Many NAMI affiliates send either a printed newsletter or an emailed newsletter - or both!  But why does your affiliate need one?

Newsletters are one of the least expensive -- and most effective -- public relations tools that exist for promoting what is going on with your affiliate.

By sending out a newsletter on a regular basis, you can keep members, potential members, providers in your area, the media, and other important stakeholders in your community updated about your affiliate.

Frequency of mailing builds familiarity and familiarity inspires participation. Plus, the effort of creating a newsletter itself speaks volumes about your commitment to mental health. It also positions your affiliate as an expert and a valuable resource.

So, Let's Get Started

Almost anyone can create a simple newsletter

Begin by choosing a format and naming your newsletter.  The NAMI national website (www.nami.org) has several templates you can use - or you can create your own.  You can choose a name that represents your community or a general NAMI reference....many NAMI's call their newsletter "The Iris" (of course, in reference to Vincent Van Gogh).  Other names include "The Pioneer", "Ray of Hope", "High Country News", "NAMI Notes".....what you call it is sometimes a difficult decision - but it should not prevent you to get started on keeping your constituents informed!

To save time and money later, decide early on: Will the newsletter be emailed or printed? If it's the latter, will it be 2 pages, 4, or more? Printed in black and white or color?   Will you mail or email or both?  What type of computer program do you have to help with the design?  Word is the easiest program for most people to use - but it is not the most user friendly for newsletter designs - so keep it simple!

What should I put in the newsletter

If you are starting your first issue, devote a column to introducing your newsletter and telling readers your mission and frequency.  You can also include:

 Plus - NAMI North Carolina can send information you can use!

 Newsletter Tips

Photos add interest

• Keep a folder of topics you can pull from (save emails, newspaper articles, other newsletters)
• Decide on the name and frequency of your newsletter. Stick to them.
• If you're the coordinator as well as the writer, work out a budget and a production schedule.
• Decide on a size, and how many articles can comfortably fit on a side.
• Use photographs and other visuals / clipart.
• Vary the content to include different types of articles (news, calendar of events, editorial opinion, Q&A, etc.)
• Keep articles brief and language simple.
• Run items that won't be out of date in a month (or however long it takes to produce the newsletter).
• Provide a list of URLs (including your affiliate's website if you have one) where readers can find out more.
• Golden Rule: A headline for every article, a caption for every picture.
• Include NAMI's mission and logo on every newsletter
• Encourage readers to send you (e)mail.
• Create a contest.
• Double-check your spelling and grammar. If you're weak in these areas, have someone else read the newsletter with an editor's eye before mailing it.   
• Carefully construct a mailing list. Keep it in good shape -- and work on expanding it. The more people who see your newsletter, the more business you'll get.
• Collect addresses and emails everywhere you go!
• Print enough copies -- and use them as marketing pieces and leave-behinds. 

Examples of newsletters:

NAMI Durham Newsletter

NAMI Western Carolina Newsletter

NAMI North Carolina

NAMI Austin, TX

NAMI Minnesota  

NAMI National Resources:

Logos, newsletters, templates, etc.

Style Manual

Keep it simple, keep your members engaged and most of all - have fun with your newsletter!