Al+Nur+Committee

=Purpose & Goal =

//[What is the purpose and objective of this committee? How does this fit into the larger purpose of the MSA? etc.]//

**The purpose of the Al-Nur committee is to gain Allah's pleasure through providing an informative, comical, reflective, and enjoyable publication to the MSA/MWM community and allowing current MSA and MWM members to showcase their literary and artistic talents every month iA. The monthly publication allows the MSA to announce and advertise any upcoming events or share news with the general body, and members are able to get involved by contributing articles, comics, hadiths, ads, etc.**

=Structure =

//[How is the committee structured? What are the different positions on the committee? Are there any sub-committees? What are the responsibilities of the committee head? What are the responsibilities of the Cabinet-Liaison? What are the responsibilities of each sub-committee (if applicable)? How is responsibility distributed amongst general committee members? How often did the committee meet? How did the members communicate outside of meetings?]//

**The committee consists of**
 * Editor-in-Chief: **


 * ** Lead/set up meetings **
 * ** Designate sections for writers **
 * ** Designate pages for editors and layout designers **
 * ** Send final issue to UPS Store to print/work out any issues with him **
 * ** Create document where editors put final edited version of article in appropriate section **


 * Issue Pick-up Person: **


 * Cabinet Liason: **
 * ** Reach out to businesses for advertising **
 * ** Take care of finances – work with Saad for budget and for getting check before printing **
 * ** Make announcements via MSA/MWM listerves for Al-Nur meeting/circulation, for ads, etc. **

Advertising Team:


 * Layout designers: **
 * ** Be mindful of previous layout designs (i.e. table of contents); when getting pictures – please write the site name (i.e. a picture related to Irvine 11 should say: image from ‘United we Stand’ or if taken from the MSA fanpage – mention “courtesy of the UMCP MSA fanpage) **
 * ** Please refer to past issues on how pages should be set up **
 * ** Page 1: **
 * ** Cover should either be picture or design or any sort **
 * ** Masthead should always include the correct volume, issue, date (month year) and Islamic month and year **
 * ** Make fonts legible and appealing **
 * ** Page 2: Always the same – anyone want to change it? **
 * ** Page 3: Table of Contents **
 * ** The issue theme on the top left **
 * ** 3 picture of the SAME dimensions – black and white – with page number on the bottom right corner of picture **
 * ** Pages, sections, name of article, name of author (italicized) **
 * ** Cover designer is mentioned in the vertical text **
 * ** Page 4: Staff Page **
 * ** From the Editor’s Desk… - always ask me to write about 150-170 words regarding theme/anything I want to announce **
 * ** Staff: Self explanatory – everything is in alphabetical order – REFER TO CONTENTS – NOT TO GDOC **
 * ** MSA & MWM Staff usually don’t need ot be changed **
 * ** A Special Thanks to section may change depending on who advertised **
 * ** Rest of the issue: **
 * ** Be consistent with fonts – make them legible **
 * ** Be creative! Make things pop! **
 * ** Page borders? **


 * Editors: **


 * ** Always send writer the final edited version **
 * ** In the month’s article word doc, put the edited article in the appropriate section of the doc **
 * ** If any pictures are included by the writer, mention where they got the picture from **


 * Writers: **

**:**
 * ** Stick to deadlines! **
 * ** Meet the word limit **
 * ** Find any pics – attach with article and cite where you got the picture from **

**Additional Contributors: //These included local businesses who advertised in Al-Nur and our cartoonist//**

**The whole committee met once a month every month, while layout designers met again the Monday before circulation to finalize the layout. Members mostly communicated via email (msa.nur@gmail.com).**

=Methods =

//[Describe how the committee achieved its previously outlined goals. Were there any events, activities, initiatives planned by the committee? (Link to the appropriate Wiki page) Describe the complete process for publishing an Al Nur edition from start to end.]//

**Al-Nur was circulated on a frequent interval, allowing members to share their thoughts and experiences on a monthly basis. The Alumni section was instated in the 2010-2011 school year, allowing current members to learn more about past MSA/MWM members, and to recognize the MSA Alumni of UMD. The Messsage from our Advisors section enabled our beloved Chaplain and MWM adviser to speak about relevant topics and issues, as well as allowing current members to learn more about them. Major events planned by the MSA were also displayed in Al-Nur. Each section comprises of sections in older issues of Al-Nur**

