We’re guessing that when you think of style and panache, the first thing that comes to mind is probably not your sorority chapter newsletter. In fact, most of the time, you likely aren’t thinking about your sorority chapter newsletter in the first place. It’s something that you’re reminded of periodically, when sisters need to throw together a presentable new issue. On top of everything else you have to do this week--writing that essay, cleaning and chores, designing that banner for the homecoming parade--now you have to suddenly become a wordsmith and build not just any sorority newsletter, but a great one.
Because that’s what your sorority expects from you: greatness. Never mind that if you don’t get an A on that essay you might fail the course and lose your scholarship. Never mind that you’re so overwhelmed you haven’t showered in the past week and your roommate is starting to give you looks. Hey, it happens to all of us. Well, not all of us, but you get the point.
The point is that sometimes designing a sorority newsletter is the last thing on your mind, yet it’s important that your chapter give due diligence and produce the best newsletter they can. A strong chapter newsletter can be a great tool to foster a baseline connection with your alumnae, and keep them up to date on chapter happenings. More importantly, it’s also a way to feature their accomplishments and show your appreciation for all they do.
While a quality newsletter certainly isn’t the only tool in your chapter’s alumnae engagement toolbox, it can really help improve alumnae relationships. That’s why Pennington & Company wants to help you Catch Alumnae’s Eyes with These Sorority Newsletter Design Tips.
Dress Your Sorority Chapter Newsletters Business Casual
First off, you should be proud of us for avoiding the mullet reference we really wanted to make (a little bit business, a little bit rock and roll). *Golf clap.*
Thank you, thank you. But our Lynyrd Skynyrd “Free Bird” cover will have to wait until next time.
To get back to the subject at hand, we find that it’s important that your sorority chapter newsletter have a structure that’s all business, yet adding a little style and flair definitely doesn’t hurt. Remember, you’re writing a sorority newsletter, not a courtroom stenographer’s transcript. It’s important to be clear and straightforward with the layout and content, but don’t bore your readers--especially since many of your readers will be alumnae.
Consider using your sorority colors in the banner and other areas, and use photographs where appropriate. Remember not to create too much noise and color, but instead to use small accents here and there and keep things simple.
One key tip is to use a consistent layout and structure, with certain feature articles that appear in every issue, and to add any style or artistic choices without disrupting those elements.
Tell a Story about the Future of Your Shared Traditions
It’s crucial that your sorority newsletter tells a story. Not only that, it needs to tell a specific story. We’re talking about the kind of story your alumnae will be interested in. That means relying on tradition to bridge the generational gap between undergraduate sisters and their esteemed predecessors.
You’ll want executive officers, especially the president, to contribute to the newsletter in a way that shows they’re leading the charge in communicating with alumnae. Each executive should contribute photos and content to the newsletter editor that they think is the best representation of the chapter’s recent goals and achievements.
You’ll also want to interview alumnae and focus heavily on their accomplishments, as well as accomplishments and significant events of your shared university and national sorority. Down the road, when you’re fundraising for a new sorority house, establishing a level of communication, respect and interest with alumnae will encourage their giving to your campaign.
Give a brief chapter update as well. Your sorority newsletter should offer a snapshot of how your chapter is building its future on the foundation of alumnae who came before, and how your shared values offer you a common bond.
The Art of the Digital Sorority Newsletter
A printed newsletter will have certain design features that mimic the style of a newspaper or magazine article--things like columned writing, certain size of headers and pictures, as well as a color scheme that works well in print.
However, publishing your sorority newsletter online opens up a whole host of possibilities unavailable to you on the physical page. For one, you can publish video clips in addition to still photos (as long as they’re concise and in good taste). You can include links to relevant webpages such as those of your chapter, alumnae association, national sorority and university.
There is such a thing as going overboard. For instance, adding distracting background music or overdoing it artistically can lead to an oversaturated newsletter that will lead to readers clicking out of their browsers.
What we’re saying is that there’s a happy medium between going full mullet and simply printing a straight PDF version of a physical newsletter. Although, for the record, there’s nothing wrong with running with the typical newsletter style, if you prefer the buttoned down look for your chapter communique. The point is to be as clear and direct as possible, tell a story about the tradition you share with alumnae and use color and images that enhance without distracting.
Once you know how to Catch Alumnae’s Eyes with These Sorority Newsletter Design Tips, you can breathe a sigh of relief and focus on that essay. Don’t worry. You’ll persevere and get that A. Just like your chapter will craft the perfect newsletter.
These are a few tips that we think will get your alumnae’s attention when you send out that sorority newsletter, but maybe you have a few tips of your own. What’s worked for you in the past? What hasn’t? Let us know in the comments below.
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