Success StoryNewsletter Format Changes
Newsletter Format Changes
Author: Matthew Chadwick
Planning Unit: Calloway County CES
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership - ANR
Plan of Work: 2024 Local Foods/Commercial Horticulture
Outcome: Initial Outcome
Describe the Issue or Situation
The traditional ANR newsletter primarily targeted agricultural producers and landowners. While effective for reaching this audience, it limited outreach to underserved groups such as small farmers, homeowners, and gardeners. Additionally, the content and distribution format constrained opportunities for volunteer engagement and the ability to update event information efficiently.
Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable)
To address these limitations, a new magazine-style newsletter format was developed. Key elements of the response included:
- Transitioning to an engaging design with broader content appeal.
- Distributing the newsletter online via email to program participants and subscribers.
- Using on-demand printing to provide physical copies for distribution at events, community centers, and farmers' markets. This approach ensured the content was current and relevant.
- Expanding article topics to include content for small farmers, homeowners, and gardeners.
- Encouraging trained volunteers to contribute articles, fostering increased participation and skill development.
Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience
The target audience included traditional agricultural producers and landowners, as well as underserved groups such as small farmers, homeowners, and gardeners. The newsletter reached hundreds of recipients through email and distributed additional copies at community events, farmers' markets, and local centers, engaging a broader demographic.
Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact
The redesigned newsletter significantly expanded its reach and inclusivity, as evidenced by increased engagement from underserved groups. Feedback surveys indicated a higher satisfaction rate with the updated content and format, with 100% of respondents finding the articles more relevant to their needs. 4 new volunteers contributed to the newsletter, with several volunteers reporting improved confidence in their writing abilities. The new on-demand printing system also improved the timeliness and relevance of information, contributing to a more dynamic and responsive outreach effort.
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