This essay by CGD director of communications and policy Lawrence MacDonald and senior fellow and vice president for programs and operations Ruth Levine describes a variety of approaches and techniques that the Center for Global Development has used to achieve its mission: applying the results of rigorous research and policy analysis to help improve the policies and practices of the rich world towards development. It outlines an emerging 12-step program that the Center's staff has applied successfully in a variety of policy contexts, with particular attention to how the Center has tracked the impact of these initiatives. The essay concludes with suggestions for improving the field of policy advocacy impact evaluation more broadly.

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The multi-billion dollar U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is up for renewal, a large budget increase, and an updated strategy. Some observers have suggested that it also needs a new name, to better reflect the long-term nature of the challenge and broad-based support that the program will need to survive. With these concerns in mind, CGD's HIV/AIDS Monitor team invited suggestions from our readers. We received dozens of good ideas and put the six most promising names to a vote. And the winner (drum roll, please) is AIDS and Healthcare Leadership Program (AIDSHELP), submitted by Nicolas Cook. Congratulations Nicolas!

Find out why we think AIDSHELP won