I learned the stages of the policy process numerous times throughout my undergraduate degree. In the public sector, the process proceeds as follows: problem identification, policy formulation, adoption, implementation, and evaluation. Without realizing it, my process for creating the operations manual for Local Matters has followed a very similar pattern. I spent a few weeks observing and learning the organization to identify what the current operating procedures were and what may need improvement. I then worked with the programs team to put the ideal processes and procedures into writing. With those steps complete, I turned my attention this week to how the manual can be implemented in the coming months. 

I will no longer be an employee of Local Matters during the implementation process. Thus, the agency I have in this process is to share how I see it best occurring based on my work this summer. Without building constant awareness of the document and referencing it continuously, it will become just another document uploaded to the cloud. My team members have expressed that this will not happen, as all have been enthusiastic about it becoming a core piece of the day-to-day operations at local matters. I nonetheless documented my ideas on how to ensure that the manual remains a critical piece overtime. As employees utilize the manual, they will undoubtedly notice room for improvement. I also shared my ideas for how to review the manual overtime. Finally, I listed some changes that must occur before the document can be integrated into the workplace, namely restructuring certain technology systems used by the organization.

It is really exciting thinking about how my work could lead to a change. While it may have sometimes felt disconnected from the service of the organization, increasing efficiency and productivity will better allow the organization to serve the community. This means more people learning about healthy food and more people accessing the nutrients they need to live a healthy life.