http://wiki.ussocialforum.net/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=129.74.59.171&feedformat=atomUS Social Forum Wiki - person's contributions [en]2021-08-05T23:57:49Zperson's contributionsMediaWiki 1.27.4http://wiki.ussocialforum.net/index.php?title=People%27s_University_of_the_USSF&diff=7755People's University of the USSF2010-04-28T15:56:05Z<p>129.74.59.171: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{People's University Discussions}}<br />
== The People's University of the USSF==<br />
<br />
The purpose of the People's University of the [[USSF]] is to:<br />
<br />
:* Expand collaborations between scholars, students and social movement organizers to generate knowledge that responds to the needs of social justice movements and that involves organizers in the analysis and dissemination of research;<br />
<br />
:* Decentralize knowledge-production by cultivating research skills among young people and other learners and by creating opportunities for youth and other movement activists to contribute to research on our movements;<br />
<br />
:* Expand popular access to knowledge through online courses, bibliographies, discussion materials, etc.<br />
<br />
<br />
: Also, building on a series of ongoing conversations among scholar-activists and student-activists at various regional, local, and [[World Social Forum]]s, the People's University aims to support the efforts of scholar activists to:<br />
::* Fight the impacts of neoliberalism on college campuses (including work for the rights of campus workers and to expand public financing of higher education); <br />
::* Defend the knowledge commons by resisting the commodification of knowledge;<br />
::* Support civil society and movements for social justice.<br />
<br />
THIS [[WIKI]] SITE IS AN EXPERIMENT: We want to develop ideas for the Peoples University and explore ways of using it as a structure to build our movement for global justice. It builds upon the ideas of Boaventura de Sousa Santos, who first proposed a '''"Popular University of the Social Movements"''' in conjunction with the global justice movement [http://www.ces.uc.pt/universidadepopular/Popular%20University%20of%20the%20Social%20Movements.pdf]. <br />
<br />
<br />
We will be meeting at the USSF in Detroit at a workshop to develop this idea into concrete proposals for action. We invite your ideas and input on this project, which will be used to help organize the workshop [send to: peoplesu@ussf2010.org].<br />
<br />
==Projects of the People's University of the USSF==<br />
<br />
* Collaborative research projects<br />
: ''The United States Social Forum: Perspectives of a Movement'' [http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/the-united-states-social-forum-perspectives-of-a-movement/8357341]<br />
<br />
::This book brings together the reflections and analyses of the first USSF by the folks who helped make it happen.<br />
<br />
* Popular education initiatives on the USSF in Detroit<br />
** '''Student & Scholar Conference on the USSF and World Social Forums''', '''June 21, 2010''', Wayne State University Campus, Detroit. '''CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS[[http://irows.ucr.edu/conferences/ussf10conf/ussf10conf.htm]]'''<br />
<br />
** Toolkit for local presentations and discussion groups--COMING SOON!<br />
**" [[USSF 101]]" Online Course--COMING SOON!<br />
** Build a people's library in Detroit--COMING SOON!<br />
<br />
* Linking movements and learning across the U.S. and [[Global Movements]]<br />
** [[Documenting and Evaluating]] the USSF planning process<br />
*** Report on Views of the WSF by U.S. Civil Society Groups [[Media:Another_US_is_Possible_-_research_report_-_Junge_and_Korona.pdf | pdf]]<br />
* Collaborative research on the USSF and [[World Social Forum Process]]<br />
:<br />
;[[Collaborative Space for Social Forum Research]]<br />
:<br />
To volunteer or share your ideas on this initiative, visit the "talk page" tab on the top of this wiki or contact peoplesu@ussf2010.org<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Site Map]]</div>129.74.59.171http://wiki.ussocialforum.net/index.php?title=USSF_Working_in_Public&diff=7104USSF Working in Public2010-03-24T19:12:27Z<p>129.74.59.171: /* March */</p>
<hr />
<div><noinclude>[[AlternativeHomePage|< back home]]<br />
; We work in public for two reasons, transparency and to have you join us.</noinclude><br />
{{RightTOC}}<br />
==March==<br />
