SE Uplift supports neighborhood associations in developing communications strategies and methods to effectively reach and engage members of their neighborhood. Effective communication is the lifeblood of a successful organization. It reinforces the organization's vision, connects neighbors to the cause, fosters process improvement and facilitates change. No matter how you look at it, communication is an important part of the landscape and cannot be taken for granted. There are, now more than ever, more ways to reach your audience. SE Uplift can assist with developing communications strategies including e-newsletters, websites, print newsletters and more. Contact SE Uplift Communications Program Manager, Blythe Pavlik for information: 503-232-0010 x321 / blythe@southeastuplift.org.

E-newsletters:

E-newsletters are a simple and inexpensive way to reach your neighbors. E-newsletters allow you to build networks with your neighbors by sharing neighborhood news in a quick manner.

Websites:

Another effective way to reach your neighbors is through a website. Seventy-five percent of the American population has access to the internet*. Websites provide neighborhood associations an opportunity to passively reach their neighbors. Websites can be "brochure-like", meaning fairly static with a minimum amount of information or they can be quite dynamic with information changing all the time. Websites also allow neighbors access to your association news and updates without attending meetings.

Print Newsletters:

Print newsletters allow associations to maintain a tangible connection with all its members - maintaining a crucial sense of community. Print newsletters are an excellent companion to on-line methods - though they are admittedly a much higher cost than e-newsletters. Print newsletters require time, committment of an editor, formatting and money to cover printing costs. Some neighbrhoods deliver print newsletters by hand while others pay the USPS to deliver via mail. Print newsletters are arguably one of the most effective outreach tools an association can use. SE Uplift and the neighborhood communications committee are seeking new and not-so-new ideas on how to maintain print newsletters without encurring high costs.

Additional Communications/Outreach Tools:

Posters for events
Fliers for events
Social Networking such as Facebook and Twitter
Listservs such as Google and Yahoo
Yard Signs
Banners
Kiosks/Sandwhich Boards/Poetry Boxes to hold newsletters and other information
Promotional Swag: stickers, t-shirts, magnets, etc.

*Nielsen/NetRatings

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