Newsletters are an effective form of communication with external audiences (people found outside the
organization) or internal audiences (within the organization). The information in a typical newsletter varies in content
and style, depending on the audience. It is helpful to have a specific person on staff that handles newsletter
content. They must have the knowledge, skills and time to produce a newsletter. In addition, they must be skilled at
writing, editing, designing, coordinating and visualizing.
Successful Newsletters
There are several tips that should be followed when producing a successful organizational newsletter:
- Accomplish tasks not available through other mediums
- Catch a reader's attention
- Reach an intended audience during a desired time period
- Follow a specific schedule (published monthly or quarterly, etc.) so the content remains timely in the
eyes of the reader
Internal Newsletters
- Communicate policy and organization news in a personal format
- Convey a common experience and promote identification and unity within the group. Content
should be carefully selected and written
- Promote accomplishments, both individual and for the whole organization
- Transmit standards, organizational culture, achievements and plans of the organization, sharing ideas
with co-workers and building pride among employees
List some ideas for sections/features in an ACE employee newsletter:
External Newsletters
- Allow the organization to communicate on a regular basis with current, inactive and potential
consumers
- Expand the public's awareness of the organization's program, logo and activities
- Periodically survey readers to make sure they are getting the information that they need or want, and
that the format is acceptable
Newsletter Ideas (Internal or External Audiences)
- Welcome letter from the principal
- Calendar of events
- Table of contents
- Holiday greetings
- Employee, student or alumni profiles
- Future plans or goals for the organization
- New classes or programs
- Organizational staff changes
- Achievements and awards
- Special events
- Business partnership program update
- Enrollment update