# Be Magazine [http://www.bemagazine.org/?p=1370 “March to Fulfill the Dream”]<br />
# Great [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKSH2pe8NaE 2007 invitation video]<br />
# Audio: [http://soundcloud.com/ussocialforum/sets/us-social-forum-basics-the-online-info-session US Social Forum Basics: The Online Info Session!]<br />
# Daily Kos: [http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/3/21/842715/-The-Left-is-Coming!-The-Left-is-Coming Daily KosThe Left is Coming! The Left is Coming!! ]<br />
# [http://transformativechange.org/transform/2010/03/transformative-social-change-ussfplans/ Transformative Social Change at US Social Forum: Plans in Progress, Get Involved]<br />
# [[Project South]] [http://www.projectsouth.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=21 The SouthEast Organize's Guide] ([http://www.projectsouth.org/images/stories/pdfs/peoplesmovementassembly/se-organizer%20guide-2010-smaller.pdf pdf])<br />
# Wiki: [[Rob Yanagida]] working on [[Asian Pacific Islander American outreach]]<br />
# YouTube: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcgzXvM1qQo Detroit People's Movement Assembly]<br />
# Yes: [http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/america-the-remix/on-the-road-to-detroit-how-to-get-to-the-us-social-forum-2010?utm_source=tw&utm_medium=socmed&utm_content=Staff_USSF&utm_campaign=100313_SayYesSat On the Road to Detroit: How to Get to the U.S. Social Forum 2010]<br />
# Flickr: [http://www.flickr.com/photos/ussocialforum/sets/72157623351049513/show/ amazing photo slide show of the @USSF Detroit People's Movement]<br />
# [[Adrienne Maree Brown]]: [http://adriennemareebrown.net/blog/?p=1325 live blog of the detroit people’s movement assembly]<br />
# [http://wiki.ussf2010.org/wiki/USSF_Writers_Network Writer's Network] update: [[March 11, 2010]]<br />
# News: Moved the old front page here: [[OLD: USSF Planning Wiki]] to be worked into this version of the home page.<br />
# History of Detroit: [http://www.flypmedia.com/issues/23/#1/1 video flip]<br />
# Call for action: [http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=387605297904&1&index=0 Change:: The Music--2010 U.S. Social Forum Multimedia Arts Project]<br />
# News: [http://www.organizingupgrade.com/2010/03/2010-social-forum/ Interview Harmony Goldberg] did with [[Cindy Wiesner]]<br />
# News: [http://www.etruth.com/Know/News/Story.aspx?id=507320&fcid=Know-NEW/UPDATED ND professor wants local people to attend social justice forum]<br />
# Phone Call-In: [http://ussf2010.org/node/127 Information Sessions] throughout the month<br />
# News: [[Adrienne Maree Brown]] interviewed for [[USSF]] at [http://markrudd.progressiveradionetwork.org/ Mark Rudd's] Progressive Radio Network<br />
# We are excited to announce publication of the USSF 2007 book, [http://stores.lulu.com/changemaker The United States Social Forum: Perspectives of a Movement] edited by the [[USSF Book Committee]] ([http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/the-united-states-social-forum-perspectives-of-a-movement/8357341 book page]).<br />
# [http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/america-the-remix/us-social-forum-forging-alliances-a-movement-of-movements?utm_source=tw&utm_medium=socmed&utm_content=GreenA_USSF&utm_campaign=100307_USSF US Social Forum: Forging Alliances, a Movement of Movements ]<br />
<br />
==February==<br />
** We are starting the [[Email Sequencing Calendar]]<br />
<br />
==January==<br />
** [[Facebook]]: [http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=315278494883&index=1 Philly Road to the US Social Forum - Open Meeting 2.0]<br />
** Check out our [[Graphics]]<br />
** Launched registration<br />
** National meeting in Albuquerque<br />
<br />
==Earlier info==<br />
** [[USSF Wiki Calendar - Past Activity Listings]]</div>129.74.59.171http://wiki.ussocialforum.net/index.php?title=Template:USSFwikiNews&diff=7103Template:USSFwikiNews2010-03-24T19:11:44Z<p>129.74.59.171: </p>
<hr />
<div><noinclude>; [[USSF Planning Wiki|< back]]</noinclude><br />
{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" width="1135px" background-color:"#AACCAA"; border:"1px" style="padding-top:0px; border:1px solid #35727A;"<br />
|align="center" colspan="3" style="background-color:#eeffdf; padding-top:0px; padding-right:0px; padding-left:0px; padding-bottom:0px;" valign="top"|<br />
{| style="margin:0; width:100%; background:#E96806; font-family:sans-serif; font-size:120%; text-align:left; color:#ffffff; padding-left:0.4em; padding-top:0em; padding-bottom:0em;"<br />
|''We are [[:Category:Directory of People|<span style="color:white;">USSF activists & staff</span>]] - [[USSF Working in Public|<span style="color:white;">Working in Public</span>]]'' <br />
