Member Participation
Hi Keith - I've been the journal editor with the North Carolina Woodturners since Feb. 2002 -- I'm the third editor since the NCW first formed in 1990. When I volunteered for the position, I was given copies of all the past newsletters; the general content of our newsletter has not changed in 14 yrs., only the way the newsletter has been published and the gernal layout.
Normally, our newsletter is 8 pages in length, but has also been 4 or 12, depending on how much information I have at the time of publishing. Each newsletter generally includes the following:
* message from the president, telling the members about current activities and events, related to our club, neighboring clubs, and the AAW.
* introduction to the next month's demonstrator -- a picture here is really worth including, if possible.
* summary of the events planned for the rest of the year, so people can mark their calendars.
* member news -- new member announcements, membership attaboys, etc.
* library news -- new video and book purchases added to our library.
* demonstrator review -- photo and text writeup of the previous month's demonstration. At the beginning of the year, we try to get enough volunteers to write at least one or two reviews per year. Having different members volunteer to do this gives variety in writing styles, perceptions, etc. Getting the volunteers is not easy, as you know, and sometimes it may need more involvment with the board members to help move this along.
* monthly challenge projects -- including a photo of the previous month's winner, the current month's challenge, and summary of challenge projects for the balance of the year (since some projects may require more than one month to plan).
* instant gallery photos and descriptions, if available, from the previous month's entries. This is a great way to share ideas with the members, and fill space at the same time!
* mentor list -- members who are willing to help other turners for hands-on skills.
* next meeting date and time -- highlighted and repeated.
The rest of the newsletter is "filler" material, including member classified ads, special announcements, etc. Throughout the year, some members submit articles on their experience at one of the woodturning schools, tips & techniques, book or video reviews, etc. When I get the articles and photos, I store them where I can pull one out when I have space available. As in your club, not all of our members have email or internet access, so I still get articles and classified ads in the mail, and have to re-type or scan these in. I have also used some of our "early years" articles and re-printed them. If all else fails, I find an article I like from one of the turning forums, other chapters' newsletters, etc., and ask the author for permission to re-print it. This part is, as I see it, my major role as the editor -- to make sure I have enough material to fill the newsletter, to fill at least 8 pages. I don't re-write the articles -- I just fill in the spaces.
To put the newsletter together and get it out, it takes the effort of various board members and NCW officers, our club photographer (member volunteer), and other member volunteers for demonstrator write-ups, additional photos (usually of the demonstration), mailing list database management, and newsletter mailings. Members who bring in their pieces for the instant gallery are also a tremendous help -- a photo takes up space!!
I don't wish "doing it all" on anyone. Finding the volunteers may not be easy to do, but push hard -- pass the sign up list around a few times. Some may be reluctant at first, but with the right encouragement........
Good luck!
John Uteck
North Carolina Woodturners