“This is the season for making resolutions, and options abound. But none is more convenient and commendable than community service in one’s own neighborhood. So why not get the ball rolling in 2015 by lending a hand with the publishing and/or distribution of our newsletter? With hard copy circulation well over two thousand and a color version available online via the neighborhood association website, www.bwna.us, the newsletter is Beaumont-Wilshire’s most visible and extensive means of communication, both locally and beyond. Consequently, a fully staffed newsletter team is vital to the success of BWNA’s community outreach effort, with the timely filling of vacancies a continual priority.
Here are some volunteer opportunities for your consideration:
Copy Editor: In December, Ethan Derner stepped down after years of outstanding service as copy editor. The copy editor’s responsibility is to give the newsletter a final edit before going to press. Experience has proven the worth of an independent quality check.
Assistant Editor: The purpose of this newly created position is to have a person in the loop who can “pinch hit” for the editor when travel, illness, etc., gets in the way of fulfilling duties—especially as the ad/article submission deadline approaches.
Distributor: It takes a village to distribute the newsletter to your porch—over 60 volunteers strong! The system works this way: distribution coordinators Serah Breakstone and John Sandie oversee the portioning out of newsletters to captains who then deliver a specified number of copies to their team of distributors who then walk their respective delivery routes. It’s good exercise and much appreciated!
Writer-Reporter: We depend on staff writer-reporters (there are currently four) to do investigative reporting and associated article writing. Writer-reporters are responsible for contributing 1 or 2 articles every other month.
At-large article writers: Local residents, business owners, and organization leaders are encouraged to submit short articles, including “Letter to the Board” editorials.
One additional note: volunteering for any of the above positions will not result in additional meetings to fill your already busy schedule. Communication among newsletter team members is almost totally accomplished by e-mail or phone.
So don’t procrastinate; resolve to get it done. Contact me at editor@bwna.us to volunteer.