So, a chapter bulletin is good PR?

By Robb Ollett, CHAIR, SOCIETY PR-MKT. COMMITTEE

Many may not realize that I cut my barbershop teeth as a chapter bulletin editor for two years, volunteering as district editor in SWD (now edited by PROBE Pres. Grady Kerr) for three years, and even a stint writing The Harmonizer and PROBEmoter at the Society Headquarters during those eight years. So my comments are meant in support of editors, yet clarifying that a chapter bulletin is good chapter PR!

Why bother, who needs it?

Any chapter will tell you they would die without a bulletin, and others will tell you they'd love to have one! Few truly realize the overall function of a well-done chapter bulletin - they're the best membership retention vehicle, an easy orientation tool, and a running history of the chapter.

Recognition and Encouragement

Chapter bulletins reflect the attitude of an active chapter - not the personal expressions of the singular editor. It's NOT the place to blow steam and complain. It IS the place for officers to report on progress, provide attaboys to those deserving, inform on what's happened and what's coming, highlight chapter activities, explain the new music stories and repertoire, detail the next performance having cheered for the most recent one, update those members who haven't attended each meeting, and offer information to district officials and Society Headquarters.

Timesaver

Think about it- what you read in the bulletin (or get in the weekly handout sheet at the chapter meeting) allows you more time to sing, rather than long, boring, repetitive business meetings. No need to repeat three or four times the uniform and date for the next performance - it's in the handout! And, if you do the weekly handout, you can fold up several weeks' worth and mail them to members not showing up (with a note inviting them back).

OR, you can create a special edition for show patrons, supporters and "alumni" of the chapter to keep them in the loop between annual shows. Saves telephone calls and long drawn out visits for selling that advertisement.

And remember, your chapter members are not the only readers. It's a great way to keep wives and families informed and updated.

Just do it- works every time

Is bulletin editing a time consuming job? Yes. Is it one of the loneliest jobs? Uh-huh. Is it one where your most efficient deadlines and timely issues are never mentioned until you miss an issue? Count on it. But it is rewarding and chapter members appreciate it.

So why not start one? We're not searching for a Journalism Ph.D. Write the articles just as you speak. Today's world believes in bullet points, not long prose. Once you get started, allow for improvement. The more issues you accomplish, the easier they become. PROBE has score sheets from the International Bulletin Contest with suggestions and a bulletin swap listing to read what other chapters do. You'll be amazed how your readership grows!

And what about the electronically connected?

I'm all in favor of e-mail and sending messages, but we have to keep in mind that not everyone is as excited. We still have to distribute paper to many. An alternative is a telephone message with only outgoing messages full of information. It all depends upon your chapter needs and what a budget allows.

Do me a favor?

The next time you get your bulletin, or read the weekly handout, THANK the writer. Take that moment to remember that this person is an important link to retaining members, orienting members and to chronicle the chapter's history. Let's B#.

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