We've got a plan!

With the publication of our second issue, we're pretty sure that we've got a workable plan for the magazine's format.  It seemed like a good idea to share that with you, especially with readers who might be inclined to write or draw for The Voice of Valor.  Over the next few days we'll explain our goals for the various magazine columns in a series of posts.  And, we'll also keep the full list (as it grows) on a separate page, accessible from the link above in the menu bar.  That way you can refer to it whenever you'd like!

For starters, we should mention that each issue centers around some particular theme.  In the premier issue, the theme was about life being a battle, which is also the underlying theme of the entire magazine, and reflected in the title, The Voice of Valor.  September's theme was education.  December's theme will be the Christmas season (from Advent through Epiphany). 

Now, within the overall theme for each issue, the various columns have their own focus.  Here are descriptions of the three main columns:

FEATURE - the feature story is the theme-setting, definitive article in each issue.  This the "backgone," so to speak, of the magazine.  An all encompassing article, reflective in nature, espressing the overall theme of the current issue, giving examples and insights.  Ideally we hope to keep some connection -- however slight -- with the "life is a battle" idea behind The Voice of Valor.

VOX POPULI -- The Voice of the People -- this column takes a look at current events or world issues (political or moral in nature) and presents them in a Catholic light.  The goal is to relate the issue to life, to show how it affects young people today, and to point out what they can do about it.  It encourages action or involvement, engagement of the issue at hand, and a hope of changing the world.

MARY'S MILITIA -- This column is about personal virtue.  It addresses what it means to be a young Catholic in the world today from the persepctive of the Church Militant, battling to preserve integrity in an immoral world.

Watch for descriptions of other columns to come in future posts!

What do you think?

By now, you've had a chance to read our second issue with it's new writers and a few new features.  We'd love to hear what you think!  Use the CONTACT US link to send us a note or leave a comment.  Feedback can be anonymous and will help us make The Voice of Valor better each issue!

Take our survey~

In our recent issue, we told you we were planning a survey for the Christmas issue.  Well, it's up and ready!  

Click HERE and answer the 4 short questions.  We'll share the results in December.

Check it out!

The new issue is online!  
Click on the READ CURRENT ISSUE tab above.  

Or, if you prefer to read a print copy, send your request along with $6.00 to:

Voice of Valor Magazine
P.O. Box 6324
Spokane, WA 99217-0906

Almost Here!

Our second issue goes to press today!  

We should have the online version available by Sept. 5th as promised. 

Use the CONTACT US tab above for the mailing address if you wish to order a print copy!  ($6 per copy, includes postage)

Art

Do you draw?  As our second issue goes to print, (you'll see it here in just 4 days!) we have been thinking about the importance of images in our world.  For our December issue especially, we would love to have some original artwork to share in the magazine.  If you have sketches, paintings or illustrations related to the wonderful season of Advent/Christmas/Epiphany/winter, please consider sharing them with our readers!  You can email digital images to us using the CONTACT US link above.  Thanks!

Sneak Preview...

 From the article, "Integrity, a Forgotten Virtue"

           When was the last time that you or someone you know sealed a deal with a handshake? Do you even remember the last time? Most people don’t because the majority of people don’t trust their neighbor as much as in past generations. Today we have to go through the trouble of writing up a contract in order to make a deal, so that we can be assured that the agreement will be kept. Is this the way that one man should think of another, as a potential threat? Why has integrity gone so far down in the past few generations when in the time before that there was no need for such contracts? What does this loss of integrity ultimately cause?

            One explanation for the loss of integrity is cheating....


Issue #2 of The Voice of Valor  is due out in just 9 days!