A club newsletter can keep club members up to date on current events, showcase the talents of individual members and record the achievements of the club. However, a club newsletter is only useful if people read it. An effective club newsletter will be interesting and relevant to the members of the club.
Member of the Month
Create a monthly feature that highlights a particular member of the club. People enjoy seeing their names in print and the feeling of being appreciated, so this can be a good incentive for people to read the club newsletter and actively participate in the club. Interview the member of the month for relevant quotes, and list her accomplishments, background and credentials. This is especially useful if it is a professional or networking club and could help the members gain more contacts and opportunities. Include a professional picture of the member in the feature.
Club Funds
Keep the club up to date with how much club funds are available, and exactly how the funds are spent. This will make the activities of the club visible to all members and visitors and increase club accountability. It can also be a good way to show how the club helps the community or improves its usefulness to members, if the funds are being used correctly. In this section you may also wish to provide a club wish list, with the amount of funds needed for each item, so that members have to look forward to and an incentive to donate money.
Feature Articles
Give club members the opportunity to showcase their talents and knowledge by asking them to write feature articles for the newsletter. The articles can give useful tips, describe life experiences, or explain how to perform a specific task. All the articles should be related to the main theme of the club. In order to better showcase individual members you may wish to limit the feature articles to one or two per monthly newsletter. This will make sure there is not too much reading material for the other members.
Upcoming Events
Keep club members updated with upcoming events. This will keep everyone in the club informed, encourage more club activity and be a way for new members to become integrated into the club activities. Add the upcoming events on a monthly calendar so that members can have a visual reminder. You may also wish to include upcoming events not necessarily hosted by the club, but related to it in some way. For example, if the club is designed for writing critique, you may wish to notify members when authors come in town for book signings or when local workshops are being hosted.