materials, a customized media relations checklist, and improved confidence in public speaking

Course Materials

Course materials will be provided in class.

Instructor

Kim Ratcliff, MPA, APR, pHCLE

Kim is a dynamic leader with 25+ years of experience in strategy for non-profit, public, and private organizations. She is vice president of engagement at Experience Management Institute, focusing on the people-centered engagement of clients and employees. Her priority is to enrich the overall experience of work by transformational moments. Kim’s areas of interest include organizational development, change leadership, data-driven insights, culture, qualitative research, and strategic marketing and communications. 

Her previous position was vice president of strategy and culture at public relations agency Slide Nine. Prior to that, she was managing director of marketing and communications at Battelle for Kids, where she served for nine years after performing in leadership roles with two public relations and public affairs agencies, as well as the Ohio Department of Education.

In 1995 Kim earned her MPA from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, and in 2018 she received her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR). She also earned her Professional Human Capital Leader in Education (pHCLE) certification in 2023.

Kim currently serves on the Legislative and Governmental Committee for the American Association of School Personnel Administrators. She has also been on the board for Heartland High School, the first recovery high school in Ohio, and was previously president and a founding member of the John Glenn College of Public Affairs Alumni Society Board and a director on the Central Ohio Public Relations Society Board. Since 2012, she has taught graduate- and undergraduate-level policy and nonprofit communications courses at The Ohio State University's John Glenn College of Public Affairs.

She has a U.S. Marine son, a daughter who works in customer service, and a teacher daughter—and she is a proud grandmother to a fourth grader. In her spare time Kim camps, hikes, and visits our wonderful state and national parks.

FAQ's

Follow these steps to make a cancellation:

1. Refer to your registration confirmation email
2. Scroll down to "Cancellation Policy"
3. Follow link in email
4. Enter the confirmation number from the registration email
5. At the top of the page, click on “Cancel Registration” button
6. Click Finish

Follow these steps to make a substitution: 

1. Refer to your registration confirmation email
2. Scroll down to "Substitutions"
3. Follow link in email
4. Enter the confirmation number from the registration email
5. At the top of the page, click on the “Substitute Registrant” button
6. Enter the name and email of the new registrant
7. Click Next
8. Click Confirm

Waitlist
What happens if I am on a waitlist for a course? You will receive an email confirming you have been added to a waitlist. If a spot becomes available, you will be notified by email.  

CEU and CPE Policy
Attendance in this course can earn:

• 0.6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
• 7.2 Continuing Professional Education Units (CPEs)

Attendance is recorded at check-in at the start of the day, and full CEU or CPE credit is awarded based on an honor system, with the expectation that participants are present and actively engaged for the full MAPS course.

Course Certificate
Your course certificate will be emailed to you following the course. It will reflect your Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Continuing Professional Education Units (CPEs) earned and your attendance of the course. 

Photography
The Ohio State University may occasionally take pictures during educational events for use in program communication. If you do not want to be photographed during this course, please email the MAPS team at glenn-training@osu.edu.

MAPS Membership 
A MAPS member receives a discounted rate of $250 for each course with the initial purchase of at least 12 credits. Each credit equals one course for one individual.

To inquire about becoming a MAPS member, please fill out the MAPS Membership Form. A Glenn College Professional Development team member will reach out to you.

Questions or want to learn more?