Newsletter Help (long)
Derleth, Michael (mderleth@CZN.COM)
Mon, 25 Nov 1996 09:53:52 -0500
Following is a summary of my recent Roundtable presentation
on Communicating with Parents and Scouts (ie: Newsletters).
It's based on success/experience in three different troops:
Cheryl Singhal is correct that a newsletter must relate
directly to a troop for it to be read. Note that your
Scouts hear most everything at meetings. Therefore,
the newsletter is of most interest to PARENTS. Mine are
stuffed with info that keeps parents "in the loop"
and helps them understand why my troop does what it
does, the way it does.
The Newsletter must also be current. Last month's camp
is good, summer camp is bad. In the words of the news
director who trained me "News is like old fish. They both
stink after the third day."
Even though the newsletter is for Parents, it must appeal
to Scouts too. Thus, I always include SOMETHING that they
have NOT heard in meetings. Humorous or interesting stuff.
The newsletter should NOT be written by the Scoutmaster.
He/She has enough to do. This is a perfect idea for an
active parent, ASM or Committee member. Scouts should be
encouraged to write articles, particularly your Scribe.
This can be a basic part of Scribe in my troops.
I must, however, disagree with Cheryl on the subject of
frequency. Parents/Scouts/etc. must be able to DEPEND on the
newsletter. It may vary in size from one page to six, but it
should be regular. Start slow. Quarterly or bi-monthly, but
be regular. They may start looking in the newsletter instead
of always calling the leaders at home :-0
Finally, don't be afraid to copy your Friendly DE, and be
sure to send copies to a couple key people in your Charter
Org. At least they'll know what you're up to, and it may
avoid some calendar conflicts.
To further the idea-sharing, I would be willing to trade
copies with interested troops. That's where I get many
of my layout and story ideas. Private e-mail if interested.
Michael Derleth Mderleth@CZN.com
ASM T3, Ouachita Valley Council Roundtable Commissioner
Eagle Scout, Buffalo EC-424, Staffer SR-177.
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