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Editorial Policy

Mission & Foundation

STAND Learning's editorial policy for official Stand Learning publications (as described in this policy) is grounded in our core mission to educate, empower, and engage people in their personal, economic, and civic lives. Our publications serve to amplify individual voices, foster critical thinking, and strengthen democratic participation through transformative learning experiences. Individual viewpoints and opinions expressed by members and guests are the responsibility of the individual.

Core Editorial Principles

1. Academic Freedom
We champion the free exchange of ideas and protect the right of our community members—educators, learners, mentors, and contributors—to explore, question, and express diverse perspectives without fear of retribution or censorship.


Implementation:

  • Encourage intellectual curiosity and rigorous inquiry across all topics

  • Protect dissenting voices and minority viewpoints

  • Support evidence-based discourse while respecting different methodological approaches

  • Maintain editorial independence from external pressures

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2. Societal Freedom & Democratic Values
Our content promotes the development of engaged, empowered citizens capable of thoughtful participation in democratic society.
 

Implementation:

  • Foster critical thinking about civic issues and democratic processes

  • Encourage respectful dialogue across political and ideological differences

  • Support content that helps individuals understand their roles and responsibilities as citizens

  • Promote transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making
     

3. Individual Empowerment
All content should enhance readers' capacity to think independently, act confidently, and engage meaningfully with their communities.

 

Implementation:

  • Prioritize content that builds self-efficacy and personal agency

  • Share stories of transformation and growth

  • Provide practical tools for personal and professional development

  • Celebrate diverse paths to empowerment and success

Content Standards & Guidelines

Voice & Tone: "Maximum Pizzazz"​

Consistent with our "Real Smart Fun" philosophy—get real, be smart, have fun—our editorial voice is:

  • Engaging & Provocative: Content that challenges assumptions and sparks curiosity

  • Delightful & Accessible: Complex ideas presented with clarity and humor where appropriate

  • Seriously Funny: Using wit and levity to defuse tensions and make serious topics more approachable

  • Authentic & Direct: Honest, straightforward communication that respects our audience's intelligence

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Editorial Priorities​

High Priority Content:

  • Personal transformation stories and case studies

  • Critical analysis of educational, economic, and civic issues

  • Practical guidance for skill development and personal growth

  • Community-generated insights from workshops, ALCs, and action groups

  • Diverse perspectives on democracy, citizenship, and social responsibility

 

Content to Approach Thoughtfully:

  • Partisan political content (focus on civic engagement principles rather than specific candidates or parties)

  • Commercial educational products (maintain editorial independence)

  • Content that could undermine individual agency or critical thinking

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Quality Standards
Accuracy & Verification:

  • Fact-check all claims and statistics

  • Cite credible sources and provide references

  • Distinguish between opinion and factual reporting

  • Correct errors promptly and transparently


Inclusivity & Respect:

  • Use inclusive language that welcomes diverse audiences

  • Represent multiple perspectives on complex issues

  • Avoid content that demeans or marginalizes any group

  • Celebrate the full spectrum of adult learning journeys


Intellectual Rigor:

  • Encourage evidence-based arguments

  • Promote nuanced thinking over simplistic solutions

  • Support content that builds critical thinking skills

  • Value depth and context over clickbait or sensationalism
     

Platform-Specific Guidelines

Marketing Materials

  • Focus on authentic transformation stories

  • Highlight unique value proposition of synchronous, small-group learning

  • Maintain educational integrity while being persuasive

  • Use "maximum pizzazz" tone to stand out in crowded education market

 

Social Media

  • Share bite-sized insights from longer content

  • Engage in thoughtful dialogue with followers

  • Amplify community voices and achievements

  • Maintain professional standards while being conversational
     

Newsletters
STAND Spotlight: Your Personal Power Roadmap

  • Feature upcoming transformative learning opportunities (workshops, courses, ALC formations)

  • Highlight member spotlights showcasing personal transformation

  • Introduce mentors and guides leading interactive experiences

  • Maintain "maximum pizzazz" tone while promoting Real Smart Fun

 

THINK TANK: Smart Ideas for Powerful People

  • Deep dive into transformative ideas that enhance critical thinking and wisdom

  • Provide practical frameworks for analyzing complex issues

  • Challenge conventional thinking while remaining accessible

  • Include member discussions and application guides

 

AWOKENINGS: Breakthrough Moments That Transform

  • Share authentic transformation stories and "aha moments"

  • Celebrate genuine human growth through interactive learning experiences

  • Highlight confidence-building moments and perspective shifts

  • Feature mentor reflections and community wisdom

 

