What is the Center for Board Development

The Center for Board Development delivers resources that are intended to be practical, cost-effective, adaptable and respectful of each organization’s unique differences, objectives, values and culture.

Over the last three years, this work has been evolving and adapting as we receive more feedback from clients about the changing landscape of non-profit management. We have been conducting groups sessions and on-site facilitation since 2006, and are now delivering resources across Alberta.

Community workshops have included:

Board Governance in Action
Writing Effective Policies & Procedures
Board Recruitment for Beginners
Building Healthy Board/Staff Relations
Make the Most of Your Local Media
Marketing Strategy for Non Profits
The ABC’s Of Your AGM
Email Marketing and E-Newsletters
Volunteer Management – Making Best Practice Practical
Building Better Communications
Panel Discussion - Risk & Liability
Donuts to Dollars – Strategies for Community Fundraising
The 7 Keys to Successful Corporate Collaboration
Peer Mentoring
Words That Change Minds™


On-site programs with individual organizations have included:

Board Orientation and training
External evaluation of programs for funder
Policy evaluation and development
By-law review and recommendations
Board recruitment facilitation
Strategic planning facilitation
Administrative training
Operations systems analysis
Communications strategy development

Volunteer recruitment planning sessions
Third-party wage scale review
Board/staff evaluation program
Fundraising support
Project management services
Leadership coaching director/board chair
Business plan development
Public relations/community awareness campaigns

For more information on programs available in your community, please contact:

The Center for Board Development 1-877-327-3750

http://www.boardcenter.ca/ or email info@boardcenter.ca

Creating Readable Newsletters

9 Helpful Tips for Creating Newsletters
That Readers Love to Read

Content

1. Keep it short. Newsletters generally are best kept to the highlights or summary of your topic. If you are using an electronic version, create the possibility for someone to find out more by adding a link to a more in-depth treatment on your website, or recommend a book or magazine which expands on the topic.

2. Make it personal. Are your articles focused on the ‘human’ issues? If you are talking about your programs, can you include the first-person experience of a recipient? How about photos of real people with your service or program in action?

3. Offer a variety of viewpoints. Perhaps you might include one or more segments written by others (include their name as guest columnist) to add variety to the tone and ‘voice’ of your newsletter? Everyone likes to see their experiences, stories and opinions in print, and it is worth a little careful editing if it brings the fresh perspective and enthusiasm of a new contributor.

Appearance

4. Make it match. If you have developed branding, logo, theme colors or images, or a certain style, you may choose to use those elements when creating your newsletter. You can develop or use a prepared template that you use consistently and update the look with seasonal graphics.

5. Make it flow. Break up the items into larger and smaller textboxes that makes information easy to spot. Can you create a sidebar or pop-out box in a different color to highlight program changes, important dates or contact information?

6. Make it readable. Try to use a common look throughout; a jumble of unrelated geographic shapes, multiple fonts or images that switch from cartoon to photo to realistic make it hard for the eye to follow.

Distribution

7. Keep your list current. People move and change jobs more than ever. Make an effort to update your distribution list at least annually.

8. For your eyes only... Email newsletters are the way to go for affordability, adaptability and quick receipt but make sure to use the bcc button when sending. (If you don’t know how to find this on yours call me, and I will come and help.) If you don’t, your entire mailing list could be used by an unscrupulous spammer to send unwelcome and inappropriate emails.

9. Speak the language. If you are sending out email newsletters, check with a few of your recipients to make sure that their computers will read what you send. Some email programs automatically block image files or attachments, or some recipients may not have the program installed that you want to send in. Word and PDF are the most universally accepted, or use an internet email system like Constant Contact to make sure your information gets through.

Happy writing!

PS: Have you checked out Charity Village lately? Always a great resource for board members, staff and volunteers. CharityVillage