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FSSA Writing Style Guide

Did you know there’s an FSSA writing style guide available to help you communicate more effectively? The four-page resource, located in the Communications Tools section of The HUB, gives guidance on the proper use of Associated Press writing style – the official style for all FSSA communications. The guide covers things like grammar, punctuation, and word usage, offering several examples of the most common style issues you’re likely to face while writing materials in your daily work. It features subject matter that pertains to FSSA and the subject matter we work with every day. Such as:

Do not capitalize state, federal, department, division, board, program, section, unit, etc., unless the word is part of a formal name. Examples: She is employed by the state of Indiana. The Division of Family Resources office is open today.

Use numerals for percent and percentages. Do not use the % symbol except in charts. Right: She knew 50 percent of the people. Wrong: We saved 36% by buying in bulk.

If you have any questions about the FSSA writing style guide or style questions that aren’t answered within the guide itself, write to us at office.communications@fssa.in.gov.