Style Guide for Rising Star Outreach

Created 27 September 2018

Courtney 11/20/18 11:17 AM
Comment [1]: Consider changing this to
Rising Star Outreach (http://risingstaroutreach.org/) is an organization dedicated to eradicating reflect when the style guide was updated,
leprosy in India. The need for such an organization is acute, since approximately three million as per the assignment sheet.

Indians suffer from the disease. Although medical treatment is readily available for leprosy,
those affected by the disease are shunned by their society and shamed into forming “leper
colonies,” of which India has over a thousand. Rising Star Outreach provides medical treatments
for those who suffer from leprosy—including screenings, vaccinations, and appropriate
footwear—as well as educational outreach and colony development programs. In this way, the
organization “provid[es] interventions that help the leprosy colonies become self-sufficient
communities.” Rising Star Outreach offers opportunities to participate in projects, sponsor
Courtney 11/20/18 11:20 AM
children, become ambassadors, and start campaigns to its global membership.
Deleted:

This in-house style guide will help to provide consistency and clarity across Rising Star’s online
and print publications. This document will be a reference for the web-pages, information
pamphlets, and employees that contribute to the company blog. As a general rule, Rising Star
Outreach will follow the guidelines set forth by the Chicago Manual of Style, 17th ed.While not
Courtney 12/14/18 9:36 AM
meant to be comprehensive, this guide will document style decisions made specifically for the
Comment [2]: I changed this according
organization.The in-house guide will address stylistic choices not covered by Chicago, or when to CMOS 8.176.
exceptions to Chicago may be necessary to meet the needs and goals of the Rising Star Outreach Courtney 11/20/18 11:23 AM
and its global membership. The guide may also emphasize certain Chicago guidelines that have Deleted: (seventeenth edition)

been violated by the organization in the past.

Because Rising Star Outreach has partners and volunteers all over the world, it is important that
the language used by the organization incorporates global English to be accessible to all readers.
Courtney 11/20/18 11:34 AM
Many of the global English decisions here are based on John R. Kohl’s The Global English Style
Deleted: by incorporating global English
Guide: Writing Clear, Translatable Documentation for a Global Market (2008, SAS Press: Cary,
North Carolina, ISBN 978-1-59994-657-3).
 Table of Contents
5. Grammar and Usage
5.1 Idioms
5.2 Specify It
5.3 Thru
5.4 Verb Tense Agreement
5.5 Help to do
5.6 Use of A and An
Courtney 11/20/18 11:36 AM
5.7 This, That, These, and Those as Modifiers of Nouns Formatted: Font:Italic
5.8 Copyright Terms Courtney 11/20/18 11:36 AM
5.9 Consistency Deleted: /
6. Punctuation Courtney 11/20/18 11:36 AM
Formatted: Font:Italic
6.1 Serial Comma
Courtney 11/20/18 11:36 AM
6.2 Em Dashes Formatted: Font:Italic
6.3 Commas between Independent Clauses joined by Conjunctions Courtney 11/20/18 11:36 AM
6.4 Punctuation of Headings and Subheadings Formatted: Font:Italic
6.5 Capitalization after Colons Courtney 11/20/18 11:36 AM
6.6 Slashes Signifying And Formatted: Font:Italic

6.7 Vertical Bars Courtney 11/20/18 11:36 AM

Formatted: Font:Italic
6.8 Spaces after Ending Punctuation Marks
6.9 Punctuation in Relation to Closing Quotation Marks
7. Spelling and Distinct Treatment of Words
7.1 Hyphenation
7.2 Contractions
7.3 Diacritical Marks
8. Names and Terms
8.1 Treatment of Organization Name
8.2 Capitalization of Job Titles
8.3 Capitalization of Programs
8.4 Capitalization of Subheadings and Hyphenated Terms
8.5 Specific Capitalized Terms
9. Numbers
9.1 The General Rule
9.2 Measurements
9.3 Dates
10. Abbreviations
10.1 Abbreviating Country Name
10.2 Ampersand
Courtney 11/20/18 11:37 AM
Deleted: ... [1]
5. Grammar and Usage
5.1 Idioms
Courtney 11/20/18 11:37 AM
Non-native English speakers will find it difficult to understand idioms because idioms usually
Deleted: 0
contain metaphors and other complex meanings. Therefore, for a global audience, it is best to not Courtney 11/20/18 11:40 AM
use idioms. Deleted: have a…ind it difficult time…to
... [2]
number one
NOT
second to none

