Primary Purpose
Description
Newsletters are printed or electronic sources of information delivered regularly to those people most interested in an issue, decision, or project. They can be a helpful means of providing more information and sustaining interest throughout a decision-making process. Newsletters also help document agency efforts to keep the public informed throughout a process. They are an easy way to share information about projects with moderate to large numbers of stakeholders.
Newsletters that are visually appealing, include graphics, and well-written are more likely to be read. Similarly, newsletters will be perceived to have more credibility if they are consistently delivered on the promised time-frame (monthly, quarterly, annually, etc.), and maintain objectivity in the information provided.
Agency staff will need to assemble a distribution list for newsletters and create mechanisms for people to voluntarily add or remove themselves from the distribution list.
Outcomes
Newsletters can keep the people most interested in a decision or project well-informed throughout the process. They can also provide a record of agency efforts to provide timely information throughout a decision-making process.
Time considerations
Newsletters can be low-effort products, but do benefit from assistance from graphic designers and professional writers.
It is important to ensure staff factor in time to produce newsletters on a set schedule throughout the life of a project or decision process. Allow additional time for printing and mailing, if applicable.
Staffing
A single individual can produce and distribute newsletters, however the production value will benefit from assistance from graphic designers and/or professional writers who can improve the visual appeal and language of the final product.
Materials
- Word processing software
- Graphic design software
- Printing and postage for physical copies