This non-copyrighted article may be reproduced in any philatelic publication as long as the author's name, original source publication and the CAC's on-line web address is listed.

It's often described as the glue that holds a club together; it keeps the membership informed and coming to meetings. What's this powerful vehicle? It's a newsletter that does all this, and more.

While the majority of our member clubs produce a monthly or bimonthly newsletter, there are a few who aren't reaching out with the written word. Perhaps they feel it's too much effort. For those, I suggest vying the simple fill-in-the blank, one-page newsletter shown below. The APS Chapter Activities Committee designed this template in 1989, specifically for local club use.

Note how it includes only the essential elements for keeping your membership informed. When you're ready to expand your newsletter, add other basic items with the space available on the back of the page. Some of our WFSC clubs regularly publish these added items in their newsletters: president's message, upcoming club or local philatelic events, area shows and bourses, U.S. Postal Service new issues list, member or dealer ads.

Here are some others:
1. include an advance listing of upcoming auction lots
2. write an interesting commentary on major stories appearing in Linn's Stamp News
3. publish a series of articles about your club history
4. include book reviews written by various club members

A few clubs have more extensive newsletters that feature short original articles. While it's difficult to get members to write, there are many sources for reprinting. A warning though: unless open reprint permission is noted, it's wise to play it safe and obtain such permission by writing directly to the author of the article or editor of the publication. You'll often find them more than willing to comply with your request.

If you start simple, it shouldn't be difficult to find someone to serve as newsletter editor. Today's home computers alleviate much of the editor expertise required in the past. Look for a computer buff among your membership. These individuals already have an interest in making use of their equipment.

I've noted that some clubs always assign the title of editor to their president. While it might seem practical to get the word directly from the horse's mouth, your president's plate is already full with leadership responsibilities, and it helps to get others actively involved. This includes the newsletter distribution process. From past editorship experience, I've found that once I've completed the copy, I don't want to deal with getting it reproduced, addressing and stuffing envelopes, and applying postage. Someone else can handle that phase of the operation.

Not only have computers allowed editors to more efficiently produce a newsletter, but also to make them more attractive through eye-catching graphics and creating a club logo.

As for expense, a newsletter more than pays for itself with member interest and increased meeting attendance. Photocopy costs, like computers, are decreasing. Look for bargains at discount office supply centers and specials at chain photocopy shops. Postage is the biggest expense. Some clubs handle this by having members annually submit a year's supply of SASEs. Or, you can distribute your newsletter to those at the meetings and mail only to the rest.