5.2 Specify It
To be in accordance with global english standards, and because non-native English speakers may
Courtney 11/20/18 11:42 AM
have a hard time knowing what it refers to, specify it by using the name of the organization in its
Deleted: This is a Global English issue
place. because for n
As you work to raise money, awareness, or needed supplies, Rising Star Outreach will Courtney 11/20/18 11:58 AM
help you develop a deeper commitment and connection to the people you are serving in Formatted: Not Highlight
the leprosy colonies.
NOT
As you work to raise money, awareness, or needed supplies, it will help you develop a
deeper commitment and connection to the people you are serving in the leprosy
colonies.
Courtney 11/20/18 11:46 AM
Formatted: Font:Italic
5.3 Thru
Courtney 11/20/18 11:46 AM
Thru and through have the same meaning, but thru is the non-standard spelling and is considered Deleted: T…ru and tT…rough have the...same
[3]
to be informal. In formal writing, using through is encouraged. Courtney 11/20/18 11:47 AM
This will help the global audience avoid being confused by the unfamiliar and non-standard thru. Deleted: is also a…ill help the global ... [4]

Start from April 2016 through/to March 2017 Courtney 11/20/18 11:48 AM
NOT Formatted: Indent: First line: 0.5"

Start from April 2016 thru March 2017 Courtney 11/20/18 11:48 AM
Formatted: Font:(Default) Times New
Roman
5.4 Verb Tense Agreement Courtney 11/20/18 11:49 AM
It is important to ensure that all verbs are in the right tense to avoid readers’ confusion and Deleted: pay attention to have…nsure that
... [5]

maintain the credibility of the business. Courtney 11/20/18 11:52 AM

He was determined that she had to have a better life, and so he entrusted Jennifer to our Comment [3]: It may be difficult for the
users of this style guide to quickly pick out
care. the issue here. Perhaps consider providing
NOT an example that illustrates the concept
more obviously.
He was determined that she have a better life, and so he entrusted Jennifer to our care.
Courtney 11/20/18 11:56 AM
Comment [4]: I recommend revising this
5.5 Help to Do section to be more in line with your
examples, or revising the examples to be
Help do (something) and help to do (something) have different connotations in a lot of situations, more in line with the explanation, since the
especially in writing. Nowadays, even though in speaking people use help+do and help+ explanation talks about the verb do and
the example uses the verb transform.
infinitive interchangeably, when it comes to writing, it is best to understand the differences.
Courtney 11/20/18 11:52 AM
Deleted: H…lp to do (something) give ...
…ave[6]
 We hope that you will join us in this partnership as you help transform lives for
generations to come.
NOT
We hope you will join us in this partnership as you help to transform lives for generations
to come.

5.6 Use of A and An

Courtney 11/20/18 11:37 AM
It is important to use articles in front of singular countable nouns because it helps prevent
Deleted: /
misunderstanding and ambiguity. Courtney 11/20/18 11:37 AM
A display for your office from India Formatted: Font:Italic
NOT Courtney 11/20/18 11:37 AM
Display for your office from India Formatted: Font:Italic
Courtney 11/20/18 11:57 AM
5.7 This, That, These, and Those as Modifiers of Nouns Deleted: avoid …isunderstanding and ... [7]
Courtney 11/20/18 11:57 AM
Using this, that, these, and those as modifiers of nouns can cause confusion, especially when
Deleted: Missing article in front of
there is no content before it. To avoid confusion, it is better to specify the noun that is countable nouns:
mentioned. Courtney 11/20/18 11:57 AM
Let people know why supporting the children in India matters to you. Deleted: Missing article in front of
countable nouns:
NOT
Courtney 11/20/18 11:38 AM
Let people know why this cause matters to you.
Formatted ... [8]
Courtney 11/20/18 11:58 AM
5.8 Copyright Terms Deleted: T…is, tT…at, tT…ese, and tT…ose
... [9]
There are many terms in common use that are connecting with actual branding, such as Ziploc
Courtney 11/20/18 12:56 PM
and Tupperware. Those terms tend to be used in daily language, however, in writing, they should
Deleted: are …hat are usually …onnecting
... [10]
be eliminated because they are copyrighted terms. Furthermore, global English standards suggest
eliminating these terms to facilitate understanding for non-native English speakers who may not
know what a Ziploc bag is.
Enclose all contents in a zipped bag.
NOT
Enclose all contents in a Ziploc bag.

5.9 Consistency
Headings should be consistent in formatting. It is suggested that period shouldn’t be used at the
end of headings because…..
Courtney 11/20/18 12:59 PM
THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO GIVE
Comment [5]: Is there a reason? Let’s
NOT revise this sentence.
THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO GIVE.

