The Justice Train

Editorial Guidelines
General Processes
  • Bio/Headshot Update Request Form: Staff may use this form to submit updates to their bios and/or headshots on our website. Example updates include name changes, title changes, new information about what your role entails, etc.
  • ChatGPT FAQ: This FAQ answers questions about how ChatGPT and AI chatbots should and should not be used in your work at the CSG Justice Center.
  • Editorial Process: A brief overview of how the editorial process works at the CSG Justice Center, including developing content in Word and PPT.
  • Editorial Request Form: Staff should fill out this form to submit an editing request for anything that needs to be edited. See the Editorial Process doc above for more information.
  • Inclusive and Accessible Communications Principles: An overview of five principles of accessible content, including using inclusive and accessible language, being mindful of color contrast, and describing images.
  • Guide to Copyright Permissions: An overview of when, why, and how to request permission to reuse copyrighted material. The guide also includes explanations of fair use, public domain, and more.
Style Guide
  • Style Guide: Comprehensive guide to CSG Justice Center style, including grammar and punctuation, field-specific terminology, people-first language, and more.
  • Style Guide Cheat Sheet: Top 10 tips for following CSG Justice Center style (derived from the style guide).
  • Style Guide Cheat Sheet for Contractors: Tips geared toward external contractors/partners for following CSG Justice Center style.
  • Style Guide Training Session: Video recording of a training session conducted by the editors on key points in the CSG Justice Center style guide.
Plagiarism and Citation Guides
  • Plagiarism and Citation Guides: A plagiarism guide that explains the different types of plagiarism and how to avoid them and our citation guide, which explains the rules about when and how to cite sources in our products as per the Chicago Manual of Style. Includes dozens of citation examples.
PPT Development
  • PowerPoint Standard Practices: A detailed guide on design, content, and accessibility standards for PPT presentations. Includes a checklist to determine whether your slides meet the minimum requirements for CSG Justice Center standards.
  • PowerPoint Review Process: A brief overview of the steps involved in PPT review, including when to fill out our online event form and what to expect from editorial review.
  • PowerPoint Training Session: Video recording of a training session conducted by the editors on PPT standard practices.
  • PowerPoint Templates: Pre-made PPT templates to use for a variety of projects, including JMHCP, Stepping Up, and more.
Other Content Development
  • Application Templates: Templates to use for writing application web posts for technical assistance or learning communities/communities of practice.
  • Outline Development Guidance: Sample outline to help inform initial organization of content for a publication, resource, or web content you’re preparing to create.
  • Survey Development Guidance: Comprehensive guidance on how to construct a survey, including purpose, audience, and design; instructions and question stems; and response options.
  • Tips for Writing Q&A Articles: Tips on how to formulate interview questions for a Q&A and how to conduct the interview and edit the responses. Includes annotated Q&A article.
  • Writing and Presenting Trainings and Resources: A list of free and paid online classes, training sessions, and resources on how to improve your writing and presenting skills.

Follow the #ask-an-editor Slack channel for more information.

Event/Webinar Planning
  • Event Resources: Guidelines for writing speaker bios and workshop descriptions, how to name event attendees, and talking points for using polling in sessions.
  • In-Person Event Request Form: Form to request Communications support for an in-person event and coordinate the planning process with your public affairs manager.
  • Online Event Request Form: Form that needs to be filled out before kicking off any online event.
  • Justice Briefing Live Guidelines: Guidelines and requirements for hosting a Justice Briefing Live, a virtual event that promotes high-profile CSG Justice Center accomplishments.
Research Guidelines
  • Data Safety and Security Policy: Comprehensive document describing the policies and procedures the Research Division of the CSG Justice Center has adopted regarding data protection, storage, security, and disposal.
  • Interacting with Vulnerable Populations Policy: Comprehensive document outlining the policies and procedures the CSG Justice Center has adopted regarding interactions with vulnerable populations(e.g., focus groups, interviews, etc.), including people in prison or on community supervision.
  • Research and Data FAQ: This FAQ explains the difference between aggregate and case-level data, addresses why staff outside the Research Division generally do not have access to case-level data, and more.
  • Survey Development Guidance: Comprehensive guidance on how to construct a survey, including purpose, audience, and design; instructions and question stems; and response options.
Team Resources