Newsletter Plan

Audience Profile: The audience of this electronic newsletter is the volunteers that
support the Saanich Volunteer Services Society. These people volunteer in a wide variety of tasks including: driving, shopping, administration, marketing, companionship, household repairs etc. Generally the volunteers are baby boomers that are nearing the end of their careers or recently retired. Many are looking for an activity or hobby to occupy some free time that gives back to the community. Often they have elderly family members that are clients of SVSS. They commonly have a minimum of a college degree with an average income. Most live in the Saanich region, if not they live in the Greater Victoria area.

Content Plan:
Objective: To provide volunteers with relevant information through stories, research and examples that will help to build on valued skills utilized by the volunteers. Statement: This newsletter provides an outlet for SVSS to communicate with the volunteers and express their gratitude for their help in running the SVSS programs. Additionally, it provides information and dates about programs, training and other important dates for the volunteers. Since SVSS is a small company the newsletter is fairly informal. Many of the feature stories will be about a volunteer, a senior, assisted living and how it is related to the work that SVSS does for the community. Each newsletter will include a calendar with training sessions, workshops and other important dates. It will be written in a 12pt Arial, a sans-serif font. Name: SVSS Volunteer Digest

Production Schedule:
ACTIVITY Decide on basic content Decide on number, length and type of stories Make up template Gather info/interviews Write first draft Obtain critiques and edit first draft Create artwork Write final draft Obtain critiques, edit final draft, and copy fit articles to template Fit artwork to template Finalize and proof Email out RESPONSIBILITY Newsletter volunteer Newsletter volunteer Newsletter volunteer Newsletter volunteer Newsletter volunteer Newsletter volunteer/ SVSS coordinator Newsletter volunteer Newsletter volunteer Newsletter volunteer/ SVSS coordinator Newsletter volunteer Newsletter volunteer/SVSS coordinator Newsletter volunteer DATE ACCOMPLISHED Dec 1, Mar 1, June 1, Sept 1 Dec 5, Mar 5, June 5, Sept 5 Dec 10, Mar 10, June 10, Sept 10 Dec 12, Mar 12, June 12, Sept 12 Dec 12, Mar 12, June 12, Sept 12 Dec 17, Mar 17, June 17, Sept 17 Dec 20, Mar 20, June 20, Sept 20 Dec 23, Mar 23, June 23, Sept 23 Dec 28, Mar 28, June 28, Sept 28 Dec 28, Mar 28, June 28, Sept 28 Dec 30, Mar 30, June 30, Sept 30 Jan 1, Apr 1, July 1, Oct 1

Publication Frequency: the newsletter will be published quarterly on January 1, April 1,

July 1, and October 1.

Delivery Method: The newsletter will be issued by email to all volunteers and other who
subscribe; an opt-out option will be available.

Newsletter Sample
Volunteering is Good For You
We all know that volunteering is good for our community. And we all know that volunteering helps those in need, but did you know that according to researchers at the University of Exeter Medical School who studied data from more than 20 published reports, those who volunteers have a 20 percent lower risk of death then those who do not? Thats a pretty good! Additionally the United Health Group found from an American survey of 3,351 volunteers that: ~76 percent of people who volunteer say it makes them feel more mentally and physically fit ~94 percent said that volunteering changed their moods positively ~78 percent of say that volunteering lowers their amount of stress ~96 percent reported they feel a higher sense of purpose in life ~80 percent of them feel like they have control over their health ~Approximately a quarter of them said that they can now manage their own problems and illnesses by taking their minds off of it while volunteering ~It was also widely noted that those who volunteer have higher self esteem and better overall life satisfaction including in relationships Most of these findings ring true for those of us who donate our time regularly to organizations or events but to others this may be news. Spreading this information is important for our societies health. Not only will it allow for the volunteers to reap benefits not widely known, but perhaps our community members will be at less risk if they are able to profit from these volunteering advantages.