|}<br />
|-<br />
|align="left" style="background-color:#eeffdf; padding-top:5px; padding-right:10px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:10px;" valign="top"|<br />
<div style="float: left; width: 22%;"><br />
'''Navigation''' <small><span class = plainlinks>([http://wiki.ussf2010.org/index.php?title=Template:USSFwikiNews&action=edit edit])</span></small><br />
* [[Please Login]]<br />
* [[Calendar]]<br />
* [[:Category:Site Map|Site Map]]<br />
* [[:Category:OpenNotes|Notes]]<br />
<br />
'''Working Together'''<br />
* [[National Planning Committee]] (NPC)<br />
* [[Detroit Local Organizing Committee|Detroit Local Organizing Cmte]] (DLOC)<br />
* [[Organizing Committee]] (OC)<br />
* [[Working Groups]] [[:Category:Working Groups & Committees|(category)]]<br />
* [[http://wiki.ussf2010.org/wiki/USSF_Writers_Network Writer's Network]] [[:Category:Writer's_Network|(category)]]<br />
* [[People's University of the USSF]]<br />
<br />
'''News'''<br />
* [[Press and People Stories|Press-People Stories]]<br />
<br />
'''Random'''<br />
* [[:Category:Directory of People|Directory of People]]<br />
* [[:Category:Directory of Groups|Directory of Groups]]<br />
* [[Get involved!]]<br />
* [[:Category:Acronyms used in this community|Acronyms used in this community]]<br />
</div><br />
<div style="float: left; width: 50%; height:600px; overflow:auto;"><br />
[[Image:VerticleLineTest.png|left]]<br />
{{:USSF WorkingInPublic}}<br />
</div><br />
<div style="float: right; width: 22%;"><br />
{{Planning Calendar - Front Page}}<br />
</div><br />
|}</div>129.74.59.171http://wiki.ussocialforum.net/index.php?title=USSF_Wiki_Calendar_2010_1_21&diff=5043USSF Wiki Calendar 2010 1 212010-01-14T22:14:05Z<p>129.74.59.171: </p>
<hr />
<div>Registration Drive Continues!<br />
<br />
PMA Planning Meeting in Detroit<br />
<br />
Communications Working Group Call 4PM EST, 1PM Pacific</div>129.74.59.171http://wiki.ussocialforum.net/index.php?title=USSF_Wiki_Calendar_2010_1_21&diff=5042USSF Wiki Calendar 2010 1 212010-01-14T22:12:34Z<p>129.74.59.171: </p>
<hr />
<div>Registration Drive Continues!<br />
<br />
PMA Planning Meeting in Detroit<br />
<br />
Communications Working Group Call 4PM</div>129.74.59.171http://wiki.ussocialforum.net/index.php?title=U.S._Social_Forum_Writer%27s_Network&diff=4404U.S. Social Forum Writer's Network2009-12-02T21:06:21Z<p>129.74.59.171: /* How do I join? */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{RightTOC}}<br />
The USSF Writers Network is part of the [[Communications Working Group]] for the [[US Social Forum]]. We will work to help raise public awareness about the [[USSF]] and the issues it addresses among the many diverse groups that make up our country. We aim to:<br />
* '''broaden participation in the [[USSF]]''', particularly among groups most excluded from mainstream politics, <br />
* '''expand networks among diverse media practitioners''' in a collaborative effort to disseminate information and stories about the [[USSF]], <br />
* '''inform members and the public''' about the US Social Forum and the larger World Social Forum process (See [[USSF Resources Page]]), and<br />
* '''increase awareness and understandings of the global movement''' of which the [[USSF]] is part.<br />
<br />
<br />
''"Let’s make a network of communication among all our struggles and resistances. An intercontinental network of alternative communication against neoliberalism… (and) for humanity. This intercontinental network of alternative communication will weave the channels so that words may travel all the roads that resist… (It) will be the medium by which distinct resistances communicate with one another. This intercontinental network of alternative communication is not an organizing structure, nor has a central head or decision maker, nor does it have a central command or hierarchies. We are the network, all of us who speak and listen."'' <br />
--Subcomandante Marcos<br />
<br />
==Who we are:==<br />
* Writers (amateur and professional)<br />
* Poets<br />
* Visual artists<br />
* Journalists<br />
* Sociologists without Borders<br />
* Activists<br />
* Regular Folks<br />
<br />
We are responding to and helping build a movement for social justice in the United States and to support the [[World Social Forum]] process. Our aim is to help the exploited, excluded, downtrodden, hopeless, underpaid, overworked, unemployed--and all those who need hope—see that [[Another World is Possible]]. The [[U.S. Social Forum]] is a way we can, together, make that world a reality.<br />