__Submissions and Sections (in detail)__  __NOTE:__ Upon submission images should be attached to articles or put in the Dropbox folder Page 1: Front Cover (Color) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Page 2: Inside Art (Color) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Page 3: Contents (B & W) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Page 4: Staff (B & W) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Pages 5-7: News (B & W) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Pages 8-9: Spirituality (B & W) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Page 10-11: Center Spread (Color) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Page 12-14: Lifestyle & Creative Writing (B & W) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Pages 15: Alumni & Message from Our Chaplain & MWM Adviser/ Q& A (B & W) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">words <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Pages 16: Entertainment (B & W) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Pages 17-19: Ads <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Page 20: Back Cover (Color)
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Image pertains to main article(s)
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Al-Nur masthead, volume #, issue #, month & year (Gregorian & Islamic)
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Edition name on center of page
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Headlines
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Trial: Small banner with businesses’ logos
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Surah al-Nur Ayah 35 with window art image
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Edition name
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3 highlighted pictures from issue
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Page numbers with article titles and authors
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">From the Editor’s desk blurb
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Al-Nur staff
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">MSA & MWM staff
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">MSA news/campus events/worldwide news
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Maximum 500 words
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Hadith of the month
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Topics pertaining to Islam/faith
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Maximum 550 words
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Related to theme
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Maximum 575 words
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Lifestyle - CAIL book reviews, restaurant reviews, ‘how-to’s
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Creative Writing - anything funny, inspiring, etc.
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Maximum 550 words
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Alumni section - spotlight an alum - can be up to 550 words; Br. Tarif & Sis. Sahar have 465 word limits each
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Comics
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Crossword puzzle
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Collages
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Al-Nur: Issuu.com site info

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">__**Process:**__ <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**1.Retrieve Al-Nur template - make changes as seen fit** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**2. Determine frequency of publishing and work with cabinet liaison to determine budget and printing methods (previously printed at CAIL and at the UPS store)** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**3. Recruit members to get involved in Al-Nur! Set up a sign-up sheet in the musallah and/or email blurb to listserves** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**4. Set up meeting times and deadlines** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**5. Reach out to local businesses and alumni to advertise in Al-Nur - use advertisement form and determine frequency of ads and means of payment; set up deadlines as necessary** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**6. If more submissions are needed, send out announcements via listserves; make sure to send out reminders at least 2-3 days before each deadline** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**7. Once you have guaranteed contributors for the issue, have them submit their articles to msa.nur@gmail.com. Once the article is received, send the article for editing to the appropriate editor. Have the editor CC the writer.** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**8. Edited articles are then reviewed, and then inserted into the month's Word document in the Dropbox file. Upon receiving all of the articles, remind layout designers to complete their pages by their deadline.** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**9. Upon completion of layout, send out final copy to committee to look over the issue and give thumbs up/down to print. Email UPS Store (printing company -** store5409@theupsstore.com <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**) at least 2 hours before their closing time. Make sure to mention the following in the email: number of copies, page dimensions, and layout:** 11x17, double sided, crease fold and stapled. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**10. Upload final version of issue on www.issuu.com/alnur** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**11. Circulate the issue after jummah (or MSA meeting)! =]**
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**make sure to have at least 2 contributors per section - ask specific members to write for certain sections if need be**
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**designate editors and layout designers for each section (you may group sections together - i.e. lifestyle and spirituality can be edited by one editor and laid out by a layout designer)**
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**reach out to Br. Tarif and Sis. Sahar and make sure they're on board to contribute an article every month**
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Monthly full staff meeting (typically mid-end of month preceding desired circulation date - length of meeting was typically 30 min.)****Deadlines: writers (typically given 2 weeks to submit something), editors (given 3-5 days), layout designers (10 days), payment dues from businesses (see step 5)**
 * **Discuss suggestions/improvements**
 * **Determine theme of issue and designate cover designer and center spread designer**
 * **Designate article topics/sections for writers - consult with MSA & MWM if there are any announcements that need to be made for the News section**
 * **News**
 * **Lifestyle**
 * **Spirituality**
 * **Center spread (can pertain to other sections but should relate to theme - 575 word max.)**
 * **Creative Writing**
 * **Alumni**
 * **Entertainment**
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Layout designers meeting is scheduled the Monday (or whenever) before circulation just to make sure there aren't any blank pages, etc.**
 * **Pages should be done in Publisher, or submitted in PDF or image format**
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Circulation date(typically early-mid of month)**
 * **Determine printing date and who will retrieve and/or pay for issues**
 * **Send out announcement about issue via listserve the day before circulation**
 * **Circulate issues after jummah/at MSA meeting**

=<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Review =

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">//[Reflect on the outcome of the committee. Did it achieve its goals? Why or why not? Was the plan executed correctly? Why or why not? What might have been changed in the// plan? Was the planning process effective? //Why or why not? Was the communication between member effective? Was the committee structure effective? What improvements would you have made (in general)?]//

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Alhamdulilah MSA members, including alumni and our very own advisers, were able to contribute and express themselves on a monthly basis. Many members were really able to explore and refine various skills while working on Al-Nur, such as graphic designing, writing, and editing, and that was a definite achievement. However, many times I found that deadlines needed to be pushed back and printing at UPS took place the day of circulation, which indicates a need to revise the time table/deadlines. Alternate means of printing, or closer printing services would make the process a bit smoother. Although writers were given 2 weeks to submit articles, many times submissions would come in the day of the deadline or later, which shows a need for better planning and communication between myself and the committee members. Overall the committee structure was pretty effective and having specific people assigned to each section and position made the process work.** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Although the 2010-2011 issues have been uploaded onto the website and many have more than 100 views, archiving has been an issue and ongoing project for Al-Nur. Previous editor-in-chiefs lost past issues of Al-Nur, therefore leaving scanning as the only method to get old issues up on the Al-Nur website, [|www.issuu.com/alnur]. It would be incredibly helpful to have a better method to archive old issues online. Also it would be great to create an Al-Nur section in CAIL.**