A FEW IDEAS FOR A BETTER NEWSLETTER
by Barbara Baker, NGC Awards Chairman
Develop a style and repeat on each page and each issue, e.g. photo placement, borders, boxes around important messages, state and national logo.
Type/font - large enough to easily read; simple fonts; vary fonts but not too many; use bold and larger type for headings.
Avoid too much copy on a page -
due to expense we are tempted to fill the pages to the edges, but white space attracts attention to articles.
Photographs, when used, should be large and clear; add labeling under photos
Add clip art for variety: free clip art available from http://office.microsoft.com - on left under Home choose "clip art and media", then on "Search" choose "clip art", then type in subject
Arrange copy on the page to be visually interesting; hold page at a distance and look for balance and rhythm; each page should balance and flow to the next
Multiple columns are easier to read
Use subheadings with long articles
In competition, Achievement/ Promotes NGC Objectives are 80 points, so judges look for:
• articles about the club's own projects and activities
• information about projects beyond the club - community, district
• promotion of state projects and goals
• coverage of national projects. Each club president receives The National Gardener and Keeping In Touch. Share this information with club members.
• announcements of upcoming events to encourage members to attend: plant society lectures, gardening courses, flower show schools, state conventions
• additional articles of interest: gardening, design, birds, parliamentary tips, etc.
~reprinted from Keeping in Touch, November 2005
