E-communications: Getting our message out... effectively and consistently!

2. E-communications:Getting our message out... effectively and consistently!

3. Video Clip

4. Our Tools • Our website – how the world views us • sustainjefferson.org • Introduces our organization to the general public • Reaches the widest potential audience for our message • Is a “living” electronic document requiring frequent updates • Includes links to other sustainability resources • Invites viewers to visit our SJ Google group

5. Our Tools • Google groups – the world is watching here, too • Sustain Jefferson(Wisconsin)current membership ~80 • On-line discussion group viewable by the general public worldwide • Members may post new messages or respond to existing messages • SJ Fire Souls current membership ~20 • On-line group available to Board, Committee chairs, and core SJ members • Dedicated largely to the business of operating Sustain Jefferson • Members may post new messages or respond to existing messages • Members of this group are also in the Sustain Jefferson group above • Jefferson County CSE current membership ~20 • On-line group allied with, but not identified as part of SJ • Focus – community supported energy (gasifier, et al)

6. Our Tools • E-mail list / SJ Calendar • E-mail contact listcurrently ~220 addresses • Includes members of the 2 SJ Google groups and many of the CSE group • Includes many who have taken a TNS Study circle in the past • Includes visitors to MREA booth, Fighting Bob, etc. • Includes visitors to the Sustain Jefferson website • Includes representatives of other similar organizations (GO, T&CRCD, etc) SJ Calendar • Hosted on Google email account and viewable on the SJ website • Provides a method of sending invitations for SJ events to our E-mail list • Public can view but not add or change listings

7. Our Challenges • We have an important message to share • If we want to get our message across, we have to: • Keep it simple • Make it clear • Repeat it often • Ensure it's consistent with our mission To ensure your message isn't buried, lost, or ignored • Make the subject clear and concise • Don't “tag on” to other subjects (example) • Minimize unnecessary responses

8. Our Challenges • We have to identify & be cognizant of our audience • Which audience is your message best suited for? • Core SJ participants (SJ Fire Souls Group) • Interested observers (Sustain Jefferson Group) • Wider local and regional interested parties (email list / calendar invites) • World-wide audience (website) Could your public message alienate newcomers? (Sustain Jefferson group) • Avoid cliquish atmosphere • Reduce superfluous emails • Keep off-topic messages off • When in doubt, consider a smaller audience

9. Our Options • Should additional communications tools be used? • Consider if additional communications media can be useful • Local newspapers / publications • Window cards in local businesses • Local / regional Radio – TV opportunities • Consult with the Publicity Committee for options

10. Our Actions • Should the SJ Google group stay open to the public? • Keep it open and stay on topic • Valuable tool for sharing information, new ideas, events, etc. • Provides an open forum for discussion of sustainability issues • Gives viewers a more personal, up-to-date view of our organization • May encourage visitors to join the discussion, and ultimately the organization Close public access and convert to “members-only” • Limits our means of delivering our message to those outside the group • Reduces opportunities to attract potential members • Removes need for careful consideration of subject matter

11. Open Discussion