<br />
==What do I do?==<br />
<br />
By committing just a few hours per month, you can be a part of our historic effort to build the movement for social justice in the U.S. <br />
<br />
Participants in the Writers Network commit to do the following actions in support of the [[USSF]]: <br />
* Write at least one essay, op-ed, news analysis, or other piece per month for general audience news sources to help educate the wider U.S. public about the [[USSF]], the people it involves, and/or the issues it addresses; and/or<br />
* Write at least three analyses, poems, opinion pieces, announcements, etc. in specialized publications targeting particular audiences of activists, community gruops, professionals, or other publics who should know about the [[USSF]] and/or who can contribute to the work of the [[USSF]]; &<br />
* Following the [[USSF]], write and speak to inform the U.S. public about the [[USSF]]'s discussions ideas for advancing the goals of social movement cooperation and progressive social change in this country; &<br />
* Encourage friends and colleagues to make financial contributions to support the [[USSF]]. The costs of this meeting are high, and organizers also seek to raise money to increase participation from low-income activists. Costs will be met through registration fees, donations, and corporate or foundation grants; &/or<br />
* Speak to journalists and/or activists in participants’ own communities about the USSF and encourage local participation in and/or media coverage of the forum;<br />
*Be creative in using ''[[Wikipedia:Social_media| Social Media]]'' to spread the word about the USSF.<br />
<br />
Writers Network members will receive regular updates on relevant developments in [[USSF]] planning, ideas for stories, and suggestions for finding publication outlets for material.<br />
<br />
==How do I join?==<br />
<br />
Subscribe to the mailing list by going to https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/writers_network<br />
<br />
Once you are subscribed, you'll receive bi-weekly messages with updates and suggestions for timely articles or essays on the USSF process. We'll also include any additional suggestions we hear for getting your writing out into the world. This list is an announcement list only, so there won't be more than 2-4 messages per month. If you'd like to send information that you wish to have made available to the network, email writers@ussf2010.org .<br />
<br />
<br />
**Encourage others to join the network by spreading the [[Call for Participation]]<br />
<br />
==Writing tips==<br />
<br />
====Here are some tips on how to pitch your articles to local media outlets====<br />
<br />
* Contact your institution’s office of media relations, vice president for news, or any other public relations body. They will have contact information for opinion page editors at local newspapers and magazines. They can also be quite helpful in trying to place opinion pieces by faculty members to larger media organizations.<br />
* Media strategy suggestions from Eric Brown, Communications Director, Center for a New American Dream http://www.timeday.org/book-appendix-c.asp<br />
* The [[Progressive Media Project]] accepts and edits commentaries from activist, advocates or other specialists and distributes them via the [[McClatchy-Tribune News Service]] to leading metropolitan newspapers around the country. You can find the submission guidelines at: http://progressive.org/pmp_submit<br />
* Keyword searches on Google News, Lexis/Nexis or other news databases will allow you to search for major newspapers or publications in particular states that have featured articles or topics similar to yours in the past. Once you find print or electronic publications that seem likely to run your piece, you can find the opinion editor’s contact information from the publication’s Web site and write directly to that person.<br />
** Google Alerts will help keep you up to date with news of interest to you.<br />
* The following links contain useful guidelines for writing opinion pieces and pitching them to the media:<br />
** http://www.virginia.edu/topnews/facultyopinions/about.html<br />
** http://www.landmines.org/getinvolved/startacampaign/media.cfm<br />
* After submitting your article to the USSF Writers’ Network website, contact only one other media outlet at a time to avoid multiple publications. If a particular outlet rejects your piece, then you may send it to another publication.<br />
<br />
====Write like the media====<br />
