Explore Our Editorial Policy

Editorial Policy & Guidelines

All guidelines afore-mentioned are applicable to content published as and on behalf of the Melton Foundation. The goals and guidelines provided are applicable to any and all content concerning the Melton Foundation, our events, Fellowship, and projects.

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Introduction

All guidelines afore-mentioned are applicable to content published as and on behalf of the Melton Foundation. The goals and guidelines provided in this document are applicable to any and all content concerning the Melton Foundation, our events, Fellowship, and projects.

Content Goal

The Melton Foundation (MF) evolved from a small, intercultural learning experiment into a global network devoted to making Global Citizenship tangible, and to serve as an ‘Experiential Learning Lab for Global Problem Solvers’. Through the Fellowship and its programs, the MF promotes and enables Global Citizenship as a way for individuals and organizations to work together across boundaries of place and identity to address the challenges in an interconnected world. Keeping our core mission in mind, all content produced under the Melton Foundation banner and name, including but not limited to the website, social media, email campaigns, newsletters, blog posts, and messages promotes the practice of global citizenship, is written using reliable sources of reputable information, and aims to add to the readers’ personal and professional development.

Each content and communications piece we produce should ideally provide information, resources and/or guidance that the readers’ can apply in their daily lives, coupled with calls to action, as well as engage the reader by providing thought-provoking ideas, stories, and narratives.

Voice, Style, and Tone

The voice of our writing aims to be open, empathetic, honest and straight-forward in conveying the intent of the writing. We follow a neutral, easy to understand, engaging voice while prioritizing clarity over humor or entertainment in the writing. Our tone and voice aim for compelling narratives that should inspire the reader to become curious or learn more about the subject and the nature of our work and implement our calls to action in their daily lives. 

  • Active Voice 
  • Neutral tone
  • Positive writing and sentence framing
  • Aim  for global comprehensibility of the writing (use slang and jargon only if it’s commonly known)
  • References to age, disability, or gender need to be completely unbiased and presented in a respectful manner. 
  • Plainspoken American English 

Spelling and Grammar

We want to present ideas in a clear, concise, and inclusive manner that is comprehensible to global audiences. Authors should aim for complete ethical compliance, provide citations and references, and report critical details leaving room for the readers to evaluate the overarching message of the writing. Some aspects to be mindful of in spelling, grammar, and vocabulary:

  • Concise, consistent and specific writing in an active voice.
  • Spell out abbreviations and acronyms in the first mention.
  • Use American English where applicable (guidelines and usage as per the New Oxford American Dictionary)
  • Use sentence case capitalization and capitalize proper nouns, keywords appropriately.
  • Run a basic spelling and grammar check using tools such as Grammarly, etc.

The complete indexed version of our Editorial Policy (including social media and website guidelines) is available for download here. 

Communication Code

The Melton Foundation is committed to fostering an environment of mutual respect, dignity, and constructive collaboration. This Communication Code applies to all individuals and entities engaging with the Melton Foundation, including members, fellows, staff, partners, collaborators, volunteers, and any external stakeholders representing or interacting with the Foundation in internal or public spaces. All forms of communication, verbal, written, digital, and public, are expected to uphold respect for diverse identities, cultures, perspectives, and lived experiences. Harassment, discrimination, abuse, intimidation, misrepresentation, breaches of confidentiality, or conduct that undermines the dignity of individuals or the integrity and reputation of the Melton Foundation are not tolerated.

Violations of this Communication Code are taken seriously and may be addressed through the Foundation’s internal complaints and review mechanisms. Concerns are assessed through a fair and confidential process that may include mediation and, where necessary, formal review by the Internal Complaints Committee or other designated bodies. Depending on the nature and severity of the violation, outcomes may include warnings, required corrective actions, restriction or loss of access to Melton Foundation programs and platforms (including the Melton Fellowship), suspension of responsibilities, or termination of affiliation. Members of the Melton Foundation may raise concerns or seek guidance through the internal complaints and feedback mechanism by contacting the Executive Office.

Do you have questions or concerns?

For any questions, feedback, or concerns, please contact us.

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Editorial Disclaimer

The information provided in or through the Melton Foundation Website and other digital media channels is for educational and informational purposes only. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information we share, the information may inadvertently contain inaccuracies or typographical errors. Readers are requested to bring any such inaccuracies to our attention here, and we will attempt to rectify the same if it is deemed right to do so according to our editorial policy.

The Melton Foundation may promote, affiliate with, or partner with other individuals or organisations whose programs, products and services align with our mission and vision. In the spirit of transparency, we want our readers to be aware that there may be instances when we promote these partners and organisations on our website and social media in exchange for collaborations and partnerships. Please note that we are highly selective and only promote the partners whose programs, products and/or services we verify and respect. At the same time, you, as a reader agree that any such promotion or marketing does not serve as any form of endorsement whatsoever. The reader is still required to use their own judgment to determine that any such program, product or service is appropriate for them. Our website and posts may also periodically provide links to third party websites including websites of entities that are affiliated with the Melton Foundation. We are not responsible for the content of any third-party website, nor do we make any warranties or representations, express or implied, regarding the content (or the accuracy, completeness or correctness of such content) on any third-party website.

The Melton Foundation takes responsibility to produce and publish content that is aimed towards creating a more socially responsible, aware and actionable society. Some contents may be perceived as controversial or emotionally unsettling, as they unpack power dynamics, global contexts, or not-often heard view points. The objective, however, is to increase awareness, responsibility and action of readers to strive for a more equitable and sustainable world, and certainly not to hurt any sentiments or be biased in favor of or against any particular person, society, gender, creed, nation or religion.

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