Courtney 11/20/18 11:39 AM

6. Punctuation Deleted: ... [11]

6.1 Serial Comma

When items are listed in a series within a sentence, the items are generally separated by a
comma. According to Chicago, “When a conjunction joins the last two elements in a series of
three or more,” a comma should be used before the conjunction for clarity. That comma is
referred to as the serial or Oxford comma. Use the serial comma to avoid ambiguity (See
Courtney 11/20/18 1:11 PM
Chicago 6.18).
Deleted: .
Our environment fosters principles of honesty, kindness, and service.
NOT
Our environment fosters principles of honesty, kindness and service.

6.2 Em Dashes
Use em dashes between words instead of hyphens when an “abrupt break in thought is called
for” (See Chicago 6.85).
Courtney 11/20/18 1:10 PM
Rising Star Outreach gives more than opportunities—it gives hope.
Deleted: .
NOT
Rising Star Outreach gives more than opportunities - it gives hope.

Em dashes may also be used instead of hyphens when the dashes function as parentheticals,
Courtney 11/20/18 1:01 PM
paired commas, or a colon.
Deleted: Also use em
We offer opportunities—both physical and financial—to our patients.
We offer opportunities (both physical and financial) to our patients.
We offer opportunities, both physical and financial, to our patients.
NOT
We offer opportunities - both physical and financial - to our patients.

6.3 Comma between Independent Clauses joined by Coordinating Conjunctions

When one or more independent clause is joined by a coordinating conjunction (e.g. and, or, but,
Courtney 11/20/18 1:03 PM
yet, so), “a comma usually precedes the conjunction” (Chicago 6.22). Use this coordinating
Comment [6]: Consider defining
comma unless the two independent clauses being joined are short enough to avoid ambiguity. independent clause, in case the audience
Jennifer is preparing to graduate this year, and she is hoping to get a scholarship. is unfamiliar with such terms, or has
forgotten what constitues an independent
NOT clause.
Jennifer is preparing to graduate this year and she is hoping to get a scholarship.

6.4 Punctuation of Headings and Subheadings

Courtney 11/20/18 1:05 PM
While headings and subheadings may have internal punctuation, they must not end with a period.
Comment [7]: This section is redundant.
Together, Hope is Rising Consider combining with section 5.9.
NOT
Together, Hope is Rising.

6.5 Capitalization after Colons

Unless it is a proper noun, a word should be lowercased when it occurs after a colon (See
Chicago 6.63). This rule is especially important for Rising Star Outreach because it is a global
organization; non-native English speakers may not be able to easily distinguish between proper
nouns and words that have been capitalized purely for emphasis.
The simple answer is also incredibly complex: stigma.
 NOT
The simple answer is also incredibly complex: Stigma.

6.6 Slashes signifying And

Although a slash typically signifies two alternatives, it is sometimes used to mean and (see
Chicago 6.106). Because Rising Star Outreach is a newer organization still trying to secure
credibility—and slashes can often seem casual or hurried—do not use a slash when signifying
Courtney 11/20/18 1:06 PM
alternatives or the word and.
Deleted:
Rising Star Outreach empowers individuals through quality education and medical care.
Courtney 11/20/18 1:07 PM
If a person is interested in getting involved, he or she can receive more information by Comment [8]: Consider also mentioning
submitting an online form. that this construction can be confusing for
NOT non-native English speakers

Rising Star Outreach empowers individuals through quality education/medical care. Courtney 11/20/18 1:07 PM
Deleted:
If a person is interested in getting involved, he/she can receive more information by
Courtney 11/20/18 1:06 PM
submitting an online form.
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5"
Courtney 11/20/18 1:07 PM
6.7 Vertical Bars Deleted:
Vertical bars ( | ) are most commonly used in mathematical notations (Chicago 12.33), but will Courtney 11/20/18 1:07 PM
be applied in Rising Star Outreach to separate information in headings and subheadings. Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5"
Former Development Director | Rising Star Outreach

6.8 Spaces after Ending Punctuation Marks

Following Chicago, use one space after an ending punctuation mark rather than two spaces
(which conforms to APA style). Ending punctuation marks include periods, question marks, and
exclamation points, as well as “a closing quotation mark or parenthesis” (Chicago 6.7).
Jayaraj has had a challenging life. He was diagnosed with leprosy at the age of twenty.
NOT
Jayaraj has had a challenging life. He was diagnosed with leprosy at the age of twenty.

6.9 Punctuation in Relation to Closing Quotation Marks

Periods and commas should be placed inside closing quotation marks, unless the quotation is
followed by an in-text citation or other parenthetical (Chicago 6.9).
These “homes” are more like “apartments.”
“Humpfh,” he said grudgingly.
NOT
These “homes” are more like “apartments”.
“Humpfh”, he said grudgingly.

