Newsletters
 

Hello all you GC friends!

I am probably going to be voted through to being the editor in my sorority next monday, which basically means I write our chapter newsletter. But, since the girl who is the editor currently has never actually DONE a newsletter, I'm not quite sure what one should look like/contain. I'm thinking about putting in a Theta Star of the Month to recognize someone who's been doing a lot of work, the various projects/proposals we have going, philanthropy events in the works, and general Theta news. However, as to format, I'm stumped. I'm not even quite sure what computer program to use. Any tips? Does anyone have a soft copy (aka computer file) of their chapter newsletter they can send me over email? This is probably going to go out to actives, new members, alumnae, and parents. Any advice would be great--I really want to get this up and running as soon as I'm voted in, because the girls in my chapter really deserve a quality newsletter, and we're not getting one. Also, title: "The Pansy Press". Thoughts?

Thanks!

Two words: Microsoft Publisher. If you can't find that program, try Microsoft Word. Go to File> New> instead of a blank document, choose a template. There are lots of them, but choose newsletter. Hope I helped :)

I have edited the newsletter for my alumnae club for 3 years and simply use Word. I mix up the columns, add text boxes and graphics/ pictures. Publisher may have more features but if you're doing this on a budget, you don't need to buy special software. I'd be happy to send you a copy... PM me if you want to see an alumnae version of a newsletter.

As far as content goes, if this is going to parents, alumnae then you want to brag. Make sure everyone knows all the special things that are going on with the chapter and your individual members. "Star of the Month" is a great idea but you could also highlight a senior every month (include her job aspirations and locations... never know what connections this could bring). Calendar of events for the upcoming month(s) would be good also.

Is this something that will be mailed or sent electronically? If mailed, it will run into some expense sending out a monthly edition.

i used to do one for the alumnae. I would have a list of upcoming events, who got lils and who's families expanded, asked for updates, what the chapter was up to, etc. Also may want to have a section for general philanthropy information. Sometimes we would get newsletters made for us and it would have important info like how to relieve stress, why you should wear sunscreen, info about health and fitness, etc.

I am Panhellenic Vice President of Public Relations and last week I put out my very first newsletter to go out to our 6 NPC and 2 NPHC groups! Let me know if you want to see it -- I used Microsoft Word with 2 columns and the paper was folded in half like a little book! :)

I've sent out a few newsletters. Publisher is great. Also, get some of that Avery label paper. I use #8160. Saves tons of time addressing newsletters.

Try to include as many pictures as possible. They give the newsletter more character and they take up space that otherwise would have to be filled with words.

Great ideas all . . .

Also work on having the news letter in electronic format so that you can post it on your web site as well as email it out to a much lager group of people. Plus you can include an email address where people can send you updates, tidbits, shout outs, as well as new email addresses.

Tailor your content to your audience. Unless your chapter is enormous its mostly to keep the alums informed both about the chapter and each other.

This is pretty easily done. One can find (for free) utilities that will allow printing to pdf files.