Whether you are a new, developing site or a Weed and Seed site well-practiced in its strategy, you have a story to tell. You don't have to write an article yourself; instead, fill out a story submission form. In-Sites staff will review the form and consult with you as necessary for additional information to write a complete story. You may want to also check out the following tips before starting your draft. If you have any questions, please e-mail Sharon Samber, In-Sites Editor. Finding the Right Words Don't start with a headline. Instead, consider the subject or event and think the story through. Write your story ideas in an outline based on an introduction, body, and conclusion. Organizing your thoughts in this manner makes the story flow smoothly and presents a clean wrap-up. Don't feel as though you have to impress the world with your writing ability, either. Develop your own writing tone. Start small. Report on an event, providing the who, what, where, when, and why. In-Sites editors will help you develop your story and before you know it, your feature will be complete. Finding the Right Type of Story In-Sites welcomes many different types of stories: What's working—What's working for your site in law enforcement; community policing; prevention, intervention, and treatment; neighborhood restoration; reentry; and American Indian/Alaska Native affairs? These stories may focus on initiatives that have been met with great success, approached in a nontraditional way, or strengthened your community as a whole. Weed and Seed implementation—How do you manage or organize your steering committee? What is the most valued, creative, or unique partnership supporting your strategy? Other than CCDO funding, where have you been successful securing additional resources and how? How has your site evaluated your strategy and what were your findings? Community trends—Are crime rates increasing or decreasing in your area? For what types of crime are they increasing or decreasing? What, if any, are the gang trends in your community? What are your quality-of-life issues (e.g., graffiti, boarded houses)? How do these issues affect the overall spirit of your community? If you are a new site and haven't made much progress in weeding out these types of issues, tell us about them. How would you like your neighborhood to look, and what plans have you made to take you there? Advice—Provide tips for your Weed and Seed peers. Profiles and interviews—Feature community leaders, top students, inspiring teachers, and so forth. Always include a photo. Success stories—Describe a problem in your community and how the problem was resolved. How were obstacles overcome? What partnerships and resources were needed? DEFY—Share approaches to Phase I and/or Phase II coordination, testimonials from mentors or youth, military perspectives, and creative budgeting strategies. How To Submit Information Submit articles and electronic photographs to— Sharon Samber, In-Sites Editor We accept printed and digital photos (72 to 120 dpi is preferred). Print photos and digital photos on CDs must be sent via FedEx. Photos should be clear in contrast and faces should be identifiable. Closeups are better than distance shots. Include the names and titles of everyone in the photo. If it's a large group, include the name or a general description of the group. Multiple photos are welcome. Please indicate if you would like photos returned to you. In-Sites tries to accommodate all submissions that cover events occurring in the previous 4 months. The In-Sites editor will contact you for any clarification needed (the more information you provide, the better). If you have any questions, contact Sharon Samber, In-Sites Editor, at 202–514–1233. |
