Frequently Asked Questions
Submitting Stories
How do I submit a story?
Who can submit stories?
Do I need a photograph to submit?
Can I submit a story by email?
How do I know my story was received?
I submitted a story two weeks ago – where is it?
What is the clearance process for submissions?
How should I draft my story using the Telling Our Story formats?
Using the Stories
How long do the stories stay on the website?
How can missions access the stories once they are submitted?
Can missions incorporate the stories into their websites?
Can bureaus incorporate the stories into their websites?
How can missions use these success stories?
The Telling Our Story Initiative
How can I learn more about the projects featured on the Telling Our Story site?
How can our mission learn the Telling Our Story system?
What is the difference between the Telling Our Story formats?
Does this replace any USAID databases or is it just added on?
I need to submit stories for the annual performance review - can I send them by email instead of uploading through the website?
Submitting Stories
How do I submit a story?
First, review our Guidelines and Prep Sheets to guide you in preparing your narrative and gathering the information you will need before you can submit. Once you have drafted everything, go to the Telling Our Story home page and click “Submit a Story.” Then, click on the format you have chosen and complete the form using the information you prepared. When you are done, click “submit” – a confirmation page should appear.
Who can submit stories?
Anyone who has worked with USAID – including beneficiaries, partners, and staff – can submit a story through the Telling Our Story system. When USAID Washington receives a story, the Telling Our Story project officer will clear the content with the appropriate mission, bureau, and desk officer before publication on the website.
Do I need a photograph to submit?
Yes. Photographs are integral to USAID’s effort to show the impact of its work. Photographs must be sent as graphics files (preferably JPEG). Images pasted into MS Word files will not be accepted.
Can I submit a story by email?
No. All stories must be submitted through the TOS website.
How do I know my story was received?
After you submit a story, the Telling Our Story website will generate a confirmation page. In addition, you will receive an automatic confirmation email from Telling Our Story.
I submitted a story two weeks ago – where is it?
Your story is awaiting editing, clearance, or uploading. Once your submission is received, it is edited, formatted, and sent to the appropriate mission, desk, and bureau for clearance. Once all necessary clearances are received, the story is submitted to the web team for uploading. This process takes several weeks, but can take longer depending on the number of submissions and the availability of clearance officers. The Telling Our Story team appreciates your patience.
What is the clearance process for submissions?
The Telling Our Story project officer in Washington, DC reviews all submissions and sends each story to the appropriate mission, bureau, and desk officer for clearance. Once a story is cleared at all levels, it is prepared for online publication.
How should I draft my story using the Telling Our Story formats?
First, choose the format in which you would like to write your story. Then review several examples of submissions in that format to get a sense of the appropriate style, language, and tone used in successful stories. Once you have chosen your format, consider using our Guidelines and Prep Sheets to help draft the appropriate sections of your story in preparation for online submission.
Back to Top ^
Using the Stories
How long do the stories stay on the website?
The Telling Our Story submissions are kept indefinitely and accessible to all on USAID’s public website.
How can missions access the stories once they are submitted?
Missions can access their stories through the main Telling Our Story database at www.usaid.gov/stories/.
Can missions incorporate the stories into their websites?
Yes. Missions can either create a link on their websites to their stories on the Telling Our Story website or create their own web pages based on their specific story's content.
Can bureaus incorporate the stories into their websites?
Yes. Bureaus can create a link on their websites to their stories on the Telling Our Story website. Links can include thumbnail photos and summaries, but bureau websites should not duplicate pages on the Telling Our Story website.
How can missions use these success stories?
Missions can use the stories for communications needs including speechwriting, newsletters, media interviews, and public outreach. They can add impact to their communications efforts and raise the visibility of mission programs by sharing these stories with a global audience. Also, the formatted, professionally edited stories are an excellent way to document the mission's rich history for years to come.
Back to Top ^
The Telling Our Story Initiative
How can I learn more about the projects featured on the Telling Our Story site?
Please contact Telling Our Story at tosinquiries@usaid.gov. The Telling Our Story project officer will put you in contact with the appropriate USAID staff and partners for further information and to share best practices.
How can our mission learn the Telling Our Story system?
The Telling Our Story system is designed to be user-friendly. If you are new to the system, the best way to learn about it is to browse through the website and read successful submissions, learn about the different story types, and review the Guidelines and Prep Sheets. If you still have questions after thoroughly reviewing the tools and resources available on the website, the Telling Our Story team is available by email to provide further assistance.
What is the difference between the Telling Our Story formats?
The Telling Our Story system provides five simple, clear, standardized formats that each focus on a different element of success. The different formats—Success Story, Case Study, First Person, Photo & Caption, and Before & After—enable authors to highlight certain angles of a story. If the most dynamic element of story is an individual, the First Person story might be the most appropriate format. If the story’s focus lies within the content of a striking photograph, the Photo & Caption might be the best format. The other difference between the formats is length. See the Guidelines and Prep Sheets and for a detailed breakdown of story lengths.
Does this replace any USAID databases or is it just added on?
Telling Our Story replaces the "success story" submission in the annual PPC-led APR data collection process. The Telling Our Story database will not replace other success story databases used by USAID, however existing success stories may be submitted to the Telling Our Story project. Missions may choose to use the Telling Our Story tool as a replacement for their current system. Bureaus may also choose to use the system by linking to stories from their website.
I need to submit stories for the annual performance review - can I send them by email instead of uploading through the website?
No. All stories must be submitted through the TOS website. This is necessary for a number of reasons, including tracking, automated database uploads and back-ups, and export capabilities. There are no exceptions.
Back to Top ^
|
