Tips for Writing Community Newsletters

Community newsletters can take on different outlooks and speak the voice of the association. With that in mind, it is important to decide as a group what will be the focus of the Board's newsletter. Come to an agreement and make sure all Board members are aware of the decision. If the volunteer heading up the newsletter is not a Board member, spend time with that person to ensure they have a complete understanding of the Board's goals.

With that in mind, a few tips:

• Decide if the newsletter with have an editorial aspect or if it will be facts about the community.
• Plan on regular intervals for publishing. Seasonal, monthly or in conjunction with condo/HOA payments.
• Give writers who want to contribute guidelines. What is an acceptable piece?
• Who has final say? Does the Board need to vote on the newsletter? Can the President make changes?
• What are the costs associated with the newsletter? Will you send it out with an already planned mailing, post it in the mailroom, deliver door to door, send out electronically or snail mail it?

With good planning and consistency, residents will appreciate and use the information in your newsletter.