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!
