It is the intent of I Believe, Wyoming to allow community members to express their statements of personal beliefs in a respectful, honest, positive and uplifting manner. Essayists are urged to choose a topic that fits these ideals and are encouraged to avoid political statements.

Once an essay is submitted, the Daily News has the right to publish or post the essay on the Daily News Web site. It is also up to the discretion of the Daily News which essays will be published either in the newspaper, on the Web site or any other form of publication.

Essayist are urged to keep their submission between 350 and 500 words. Any essay over 500 words will not be selected for publication. For more information on how to write your essay, please review these “Tips for Getting Started” supplied by ThisIBelieve.org.

Tell a story: Be specific. Take your belief out of the ether and ground it in the events of your life. Consider moments when belief was formed or tested or changed. Think of your own experience, work, and family, and tell of the things you know that no one else does. Your story need not be heart-warming or gut-wrenching — it can even be funny — but it should be real. Make sure your story ties to the essence of your daily life philosophy and the shaping of your beliefs.

Be brief: Your statement should be between 350 and 500 words. That's about three minutes when read aloud at your natural pace.

Name your belief: If you can't name it in a sentence or two, your essay might not be about belief. Also, rather than writing a list, consider focusing on one core belief, because three minutes is a very short time.

Be positive: Please avoid preaching or editorializing. Tell us what you do believe, not what you don't believe. Avoid speaking in the editorial "we." Make your essay about you; speak in the first person.

Be personal: Write in words and phrases that are comfortable for you to speak. We recommend you read your essay aloud to yourself several times, and each time edit it and simplify it until you find the words, tone, and story that truly echo your belief and the way you speak.

Either submit your essay to the Daily News, 201 N. 8th St., Worland, WY 82401 attention: I Believe, Wyoming. Or email your submission to ibelieve@wyodaily.com. All submissions must include name, address and phone number of the author. Only your name and town of residence will be published.