<br />
Scan the publications or Web sites you would like to target and see how their pieces are written. You don’t have to compromise your own writing style or content, but an editor will be more inclined to feature your article if you emulate the publication’s general writing style. Most journalistic writing, including opinion pieces, aim to be clear, concise and to the point. Paragraphs are short, usually no more than three sentences. Active voice is always best. Keep in mind that articles for the Web tend to be shorter than those written for print publications.<br />
<br />
* Surf the Web. With some internet searching, you can find submission guidelines to various progressive media Web sites. Here are a few to start with and the links to their submission guidelines: <br />
**The [[Progressive Media Project]]: http://progressive.org/pmp_submit <br />
** [[CommonDreams.org]]: http://www.commondreams.org/submissions.htm <br />
** [[TomPaine.com]]: http://www.tompaine.com/contact <br />
** [[Independent Media Center]]: http://indymedia.org/en/index.shtml (click the ‘PUBLISH’ link and follow directions)<br />
<br />
* Follow-up is important. Newspapers receive hundreds of submissions every day, and Web sites probably receive much more. Personal follow-up is important to distinguish yourself and your work from the masses. If you submit to a print publication, follow-up with a phone call rather than an e-mail. The same is true for Web sites if you can find the editor’s phone number on the site. Otherwise, send an e-mail. Follow-up strategies vary. Once you start doing it, you will find what works best for you. <br />
<br />
* Track your stories. Publications, especially Web sites, don’t always let you know that they have published your article. It is important to keep checking the papers and sites to see if your story pops up. When it does, report back to us with the name of the publication or Web site, the date it ran your story (if it’s a print publication), and any other relevant information. <br />
<br />
* It’s who you know. If you have or make any contacts or connections to editors or writers at progressive media publications, talk to them. Talk to them a lot. Tell them about the USSF Writers’ Network. Ask if they are interested in more articles by our writers. Perhaps they would like to publish one every week. Perhaps more. Finally, tell us about any connections you have made.<br />
<br />
====Report your successes====<br />
<br />
* As soon as your piece is published, please send it (or a link to it) to writers@ussf2010.org . Tell us the details: who printed your piece, date of publication, and web site address of your article if it appears online. We will keep a record of sources that have featured pieces from our Writers’ Network and when. <br />
<br />
* If you find any publications that seem likely to publish other pieces from our Writers’ Network or other media outlets that accept submissions, let us know so we can share the information with the other writers.<br />
<br />
==Resources, Background Information, and Important Updates==<br />
<br />
See: [[USSF Resources Page]]<br />
<br />
For the latest news and updates, see: [[USSF Updates]]</div>129.74.59.171http://wiki.ussocialforum.net/index.php?title=U.S._Social_Forum_Writer%27s_Network&diff=4403U.S. Social Forum Writer's Network2009-12-02T21:04:56Z<p>129.74.59.171: /* Report your successes */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{RightTOC}}<br />
The USSF Writers Network is part of the [[Communications Working Group]] for the [[US Social Forum]]. We will work to help raise public awareness about the [[USSF]] and the issues it addresses among the many diverse groups that make up our country. We aim to:<br />
* '''broaden participation in the [[USSF]]''', particularly among groups most excluded from mainstream politics, <br />
* '''expand networks among diverse media practitioners''' in a collaborative effort to disseminate information and stories about the [[USSF]], <br />
* '''inform members and the public''' about the US Social Forum and the larger World Social Forum process (See [[USSF Resources Page]]), and<br />
* '''increase awareness and understandings of the global movement''' of which the [[USSF]] is part.<br />
<br />
<br />
