Communications
Getting the Word Out
Our goal is to get the word out about PALS. We put out a paper newsletter (usually) twice a year, communicate with our members and friends via email, and maintain a web site.
The Communications (Publicity) committee is responsible for notifying members and anyone else who wishes to hear about PALS events. We send the email and calling-post reminders of upcoming general meetings and special events.
Emailing members
To handle our bulk email we use a service called myemma.com, for which PALS was awarded a grant in 2007. Although the grant was originally for 2 years, myEmma appears to be allowing us to use their service indefinitely.
The Newsletter
PALS publishes a newsletter either once or twice yearly, depending on what information needs to be communicated. A desktop publishing program is used to create the newsletter using content provided by other committee members, as well as information discussed at our meetings. After the document has been created, it must be printed. This process consists of purchasing the paper, making approximately 3000 copies on the library's copier during regular library hours, then folding, collating and delivering the newsletters to area schools and preschools. The folding, collating and delivery can be done by several people and on your own schedule. The newsletters are delivered to the school offices during school hours. Often, a PALS member who has children at a particular school will deliver those newsletters, since they may know the office personnel. The Fall 2007 newsletter was distributed as follows:
www.librarypals.org
PALS is a dynamic group of young parents, and we need to project that image. Recruitment of new members is a key priority for us this year, and our web site can support that objective by being informational, up-to-date and interactive. The site is hosted on weebly.com. Content will come from a variety of sources, including the committee members, PALS meetings, Library Foundation meetings, and others. Responsibility for the site includes being timely with updated information and producing new content at regular intervals.
What is Needed?
1. Ideas for articles: Ongoing basis. Send me email any time of day.
2. Writing articles Ongoing basis. Send me email any time of day. Possibly more time required as publication deadline approaches.
3. Copy making Needed in the Spring during a concentrated time period after the newsletter has been created. The whole copying process takes about 8 hours. Split it with a friend!
4. Folding & Collation Needed in the Spring during a concentrated time period after the newsletter has been copied. Folding and collating is mindless work best done in front of the television.
5. Distribution Distribution of the newsletter involves driving and delivering stacks of paper. This is best
done while dropping your child off at one of the above schools, or perhaps after your kids have gone to their respective schools.
Our goal is to get the word out about PALS. We put out a paper newsletter (usually) twice a year, communicate with our members and friends via email, and maintain a web site.
The Communications (Publicity) committee is responsible for notifying members and anyone else who wishes to hear about PALS events. We send the email and calling-post reminders of upcoming general meetings and special events.
Emailing members
To handle our bulk email we use a service called myemma.com, for which PALS was awarded a grant in 2007. Although the grant was originally for 2 years, myEmma appears to be allowing us to use their service indefinitely.
The Newsletter
PALS publishes a newsletter either once or twice yearly, depending on what information needs to be communicated. A desktop publishing program is used to create the newsletter using content provided by other committee members, as well as information discussed at our meetings. After the document has been created, it must be printed. This process consists of purchasing the paper, making approximately 3000 copies on the library's copier during regular library hours, then folding, collating and delivering the newsletters to area schools and preschools. The folding, collating and delivery can be done by several people and on your own schedule. The newsletters are delivered to the school offices during school hours. Often, a PALS member who has children at a particular school will deliver those newsletters, since they may know the office personnel. The Fall 2007 newsletter was distributed as follows:
- East - 39 sets of 20
- West - 37 sets of 20 (Must be delivered to school by 12 pm Friday for Monday distribution - they only send home materials on Mondays.)
- Cahaba Heights Elementary - 150 (Registrar will provide a list of classes and sizes for collation as class sizes vary widely.)
- Ascension Preschool - 150
- Covenant Preschool - 250
- Vestavia United Methodist - 150
- Southminster - 250
- Mountain Chapel - 120
www.librarypals.org
PALS is a dynamic group of young parents, and we need to project that image. Recruitment of new members is a key priority for us this year, and our web site can support that objective by being informational, up-to-date and interactive. The site is hosted on weebly.com. Content will come from a variety of sources, including the committee members, PALS meetings, Library Foundation meetings, and others. Responsibility for the site includes being timely with updated information and producing new content at regular intervals.
What is Needed?
1. Ideas for articles: Ongoing basis. Send me email any time of day.
2. Writing articles Ongoing basis. Send me email any time of day. Possibly more time required as publication deadline approaches.
3. Copy making Needed in the Spring during a concentrated time period after the newsletter has been created. The whole copying process takes about 8 hours. Split it with a friend!
4. Folding & Collation Needed in the Spring during a concentrated time period after the newsletter has been copied. Folding and collating is mindless work best done in front of the television.
5. Distribution Distribution of the newsletter involves driving and delivering stacks of paper. This is best
done while dropping your child off at one of the above schools, or perhaps after your kids have gone to their respective schools.