The SayPro Development Quarterly Writing and Journalism Competitions (SCDR 3.12) aim to promote excellence in writing and journalism on topics relevant to global development. A written submission is at the core of the competition, and it is essential that each participant adheres to the competition’s theme, guidelines, and technical requirements to ensure that their entry is valid and considered for evaluation.
In this section, we will provide a comprehensive guide to SayPro Written Submissions, including what constitutes an original submission, how to ensure the work adheres to the competition’s theme, and a breakdown of the required file formats, word count, and other technical guidelines.
1. Originality and Relevance to the Theme
The core requirement of a SayPro Written Submission is that the work must be original and must address the current quarterly theme of the competition. This ensures that the submissions are fresh, creative, and reflective of the participants’ unique perspectives.
a) Originality
- Definition: Each submission must be a unique piece of writing created by the participant, without copying, plagiarizing, or reusing previously submitted or published content.
- Verification: Participants may be asked to confirm that their work is original and that they hold the rights to their submission. SayPro may use plagiarism detection software to ensure the originality of the submissions.
b) Relevance to the Theme
- Theme Guidelines: The competition will set a quarterly theme that participants must address in their submission. This theme could revolve around any aspect of global development, such as environmental sustainability, social justice, technology in development, or economic challenges. Participants must ensure that their work directly reflects or discusses aspects of the theme.
- Examples of Theme Interpretation: If the theme is “Sustainable Development in Emerging Economies,” a relevant essay could analyze the challenges faced by emerging economies in achieving sustainability, whereas an opinion piece might advocate for certain policy solutions to these challenges.
2. Adherence to Submission Guidelines
To ensure that all entries are evaluated fairly and consistently, it is critical that participants adhere to the submission guidelines set out by SayPro. This includes meeting specific formatting standards, adhering to word count limits, and using acceptable file formats.
a) File Formats
- Acceptable Formats: Participants must submit their work in one of the accepted file formats to ensure compatibility with SayPro’s submission and judging systems.
- Preferred Formats:
.docx(Microsoft Word),.pdf, or.txtare generally acceptable file formats. - Unacceptable Formats: Submissions in formats like
.jpgor.png(image files) or.html(webpage files) will not be accepted.
- Preferred Formats:
- Formatting Tips:
- For Word Documents: Ensure that any hyperlinks are properly linked, headers are formatted consistently, and the document is free of excessive styling (e.g., unusual fonts or colors).
- For PDFs: Make sure that the text is selectable (not just an image), as this ensures it can be properly read and reviewed.
b) Word Count
- Word Limit: Each entry must meet the specified word count for its category (e.g., Articles may have a limit of 1,500 words, while Opinion Pieces might be capped at 800 words). These limits are set to ensure consistency and allow for fair judging.
- Participants should strictly adhere to the word count. Submissions that exceed the maximum word count will likely be penalized or disqualified.
- Word Count Exclusions: The word count typically excludes the title, author’s name, and references or bibliography (if applicable).
- Word Count Tools: Participants can use built-in word count tools in word processors (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs) to check their word count before submission.
c) Formatting Requirements
- Font and Spacing: Submissions should use standard, readable fonts and spacing.
- Font: Generally, Times New Roman or Arial in 12-point font is preferred.
- Line Spacing: The text should be double-spaced to ensure readability for the judges.
- Margins: Standard margins (1-inch on all sides) should be used.
- Headers and Footers: Participants should ensure that any headers or footers do not interfere with the body of the submission. The header should include the title of the submission and the participant’s name.
- Numbering: It is often helpful to number the pages of a longer submission for clarity, particularly if the submission exceeds one page.
- Citation Style (if applicable): If the submission requires referencing external sources, participants should follow a consistent citation style, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago. The style should be used uniformly throughout the work.
d) Additional Guidelines
- No Watermarks or Identifiers: To ensure anonymity during the judging process, participants should avoid adding watermarks, personal identifiers, or biographical details (other than those collected in the registration form) in the submission itself. This ensures a fair and unbiased review process.
- Title Page: A title page is optional but can be included if necessary. This should contain the title of the submission, the participant’s name, and any other required details as per the competition rules.
3. Types of Submissions and Categories
Each written submission must fall within one of the specified categories, and the content must align with the format requirements for that category.
a) Categories of Submission
- Article: A journalistic piece that presents factual information or an in-depth exploration of a particular topic. Articles should be objective and may include interviews, case studies, or data-driven analysis.
- Essay: A more structured and formal analysis of a subject, often exploring a theme or concept in depth. Essays may involve theoretical analysis or reflection on global development issues and should have a clear argument or thesis.
- Opinion Piece: A piece that expresses the participant’s personal views or perspective on a relevant topic. Opinion pieces should present well-supported arguments and offer insights or suggestions related to the theme. These submissions are subjective and may include a call to action or personal reflections.
- Other: For submissions that do not fit into the above categories but still meet the general guidelines. This could include creative writing or multi-media submissions (if allowed by the competition rules).
b) Submitting Across Categories
- Multiple Submissions: Participants may be allowed to submit more than one entry across different categories, provided they meet all requirements for each individual submission.
- Category-Specific Requirements: Each category may have specific requirements in terms of tone, structure, or style. For example, an article may require more factual reporting and fewer personal opinions, while an essay may need a deeper exploration of theory or ideas. Participants should read the category-specific instructions carefully.
4. Submission Process
Once the written submission is finalized, participants must follow the instructions on how to submit their work to ensure it is received and processed correctly.
a) Online Submission Portal
- Participants will typically submit their entries through SayPro’s online submission platform. After logging in, they will be able to upload their work, along with the registration form, directly through the platform.
- The submission deadline will be clearly outlined on the competition website, and it is the responsibility of the participant to ensure that their entry is submitted on time.
b) Confirmation of Submission
- Upon successful submission, participants should receive an automatic confirmation email from SayPro acknowledging receipt of their work. This email will include the submission ID, a summary of the entry, and any next steps in the competition process.
5. Evaluation Criteria
Once the submissions are received, they will be evaluated by the judging panel. Judges will review each written submission based on several criteria, including:
- Creativity: How original and innovative is the approach to the theme?
- Relevance: Does the submission directly address the competition’s theme and provide valuable insights on the subject matter?
- Writing Quality: Is the writing clear, well-structured, and free from grammatical or stylistic errors?
- Impact: Does the submission provoke thought, inspire action, or offer a fresh perspective on global development?
Conclusion
A SayPro Written Submission for the Development Quarterly Writing and Journalism Competitions (SCDR 3.12) must be an original and well-crafted piece of writing that aligns with the theme and meets all formatting and technical guidelines. By adhering to the word count, using appropriate file formats, and following the submission guidelines, participants can ensure that their work is properly evaluated. The submission process is designed to be straightforward, but attention to detail is essential to ensure that entries are eligible for competition. Following these guidelines will help participants present their best work and increase their chances of success in the competition.
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