Other punctuation, such as exclamation points, question marks, colons, and semicolons, must be
Courtney 11/20/18 1:13 PM
left outside of the quotation marks (Chicago 6.10). Comment [9]: An incorrect example
These “homes” are more like “apartments”; they are all connected in one large block. would be helpful here.
Courtney 11/20/18 11:38 AM
Deleted:
7. Spelling and Distinct Treatment of Words
7.1 Hyphenation
Following Chicago, use hyphens to create phrase nouns such as:
Send a thank-you letter to those who come to your event.
NOT
Send a thank you letter to those who come to your event.
Hyphenate compounds such as: perspective-shifting, self-sufficient, US-based, leprosy-affected,
and jet-lagged; but do not hyphenate the following specific terms:
Please let us know if your micro business would like to volunteer.
NOT
Please let us know if your micro-business would like to volunteer.

AND
Contact us by email.
NOT
Contact us by e-mail.

7.2 Contractions
As suggested by Kohl’s Global English, many common contractions are accepted by Rising Star
Courtney 11/20/18 1:14 PM
Outreach (don’t, can’t, it’s), but eliminate the contraction you’d, to avoid a non-native speaker
Deleted: guided
becoming confused about a less-known word.
The choice is up to you however you would like to get involved.
NOT
The choice is up to you however you’d like to get involved.

7.3 Diacritical Marks

Use diacritical marks for words in common usage such as:
I was not naïve enough to believe that he is happy all of the time.
NOT
I was not naive enough to believe that he is happy all of the time.

8. Names and Terms

8.1 Treatment of Organization Name
Capitalize the company name: Rising Star Outreach. Use the full name of the organization as
much as possible, but it is acceptable to shorten the name to Rising Star or RSO when used in a
short list.
RSO will display your logo on our partnership page.
NOT
Rising star will display your logo on our partnership page.
Courtney 11/20/18 1:24 PM
Comment [10]: Make the good and bad
8.2 Capitalization of Job Titles examples parallel. If you need, have
multiple examples.
To emphasize official organization titles, all job titles will be capitalized, even when not used as
Courtney 11/20/18 1:24 PM
a proper noun.
Deleted: provide emphasis of
A campus tour will be led by our Managing Director.
NOT
A campus tour will be led by our managing director.

8.3 Capitalization of Programs

All company programs will be capitalized in headline style, as described in Chicago. Capitalize
all major words, but “lowercase the articles the, a, and an” (8.159).
Donate to our Sponsor a Child Program!
NOT
Donate to our Sponsor A Child program!

8.4 Capitalization of Subheadings and Hyphenated Terms

For consistency, capitalize all portions of a compound when used as a heading.
Women’s Self-Help Group.
NOT
Women’s Self-help Group
When lists are used to provide ideas to readers, use headline style capitalization.
Event Ideas:
Cottage Meeting
Firside
Golf Tournament
NOT
Event ideas:
Cottage meeting
Fireside
Golf tournament

8.5 Specific Capitalized Terms

Capitalize Caste System any time it is mentioned on the website.
In many parts of India, lingering effects from a now-outlawed Caste System prevail.
NOT
In many parts of India, lingering effects from a now-outlawed caste system prevail.

Courtney 11/20/18 11:39 AM

9. Numbers Deleted:
9.1 The General Rule Courtney 11/20/18 11:39 AM
Rising Star uses numerical data as a persuasive technique and to state their impact with Formatted: Indent: Left: 0"
specificity. Thus, in Rising Star Outreach publications, numbers follow the alternate rule listed in
Chicago 9.3: numbers in single digits must be spelled out, while numbers 10 and higher are to be
left as numerals. This draws the reader’s attention to the quantifiable successes of the
organization.
 We provided aid to 17 individuals in one day.
NOT
We provided aid to seventeen individuals in one day.

9.2 Measurements
Leave measurements in numerals, regardless of the number of digits. This includes paper
measurements.
10x10 centimeters
NOT
ten by ten centimeters

9.3 Dates
Write dates in the month day (comma) year format, with no superscript th after the day.
November 27, 2018
NOT
November 27th, 2018
27 November, 2018
November 27 2018.

10. Abbreviations
10.1 Abbreviating Country Name
Courtney 11/20/18 1:33 PM
Based on Chicago 10.32, United States is abbreviated as US.
Deleted: country
Courtney 11/20/18 1:33 PM
In the US Deleted: name
NOT
In the U.S.

Courtney 11/20/18 11:40 AM

10.2 Ampersand
Deleted:
Use the ampersand (&) symbol in place of the word and in job titles and headings to shorten
Courtney 11/20/18 1:34 PM
titles while maintaining clarity (Chicago 10.10).
Deleted: s
Courtney 11/20/18 1:34 PM
Personal & Group Campaigns Deleted: .
NOT Courtney 11/20/18 1:34 PM
Personal and Group Campaigns Deleted: .