What Should You Include in Your Community Newsletter?

Building and maintaining relationships with your local community is vital for keeping your organization thriving and growing. One avenue for promoting consistent engagement is with a newsletter.

Both print and digital versions of a newsletter are great ways to reach people on a regular basis. A well-crafted publication can be one of the most powerful tools for keeping your members interested and informed. It provides a touchpoint that can help everyone feel as if they are a part of something bigger.

What should you include in your newsletter to ensure it truly serves its intended purpose? Here are some ideas that you might find useful.

Newsletter Elements That Help Build Bonds

Monthly Events Calendar

Start with a clearly laid-out calendar of events. Highlight social gatherings, exercise classes, educational sessions, arts and crafts, religious services, and special outings. A visual calendar format helps residents easily see what’s coming up and plan their schedules. Make sure to include the time, location, and any sign-up requirements. It’s also helpful if your digital version has a print-friendly option.

Don’t forget to also include occasional event recap articles! These are great community builders — especially if they include photos of the event and participant testimonials!

Spotlight Stories

Feature residents, staff, or volunteers each month in a brief bio or interview. This human connection helps strengthen bonds and celebrate individual contributions.

• Resident Spotlight: Share a story about a resident’s life experiences, hobbies, or recent achievements.
• Message From the Director: A short note from the center’s director can help to reinforce a positive tone, share goals, and acknowledge the efforts of the community.
• Staff Highlight: Introduce new staff or recognize outstanding employees.
• Volunteer Corner: Acknowledge the success of volunteers and inspire others to get involved.

Health and Wellness Information

• Share Practical Tips: Provide helpful tips on health, nutrition, fitness, and mental well-being. Content could include seasonal advice, reminders for flu shots or vaccinations, hydration tips, or healthy recipes.
• Collaborate With Experts: Invite area healthcare experts and community leaders to contribute to a monthly wellness column. They’ll likely be interested because of the positive publicity such a collaboration offers them.

Happenings Around the Center

• Recognize Milestones: Recognize residents’ birthdays and significant anniversaries each month. With permission, you could also include photos. Featuring these personal milestones will foster a warm, celebratory community atmosphere.
• Welcome New Members: You can also announce new members who have recently joined the community to help them feel welcomed. If space permits, add a line or two about each person’s family, career, or hobbies.
• Update the Community: Share any updates related to the center itself, such as renovations, policy changes, new programs, or upcoming guest speakers. Keep members informed about improvements or changes that affect daily life.

Include a Fun and Games Section

Not only does incorporating this type of content make your newsletter more interactive, but it also promotes cognitive engagement. According to an article published by UCLA Health, activities that require your attention and focus stimulate the brain, potentially protecting brain health.

Include a page or section with lighthearted entertainment like:

• Crossword puzzles or word searches
• Trivia questions (especially related to history or the current season)
• Jokes or riddles
• A monthly “Did You Know?” fact
• And, one of these ideas: Fun Fillers for Your Newsletter.

Important Contact Information

Another essential section for your newsletter is a listing of team member names and contact information. Include emergency numbers for key staff members, as well as titles and job duties such as:

• Dining service
• Transportation booking
• Making reservations for special events
• 
  

Learn More About the Role of Your Center’s Newsletter

There are many benefits to regularly publishing a newsletter, from increasing trust and transparency to enhancing brand identity. Building Community Through Consistent Communication is a great article to read for more information!

For help with designing and printing your newsletter, visit our website to learn more about how LPi brings community newsletters to life!