A purpose statement should include reasons and benefits.
Proposals are a written form of persuasion. Effective persuasion, whether advertising for Girl Scout cookies, campaigning for a politician, or writing a proposal paper, should answer the question, "Why is this a good idea?" An effective political campaign doesn't just say, "Vote for Jim." It gives reasons for voting for Jim, even if it's because the competition is worse. It also explains how you will benefit by voting for Jim and what might happen if you don't.
Instructions
1. Describe the need for the proposal. What is the problem and why is the proposal necessary? Let's say, for example, you are proposing an advertising campaign about new recycling laws. In your purpose statement you might explain that people aren't recycling properly because they are unaware of the new laws and recycle.
2. Provide evidence to support your needs statement and include supporting data if possible. For example, the recycling company has reported that a high percentage of households are not conforming to recycling laws. As a result, they are sending contaminated loads to a landfill instead of recycling, and passing the disposal costs on to the municipality.
3. Describe previous attempts, if any, to address the problem or need. What was done to educate the community about the new laws, if anything? How is your proposal different?
4. Describe the expected outcome. Include who will benefit and how. For example, in the recycling example, you could explain the benefits as follows: individuals who recycle have a smaller environmental footprint, recycling helps divert waste from landfills and the municipality will save money on lower disposal bills.
5. Explain the consequences of not accepting the proposal, i.e.: The municipality is in danger of losing its current contract with the recycling company and may be subject to fines for failing to abide by the recycling laws; the municipality would have to pass added costs onto households, which would not improve the popularity of elected officials; and there would be a long-term environmental impact from not diverting waste from landfills.
Tags: recycling laws, example recycling, from landfills, purpose statement, recycling company