WFPG VOICES - BLOG POST GUIDLINES
altWFPG VOICES, the WFPG blog is a forum for WFPG members and policy experts to share their perspectives on international issues. This opportunity will enhance the voices of those who make up and support WFPG. WFPG Members are invited to submit blog posts on international affairs and foreign policy topics, women's leadership, career advancement, and Women's Foreign Policy Group programs. Students and recent graduates are encouraged to co-author pieces with one of their professors, colleagues or fellow members. Posts represent the reflections and personal views of members and guest bloggers and not those of the WFPG.
GUIDELINES FOR SUBMITTING A BLOG POST
Are you interested in submitting a post?  Here are some general guidelines:

AUDIENCE: Generally, our goal is to reach out to members of the public who have an interest in US foreign policy, from advocates to practitioners and experts. Craft a fresh article with relevant and practical takeaways for our readers.

ORIGINAL CONTENT: We appreciate original content. However, we also understand that some bloggers may want to re-post their submissions written for WFPG. There are no restrictions, but we request that if you re-post to another site that you link to wfpg.org. You are also invited to re-post on wfpg.org blogs written for other website publications, should you have the rights to re-post the content. Our intent is to be a policy sharing space for women involved in US foreign policy.

SCOPE: We welcome timely topics that are written with a “wide angle” lens so that the blog has resonance that extends beyond the time frame in which it is written. Again, aim for fresh perspectives with “takeaways” for our readers.

VOICE, TONE, STYLE AND LENGTH: WFPG is a non-partisan organization and we ask that blogs strive for impartiality.
  • If policy analyses are critical, we urge that writers link to independent sources to support their views.
  • If you have a connection to the topic, state it clearly in the blog.
  • Avoid self-promotion. That lends to your credibility as a writer. However, if you were a participant at a key policy discussion, noting your participation lends to your credibility as a writer. If there is any doubt about the difference, editors will lend guidance. The post may not include marketing-related links.
  • Be as concise as possible. Blogs should be 600 to 1000 words. While some issues may require more content, shorter items are also welcome.
PROVIDE LINKS TO SOURCES YOU USE OR QUOTE: Give credit where credit is due. If references are included to other sources, please link to those sources to ensure accuracy.

PHOTOS: Photos are strongly encouraged, but please do not send photos that are not from your organization, your collection, or that are not in the public domain, as we cannot use third-party photos without permission.

BIOS: Please include a one-sentence biography at the end of your blog. You are free to include your twitter handle and a link to your website or full bio on another website.

HOW TO SUBMIT: Before submitting your final piece, we encourage you to reach out to us with your proposed topic or abstract. All submissions can be sent to [email protected] as a Word document or a Google doc.

EDITING: Editing will be shared with the author for joint approval prior to posting on the website.
REMEMBER, A SUCCESSFUL BLOG POST
  1. IS FOCUSED AND TO THE POINT - Select one idea or concept and make sure you have a topic sentence with your main point to grab the reader so they continue reading. Keep your sentences short and keep it concise.
  2. MAKES AN ARGUMENT and provides clear advice and recommendations. Give us your opinion, don’t be vague or write in passive voice.
  3. HAS A COMPELLING TITLE - Spend some time thinking about your headline to emphasize your central point and draw in readers.
  4. ENDS ON A STRONG NOTE - Your final paragraph should summarize your argument with a catchy, thought-provoking final sentence.
And don't forget to PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD!