Good Idea – Newsletter

 Today, I heard from a WI Member who explained that their Branch Members were complaining because they didn’t know anything about two separate topics.  I pointed out where both of those items were featured in the provincial newsletter.  It seems as though her Branch Members were not reading the newsletter or they forgot about what they read.  Communication continues to be a concern for WI (see the Coffee Talk article in the Fall 2009 newsletter, page 5). 

 

Is this happening in your Branch?  I suggested this Branch set aside 5-10 minutes at their next meeting to discuss the newsletter, drawing attention to important information, deadlines or interesting facts.  This will help reiterate the importance of the information relayed in the Home & Country ROSE Garden.  Plus, engaging and insightful conversation is something we can all enjoy and learn from.  At first, you may need one person to head up the task – someone who agrees to review the newsletter in detail and then start or facilitate the discussion.  If your other WI Members don’t catch on right away, this person may have to point out the important items.  Hopefully, over time people will review and bring up the notable items to discuss, without the direction.   

 

What can you do?

• Set aside 5-10 minutes to discuss the newsletter after WI Members have had a chance to review it
• Have one or two people select which information they think needs to be highlighted – ask them to start the discussion by mentioning these stories/pages
• Ask your Branch Secretary to review the newsletter (only takes a few minutes) when she receives it and then provide a “heads up” on any important or pressing information

 

Why should you and your Members care about the provincial newsletter?  The Home & Country ROSE Garden contains important information for YOU!

• deadline dates for contests, challenges, meetings and events
• topics and actions for advocacy
• information on FWIC & ACWC projects
• WI meeting program ideas 
• tips for marketing, membership recruitment and fundraising
• showcase of what other WI Branches are doing across the province
• Upcoming Events at the Erland Lee
• Plus much more!

The provincial newsletter is our primary source for communication to each individual WI Member.  This is our chance to get a message to you – but we need to know that you are taking the time to read and understand the information that is being provided.  Ensuring WI Members feel connected and aware of what is going is something we can all help with!

How are you improving communication in your WI Branch?  Leave a comment below!!

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