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Al-Anon
Guidelines for Newsletter Editors G-21
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A
newsletter can be a key source of information, unity and harmony for a district, area, or information service. |
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PURPOSE
OF A NEWSLETTER
A
newsletter is a vital link in keeping groups and members informed. Establishing individual newsletter guidelines makes it easier for an
editor to decide what to include. An assembly, district, or AI-Anon Information Service (AIS) may be asked to take a group conscience or
hold a workshop to clarify specific purposes, such as to:
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encourage
attendance at service events |
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communicate
local, area and AIS news |
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attract
AI-Anon members into service |
TIP:
Ask yourself why you are publishing
this newsletter? Who is the audience? What do they need? What would they like?
THE
ROLE OF THE EDITOR
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Clarity
of communication is the editor's job. The editor may work with a selection committee of two or more experienced AI-Anon members to
help select material. |
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Encourage
members to make it their newsletter by submitting information, reports, and service sharings. |
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Determine
the type of submissions that will be accepted and establish a due date for submissions. |
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Correct
grammar, punctuation, and spelling. (A WSO style sheet is available upon request.) |
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For
the sake of clarity, use uniform terms as defined in the AI-Anon/Alateen Service Manual, Handbook Section. For example, it is
confusing to use "section" or "zone" when you really mean "district" or "area." |
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Please
spell "AI-Anon" and "Alateen" correctly, with hyphens in the proper place. |
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Always
have someone else proof the final pages. |
TIP:
Live and Let Live - be tolerant of
different styles and communicate with the writer if substantial changes are needed.
PRODUCTION
Develop
a production timeline and publication deadline. |
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Use an organized, consistent format to aid readers.
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The
masthead may include the name of the newsletter, date, and a mailing address (P.O. box if possible; if not, the editor's address may
be used). |
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Some
newsletters list the names and addresses of area or local officers. |
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Include
subscription information. |
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Place
your newsletter's title and date on each page to get credit each time an article is copied. |
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Encourage
members to share their AI-Anon news and print guidelines for sharings and notices. (Some request that all submissions be in writing
by mail, fax, e-mail, or computer disc.) |
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Include
in your guideline standards for submissions, i.e., functions must be open to any member.. |
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Publish
late submissions only if you can still meet the timeline. The most important consideration is getting the newsletter out in time to
accomplish its purpose. |
The
use of computer software can create a professional appearance, generate enthusiasm
and enhance readability with the use of attractive graphics and fonts.
TIP:
Include a little humor! Make it
light! Make it interesting!
TRADITIONS
AND POLICY
In
keeping with Tradition Six, the 1981 World Service Conference approved the following policy: "AI-Anon newsletters and bulletin
boards should not be used for publicizing activities of other organizations, the possible exception being AA."
Policy
on The Forum reprints from the AI-Anon / Alateen Service Manual: "..Since it is copyrighted material, the WSO cannot grant
permission for substantial reprints in area newsletters, in the U.S. and Canada. Newsletters of other countries may, upon informing the
WSO, use Forum material if they give a proper credit line in their publication." This policy also applies to AI-Anon
Conference Approved Literature (CAL).
The
AI-Anon logo with just the triangle and circle may be used without the letters "AFG" or any other graphics in the center. |
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The original seal accompanied by
the words "Approved by the World Service Conference," identifies Conference Approved Literature. This seal is not for
newsletter use.
If quotations, graphics, or
illustrations from other publications are used, the publisher, including AI-Anon, should be contacted for permission and credit given.
The following acknowledgment is to
be used after receiving permission from the World Service Office to reprint excerpts from AI-Anon literature:
From ______________________________________
(identify the
publication)
copyright @ 20____ by AI-Anon Family Group Headquarters,
Inc. Reprinted by permission of AI-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. |
It isn't necessary to obtain
reprint permission to excerpt items of interest from Inside AI-Anon Xtra, Area Highlights, Alateen Talk, Al-Anon Speaks Out, PI,
CPC, Archives or other WSO service tools. Acknowledge the source. Please use:
Used with permission from _______________________
______________________________________________
(publication name)
(issue date) |
Anonymity
- Never put the name "AI-Anon" or "Alateen" on the envelope, including
the return address. It's best to avoid using last names within the publication unless absolutely necessary.
CIRCULATING
YOUR NEWSLETTER
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Limit
the number of pages to keep mailing costs down. |
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In
some areas, DRs are given a sufficient supply for the GRs in their home districts. Others prefer to mail the newsletter to each
group or to AISs. |
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When
quantity permits, reduce mailing costs by using bulk mailing permits; information on bulk mailing is available from your local US
postal service. |
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Exchange
newsletters with other areas/districts. |
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Please
include the WSO on your mailing list. |
SUGGESTED
NEWSLETTER TOPICS
Reports
of:
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Area
officers: delegate, alternate delegate, secretary, area chairperson, and treasurer's
financial report (some areas include contributions by group) |
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Area
and local coordinators (Alateen, Public Outreach, Literature, Forum, Group Records, Archives, etc.) |
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District
representatives (DRs): "District Happenings," meeting announcements, workshops, special events |
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Group
representatives (GRs) - anniversaries |
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Upcoming
voting issues - job descriptions of officers and coordinator positions published before elections to encourage members to
participate |
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Regular
column(s) such as, 'Things to Think About" or "Tips On .." (Consider the same heading with different subjects every
issue,) |
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Assembly
highlight reports |
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Information
and agenda for upcoming assemblies/service meetings |
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"The
Service Comer" - officers, coordinators and DRs can be encouraged to submit sharings on how service work helped with recovery |
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Inserts
or separate flyers about special area/district workshops or events |
TIP:
To handle a controversy, ask both sides to write. Featuring
reports of personal grievances can result in disunity. Use judgment if a submission is inaccurate or misleading. Commun -icate with
officers for guidance.
WHEN
SPACE ALLOWS
The
following "fillers" can be used for reminders or to call attention to other important information:
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List
of officers and coordinators with phone numbers, addresses and/or e-mail addresses |
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Remind
groups about the importance of keeping mailing information up to date |
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Importance
of using the group registration number when communicating with the WSO, especially on orders and contributions |
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The
history of your area |
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Conference
Approved literature (CAL) meeting topics, creating displays, etc. |
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Features
about AI-Anon and Alateen books, publications The Forum, Inside Ai-Anon Xtra and other WSO newsletters. |
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Reminders
of other materials available from the WSO, annual AFG Service Plan, discount literature packets, Literature in Translation, Getting
In Touch with Al-Anon Alateen (S-23) |
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Information
on AI-Anon conventions and regional service seminars |
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WSO
telephone, fax, toll-free meeting line telephone numbers and e-mail address |
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A
list of acronyms used commonly in AI-Anon |
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Show
boundaries on a state map with districts marked. |
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Quarterly
appeals for individual and group contributions from the WSO |
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New
literature, World Service Office guidelines or specific pamphlets |
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Excerpts
from AI-Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27) |
TIP:
Share your excitement! |
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Reprinted with permission of Al-Anon
Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA |
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