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

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Our ToolsOur Tools

Our website – how the world views usOur website – how the world views us

sustainjefferson.orgsustainjefferson.org• Introduces our organization to the general publicIntroduces our organization to the general public

• Reaches the widest potential audience for our messageReaches the widest potential audience for our message

• Is a “living” electronic document requiring frequent updatesIs a “living” electronic document requiring frequent updates

• Includes links to other sustainability resourcesIncludes links to other sustainability resources

• Invites viewers to visit our SJ Google groupInvites viewers to visit our SJ Google group

Our ToolsOur Tools

Google groups – the world is watching here, tooGoogle groups – the world is watching here, tooSustain JeffersonSustain Jefferson (Wisconsin)(Wisconsin) current membership ~80current membership ~80

• On-line discussion group On-line discussion group viewable by the general public worldwideviewable by the general public worldwide• Members may post new messages or respond to existing messagesMembers may post new messages or respond to existing messages

SJ Fire SoulsSJ Fire Souls current membership ~20 current membership ~20

• On-line group available to Board, Committee chairs, and core SJ membersOn-line group available to Board, Committee chairs, and core SJ members• Dedicated largely to the business of operating Sustain JeffersonDedicated largely to the business of operating Sustain Jefferson• Members may post new messages or respond to existing messagesMembers may post new messages or respond to existing messages• Members of this group are also in the Sustain Jefferson group aboveMembers of this group are also in the Sustain Jefferson group above

Jefferson County CSE Jefferson County CSE current membership ~20current membership ~20

• On-line group allied with, but not identified as part of SJOn-line group allied with, but not identified as part of SJ• Focus – community supported energy (gasifier, et al)Focus – community supported energy (gasifier, et al)

Our ToolsOur Tools

E-mail list / SJ CalendarE-mail list / SJ Calendar

E-mail contact listE-mail contact list currently ~220 addressescurrently ~220 addresses

• Includes members of the 2 SJ Google groups and many of the CSE groupIncludes members of the 2 SJ Google groups and many of the CSE group

• Includes many who have taken a TNS Study circle in the pastIncludes many who have taken a TNS Study circle in the past

• Includes visitors to MREA booth, Fighting Bob, etc.Includes visitors to MREA booth, Fighting Bob, etc.

• Includes visitors to the Sustain Jefferson websiteIncludes visitors to the Sustain Jefferson website

• Includes representatives of other similar organizations (GO, T&CRCD, etc)Includes representatives of other similar organizations (GO, T&CRCD, etc)

SJ CalendarSJ Calendar• Hosted on Google email account and viewable on the SJ websiteHosted on Google email account and viewable on the SJ website

• Provides a method of sending invitations for SJ events to our E-mail listProvides a method of sending invitations for SJ events to our E-mail list

• Public can view but not add or change listingsPublic can view but not add or change listings

Our ChallengesOur Challenges

We have an important message to shareWe have an important message to share

If we want to get our message across, we have to:If we want to get our message across, we have to:• Keep it simpleKeep it simple

• Make it clearMake it clear

• Repeat it oftenRepeat it often

• Ensure it's consistent with our missionEnsure it's consistent with our mission

To ensure your message isn't buried, lost, or ignored To ensure your message isn't buried, lost, or ignored • Make the subject clear and conciseMake the subject clear and concise

• Don't “tag on” to other subjects (example)Don't “tag on” to other subjects (example)

• Minimize unnecessary responsesMinimize unnecessary responses

Our ChallengesOur Challenges

We have to identify & be cognizant of our audienceWe have to identify & be cognizant of our audience

Which audience is your message best suited for?Which audience is your message best suited for?• Core SJ participants (SJ Fire Souls Group)Core SJ participants (SJ Fire Souls Group)

• Interested observers (Sustain Jefferson Group)Interested observers (Sustain Jefferson Group)

• Wider local and regional interested parties (email list / calendar invites)Wider local and regional interested parties (email list / calendar invites)

• World-wide audience (website)World-wide audience (website)

Could your public message alienate newcomers? Could your public message alienate newcomers? (Sustain Jefferson group)(Sustain Jefferson group)

• Avoid cliquish atmosphereAvoid cliquish atmosphere

• Reduce superfluous emailsReduce superfluous emails

• Keep off-topic messages offKeep off-topic messages off

• When in doubt, consider a smaller audienceWhen in doubt, consider a smaller audience

Our OptionsOur Options

Should additional communications tools be used?Should additional communications tools be used?

Consider if additional communications media can be usefulConsider if additional communications media can be useful• Local newspapers / publicationsLocal newspapers / publications

• Window cards in local businessesWindow cards in local businesses

• Local / regional Radio – TV opportunitiesLocal / regional Radio – TV opportunities

• Consult with the Publicity Committee for optionsConsult with the Publicity Committee for options

Our ActionsOur Actions

Should the SJ Google group stay open to the public?Should the SJ Google group stay open to the public?

Keep it open and stay on topicKeep it open and stay on topic• Valuable tool for sharing information, new ideas, events, etc.Valuable tool for sharing information, new ideas, events, etc.

• Provides an open forum for discussion of sustainability issuesProvides an open forum for discussion of sustainability issues

• Gives viewers a more personal, up-to-date view of our organizationGives viewers a more personal, up-to-date view of our organization

• May encourage visitors to join the discussion, and ultimately the May encourage visitors to join the discussion, and ultimately the

organizationorganization

Close public access and convert to “members-only”Close public access and convert to “members-only”• Limits our means of delivering our message to those outside the groupLimits our means of delivering our message to those outside the group

• Reduces opportunities to attract potential membersReduces opportunities to attract potential members

• Removes need for careful consideration of subject matterRemoves need for careful consideration of subject matter

Open DiscOpen Discussionussion