If communication is at the heart of BWNA’s viability, the newsletter is its lifeblood. Although published every other month, the Beaumont-Wilshire Newsletter is far and away BWNA’s most widespread and popular mode of communication. With hard copy distribution to well over 2000 B-W households and businesses and an online color version posted on the BWNA website (www.bwna.us), extends readership far beyond B-W boundaries. No surprise then that annual funding received by BWNA from the Office of Neighborhood Involvement is specifically earmarked for “Communication”——i.e., for communication vehicles that help residents stay informed about neighborhood events and issues. We are of course very appreciative for the City’s support, but the reality is that the total sum of this financial aid falls just short of covering expenses for the publication of two issues of this newsletter.
So how is the difference made up? Answer: predominantly from advertising. In fact, not only does local business ad revenue keep the newsletter afloat, but it also serves as an essential funding source for BWNA’s projects and activities. Thus, I encourage business owners reading this column to consider running an ad in the B-W Newsletter. You won’t find more reasonable rates, and it’s a win-win for your business and for the community.
Still, neighborhood association newsletters do not survive on money alone. Dozens of volunteer distributors throughout this neighborhood coupled with a handful of volunteers comprise our staff: two reporter-, a graphic designer, a copy editor, a webmaster, and an editor. Without their dedication there would be no newsletter, no website, no blog. . .basically no BWNA as we know it. Need inspiration? Read the following excerpt from an e-mail sent to me by dedicated BWNA volunteer Virginia Wilkinson:
“One of the reasons I love living in this area besides its awesome livability - good schools, parks, shopping, transportation, etc., is the neighborhood association and what is does. Shortly after I moved here over 30 years ago I went to a BWNA meeting and quickly discovered this was one place where people could make a difference. I got involved and found myself on the Board for a few years, which I enjoyed. I am not able to do this sort of thing anymore, but I can make my voice heard and do what I can when I can. I have delivered the newsletter for many years and am still able to do this. It is a good way to get out and often meet and visit with the neighbors, look for new people moving in, and encourage them to come to the BWNA meetings”.
So please don’t hesitate to contact me at editor@bwna.us or by phone at 503.287.0477 to see how you might be able to help out. Additionally, our staff is always on the lookout for articles submitted by residents on topics of local interest, especially “Letter to the Board” editorials.
For information on submitting articles or ads for publication, go to the BWNA website home page (www.bwna.us) and click on the “Newsletter” link at the top.