STAND MAKERS: Community Work Products & Impact

  • Showcase tangible outcomes from workshops, ALCs, and events

  • Feature member-created reports, projects, and collaborative efforts

  • Demonstrate how interactive learning translates into real-world impact

  • Celebrate productive learning and community solutions

 

The Lyceum (Podcast, Interviews, Lectures, Discussions & Debates)

  • Create space for diverse voices and perspectives through multiple formats

  • Host substantive debates and discussions that model democratic discourse

  • Feature lectures and interviews with thought leaders, members, and experts

  • Allow for nuanced, longer-form exploration of complex topics

  • Maintain conversational yet intellectually rigorous tone

  • Follow journalism ethics for interviews and discussions

  • Balance structured presentations with interactive dialogue

 

Workshop & ALC Publications

  • Protect member privacy while sharing insights

  • Obtain explicit consent before publishing member work

  • Edit for clarity while preserving authentic voices

  • Credit all contributors appropriately

Editorial Decision-Making Framework

Content Evaluation Questions:

  1. Does this content empower individuals to think more critically and act more confidently?

  2. Does it contribute to democratic discourse and civic engagement?

  3. Is it consistent with our commitment to academic and intellectual freedom?

  4. Does it serve our community's learning and growth objectives?

  5. Is it presented with appropriate "pizzazz" while maintaining substantive value?

 

Conflict Resolution

When editorial decisions involve competing values or principles:

  • Consult with community stakeholders when appropriate

  • Prioritize individual empowerment and democratic values

  • Seek solutions that honor both academic freedom and community standards

  • Document decisions for consistency and learning

Community Guidelines for Contributors

Member Submissions:

  • Welcome diverse perspectives and experiences

  • Encourage authentic storytelling and reflection

  • Provide editorial support to help members communicate effectively

  • Maintain high standards while being supportive of emerging voices

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Mentor & Expert Contributions:

  • Leverage subject matter expertise while remaining accessible

  • Encourage thought leadership that challenges conventional wisdom

  • Support innovative approaches to adult learning and development

  • Balance authority with humility and openness to dialogue

Implementation & Oversight

Three-Tier Responsibility Structure

​Content Authors (Primary Responsibility)

  • Ensure all content aligns with editorial standards and STAND Learning values

  • Fact-check sources and verify accuracy of all claims

  • Apply appropriate tone and voice guidelines

  • Consider community impact and educational value

  • Self-assess content against editorial evaluation framework

 

Editors & Publication Managers (Secondary Oversight)

  • Review content for adherence to editorial policy and platform-specific guidelines

  • Ensure consistency across publications and maintain quality standards

  • Provide guidance and support to content authors

  • Make final decisions on content selection and presentation

  • Monitor community feedback and engagement metrics


STAND Learning Governance Board (Ultimate Authority)

  • Establish and periodically review editorial policy framework

  • Address complex editorial decisions and policy conflicts

  • Ensure alignment with organizational mission and values

  • Oversee policy implementation and effectiveness

  • Handle appeals and grievances related to editorial decisions

  • Authorize policy modifications and updates

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Collaborative Decision-Making

When editorial challenges arise, the three tiers work collaboratively to find solutions that honor both our commitment to academic freedom and our responsibility to the learning community. Regular communication ensures consistent application of standards while allowing for thoughtful consideration of unique circumstances.

Accountability & Continuous Improvement

Regular Review

  • Conduct annual policy reviews with community input

  • Monitor content performance and community feedback

  • Assess alignment with mission and values

  • Update guidelines as our community and society evolve

 

Transparency

  • Publish editorial standards and decision-making processes

  • Address community concerns about editorial choices

  • Share data on content reach and engagement

  • Report on progress toward empowerment and engagement goals

 

External Engagement

  • Participate in broader conversations about adult education and democratic citizenship

  • Collaborate with like-minded organizations while maintaining editorial independence

  • Contribute to academic and policy discussions relevant to our mission

  • Share our learnings with the wider educational community

 

Artificial Intelligence

  • Stand Learning may use AI to develop materials for the platform.

  • Whenever AI is used, it is under the direction of and content will always be reviewed and edited by a human.

Conclusion

This editorial policy reflects STAND Learning's commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive community where individuals can grow in wisdom, confidence, and civic engagement. By upholding these standards, we contribute to a stronger democracy built on empowered, thinking individuals who are equipped to navigate complexity with curiosity, courage, and compassion.​

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect our evolving community and changing societal needs.

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