Purpose

Comprehensive Community Action Program uses an Electronic Newsletter to build broad-based awareness and support for agency initiatives and related issues of concern.

Description

Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP) established an Electronic Newsletter as a tool to highlight CCAP activities and accomplishments.  The newsletter, CCAP Points of Interest, typically features a single topic with each edition.  Information is presented as concisely as possible (usually one page) and can include photos as well as embedded links. 

CCAP uses Constant Contact to publish Points of Interest - see sample copy ... archives.  Constant Contact has addition features that include surveys and event planning (at additional costs). A non-profit discount is offered and it is relatively easy to use  Basic information about CCAP is visible with each issue of the newsletter:

• Newsletter title and tagline
• Masthead with CCAP logo and program list
• List of CCAP locations and phone numbers plus an active link to CCAP’s web site

Examples of topics that have been covered in Points of Interest include:

• Announcement of new grant awards
• Success story from CCAP program
• Data and highlights of CCAP programs
• EITC information
• Head Start recruitment information
• State CAP Association news
• Special initiatives such as Hurricane Relief efforts

Points of Interest is sent via email from the CCAP Executive Director.  An online form can be used for people interested in subscribing (no fee).  The cost of sending the e-newsletter is minimal compared to designing, printing and mailing a paper newsletter.  For example, Points of Interest can be sent to several thousand subscribers in minutes for basically no cost.  The publication can be sent as a frequently as desired. 

CCAP maintains several mailing lists for broadcasting the newsletter – one for CCAP staff, one for staff from other agencies, elected officials and a general list.  Email addresses are imported of every state and federal elected official in Rhode Island plus many of the localities served.  Different groups can be targeted for specific news items.

Overall, about 50% open the newsletter and about 30% click on the links that are featured.  The number might even be higher since some individuals might read the newsletter in their preview pane that would not then be recorded as an opening.

Outcomes

CCAP’s electronic newsletter is a cost-effective and efficient device to ensure public awareness about the agency’s activities and issues of interest.  Feedback has been very positive with over 2,500 subscribers on the distribution list.