Notes
by: Gerlind
Bode (Germany)
A
newsletter is a very effective way of communication among members of a group as
well as a medium of information to all interested individuals.
Some
guidelines:
-
find
somebody (or several people) responsible for the content and the way of
distribution
-
define
the target group (important for content and appearance)
-
estimate
the amount of money your group can spend
-
the
newsletter can be very "simple" in structure and layout (photo copies) - but
it can also be very elaborate (magazine type). The choice of paper can make a
difference as well as the layout
-
You
may want to charge a fee for the shipping or have the expenses included in the
membership fee.
At
best to start with the easy and
inexpensive format which you can do by yourself (on your own PC).
-
You
can simply make photocopies and staple the pages, the choice of the paper
(color) may be important.
-
Find
a name for your newsletter.
-
Set
up a layout that you want to use again (recognition), use a certain order for
the content: e.g. starting with an editorial, the table of content, … and
maybe ending with important addresses.
-
Always
include the name, address, telephone number etc. of the editor(s).
-
Select
articles from members of the group, ask doctors and nurses to contribute, look
through professional journals (sometimes these articles will have to be "translated" into lay person language to fit your readers).
-
Always
ask for permission before you print an article that is not your own and include
the name and (institutional) address of the author(s).
-
When
using newspaper articles do not forget to cite the source (name of newspaper/
magazine, date).
-
Do
not use logos, emblems or pictures without permission (and include the
reference).
Of
course, you can also ask for professional help and get the newsletter set up,
edited and printed by a graphical designer in a regular printing shop. You may
find financial help, the whole newsletter or the printing costs may be donated -
if not, it is a matter of finances.