UUSS Oak Leaf Guidelines for UUSS Unigram Articles

Guidelines were developed by the Unigram Committee to assist members and friends in preparing articles for the monthly Unigram. Any suggestions or questions regarding the Guidelines can be directed to the Unigram Committee via email at unigram@uuss.org.

General Information:

The Unigram is published monthly and is available via U.S. mail, e-mail and internet.

Unigram articles must be submitted by the 10th calendar day of the month prior to publication. For example, the deadline for articles for the October newsletter is September 10. Articles should be submitted electronically to unigram@uuss.org.

If you cannot send articles by e-mail, the article must be received in the UUSS office by the 10th of the month, or if the 10th falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the Friday before the 10th. Editors will respond via e-mail when an article is received.

Content, Format and Size of Articles:

  • All submissions must include new information. Articles that are the same every month — without any new facts, such as information about a special program, speaker, change in time for meeting — will not be published. These are considered calendar items.
  • Articles should focus on upcoming events that are not farther out than the month following the Unigram's publication date. If you want to mention future events, include a reminder to readers to watch for future articles in the Unigram announcing those events and dates.
  • Articles should be brief. Detailed biographical information about a speaker may be edited at the discretion of the editors depending on availability of space. Editors will keep brief biographical information and critical information regarding time, date, place, and any additional requirements for attendance at an event. Except for the standard messages from UUSS leaders, articles should be limited to around 160 words. Longer articles may be included if space permits or if the additional information is critical to the article.
  • Submit articles in simple text in Word format. Use "Unigram" in the "subject line" plus any other identifier.
  • If possible, use Century Schoolbook 10 pt. font.
  • Submit the text as simply as possible — without bolding, italics, full caps, boxes, graphics, etc.
  • If you would like some special treatment (such as front page, after or before something else, graphic or photo included), include instructions in your e-mail.

Protection of Sensitive Information:

Because it is accessible on the UUSS website, it is thus available to the entire world and open to scrutiny from all. For this reason, please observe the following rules regarding sensitive information contained in your articles:

  • Do not include last names of minors.
  • Only UUSS phone numbers, addresses and e-mail addresses will be published in the Internet version of the Unigram.
  • Phone numbers and e-mail addresses of contact persons for special events or interest groups may be published on the Internet unless a request is made not to publish.

Placement of Articles:

Articles on the front page should be of interest to the entire congregation. These might include such things as announcements for the "World Café" meetings, holiday events, and congregational meetings.

Other articles will be placed after the standard articles by UUSS leaders.

Editing:

If the editors find it necessary to omit an article or to make substantial cuts due to space constraints, the submitter will be notified prior to publication.

Guidelines Last Revised: November 2004 (Still Current as of 2010)