''"Let’s make a network of communication among all our struggles and resistances. An intercontinental network of alternative communication against neoliberalism… (and) for humanity. This intercontinental network of alternative communication will weave the channels so that words may travel all the roads that resist… (It) will be the medium by which distinct resistances communicate with one another. This intercontinental network of alternative communication is not an organizing structure, nor has a central head or decision maker, nor does it have a central command or hierarchies. We are the network, all of us who speak and listen."'' <br />
--Subcomandante Marcos<br />
<br />
==Who we are:==<br />
* Writers (amateur and professional)<br />
* Poets<br />
* Visual artists<br />
* Journalists<br />
* Sociologists without Borders<br />
* Activists<br />
* Regular Folks<br />
<br />
We are responding to and helping build a movement for social justice in the United States and to support the [[World Social Forum]] process. Our aim is to help the exploited, excluded, downtrodden, hopeless, underpaid, overworked, unemployed--and all those who need hope—see that [[Another World is Possible]]. The [[U.S. Social Forum]] is a way we can, together, make that world a reality.<br />
<br />
==What do I do?==<br />
<br />
By committing just a few hours per month, you can be a part of our historic effort to build the movement for social justice in the U.S. <br />
<br />
Participants in the Writers Network commit to do the following actions in support of the [[USSF]]: <br />
* Write at least one essay, op-ed, news analysis, or other piece per month for general audience news sources to help educate the wider U.S. public about the [[USSF]], the people it involves, and/or the issues it addresses; and/or<br />
* Write at least three analyses, poems, opinion pieces, announcements, etc. in specialized publications targeting particular audiences of activists, community gruops, professionals, or other publics who should know about the [[USSF]] and/or who can contribute to the work of the [[USSF]]; &<br />
* Following the [[USSF]], write and speak to inform the U.S. public about the [[USSF]]'s discussions ideas for advancing the goals of social movement cooperation and progressive social change in this country; &<br />
* Encourage friends and colleagues to make financial contributions to support the [[USSF]]. The costs of this meeting are high, and organizers also seek to raise money to increase participation from low-income activists. Costs will be met through registration fees, donations, and corporate or foundation grants; &/or<br />
* Speak to journalists and/or activists in participants’ own communities about the USSF and encourage local participation in and/or media coverage of the forum;<br />
*Be creative in using ''[[Wikipedia:Social_media| Social Media]]'' to spread the word about the USSF.<br />
<br />
Writers Network members will receive regular updates on relevant developments in [[USSF]] planning, ideas for stories, and suggestions for finding publication outlets for material.<br />
<br />
==How do I join?==<br />
<br />
Subscribe to the mailing list by going to https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/writers_network<br />
<br />
Once you are subscribed, you'll receive bi-weekly messages with updates and suggestions for timely articles or essays on the USSF process. We'll also include any additional suggestions we hear for getting your writing out into the world. This list is an announcement list only, so there won't be more than 2-4 messages per month. If you'd like to send information that you wish to have made available to the network, email ussfwriters@gmail.com.<br />
<br />
<br />
**Encourage others to join the network by spreading the [[Call for Participation]]<br />
<br />
==Writing tips==<br />
<br />
====Here are some tips on how to pitch your articles to local media outlets====<br />
<br />
* Contact your institution’s office of media relations, vice president for news, or any other public relations body. They will have contact information for opinion page editors at local newspapers and magazines. They can also be quite helpful in trying to place opinion pieces by faculty members to larger media organizations.<br />
* Media strategy suggestions from Eric Brown, Communications Director, Center for a New American Dream http://www.timeday.org/book-appendix-c.asp<br />
* The [[Progressive Media Project]] accepts and edits commentaries from activist, advocates or other specialists and distributes them via the [[McClatchy-Tribune News Service]] to leading metropolitan newspapers around the country. You can find the submission guidelines at: http://progressive.org/pmp_submit<br />
* Keyword searches on Google News, Lexis/Nexis or other news databases will allow you to search for major newspapers or publications in particular states that have featured articles or topics similar to yours in the past. Once you find print or electronic publications that seem likely to run your piece, you can find the opinion editor’s contact information from the publication’s Web site and write directly to that person.<br />
** Google Alerts will help keep you up to date with news of interest to you.<br />
* The following links contain useful guidelines for writing opinion pieces and pitching them to the media:<br />
** http://www.virginia.edu/topnews/facultyopinions/about.html<br />
** http://www.landmines.org/getinvolved/startacampaign/media.cfm<br />
* After submitting your article to the USSF Writers’ Network website, contact only one other media outlet at a time to avoid multiple publications. If a particular outlet rejects your piece, then you may send it to another publication.<br />
<br />
====Write like the media====<br />
<br />
Scan the publications or Web sites you would like to target and see how their pieces are written. You don’t have to compromise your own writing style or content, but an editor will be more inclined to feature your article if you emulate the publication’s general writing style. Most journalistic writing, including opinion pieces, aim to be clear, concise and to the point. Paragraphs are short, usually no more than three sentences. Active voice is always best. Keep in mind that articles for the Web tend to be shorter than those written for print publications.<br />
<br />
* Surf the Web. With some internet searching, you can find submission guidelines to various progressive media Web sites. Here are a few to start with and the links to their submission guidelines: <br />
**The [[Progressive Media Project]]: http://progressive.org/pmp_submit <br />
** [[CommonDreams.org]]: http://www.commondreams.org/submissions.htm <br />
** [[TomPaine.com]]: http://www.tompaine.com/contact <br />
** [[Independent Media Center]]: http://indymedia.org/en/index.shtml (click the ‘PUBLISH’ link and follow directions)<br />
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* Follow-up is important. Newspapers receive hundreds of submissions every day, and Web sites probably receive much more. Personal follow-up is important to distinguish yourself and your work from the masses. If you submit to a print publication, follow-up with a phone call rather than an e-mail. The same is true for Web sites if you can find the editor’s phone number on the site. Otherwise, send an e-mail. Follow-up strategies vary. Once you start doing it, you will find what works best for you. <br />
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* Track your stories. Publications, especially Web sites, don’t always let you know that they have published your article. It is important to keep checking the papers and sites to see if your story pops up. When it does, report back to us with the name of the publication or Web site, the date it ran your story (if it’s a print publication), and any other relevant information. <br />
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* It’s who you know. If you have or make any contacts or connections to editors or writers at progressive media publications, talk to them. Talk to them a lot. Tell them about the USSF Writers’ Network. Ask if they are interested in more articles by our writers. Perhaps they would like to publish one every week. Perhaps more. Finally, tell us about any connections you have made.<br />
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====Report your successes====<br />
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* As soon as your piece is published, please send it (or a link to it) to writers@ussf2010.org . Tell us the details: who printed your piece, date of publication, and web site address of your article if it appears online. We will keep a record of sources that have featured pieces from our Writers’ Network and when. <br />
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* If you find any publications that seem likely to publish other pieces from our Writers’ Network or other media outlets that accept submissions, let us know so we can share the information with the other writers.<br />
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==Resources, Background Information, and Important Updates==<br />
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See: [[USSF Resources Page]]<br />
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For the latest news and updates, see: [[USSF Updates]]</div>129.74.59.171