ACT Special Announcement- Newsletter Changes

Beginning in the summer of 2006, ACT newsletters took on HTML formatting and increased in number from 22 (in 2006) to 45 (in 2007) to 60 (in 2008). ACT also standardized information into six categories based on what members said was of most value to them.

Through these improvements, the newsletter has become one of the main channels through which ACT communicates with members. In fact, most members tell us that the electronic communications they receive from ACT are the most valuable aspect of membership. In an effort to do even better, we're making these changes:

1. We're keeping the Network Update, however, text and graphics will be condensed even further to be a compendium of what's happening in urban and community forestry. It will be distributed to members and friends twice a month, and will continue to serve as the basic read.

2. Shorter and more focused by topic. At member requests, we're formally adding five new newsletters delineated by topic. These topical newsletters are intended to help individuals and organizations better stay connected with what's new in urban and community forestry. The five newsletters are:
* Treebune News (news)
* Tree Talk (trainings/events)
* Root Issue (research)
* Growing Circular (funding/partner opportunities)- members only
* Hill Leaflet (public policy)- members only

3. More communications. This does mean more emails, however most of you will not notice a substantial difference, as we have already been sending special newsletters for NeighborWoods Month, Third Thursday webcasts, the annual meeting, and public policy news. You will never receive more than one communication per day, except in October because of NeighborWoods Month, but typically no more than three communications per week. The breakdown is:
* Mondays and Tuesdays: news
* Wednesdays: funding and partnership opportunities
* Thursdays: trainings and events

All newsletters are read-only, and ACT will continue to host a discussion listserv where members can post with one another.

Changes will begin on January 12, 2009. You can expect ACT to be consistent and transparent so that readers know what’s happening. We look forward to your feedback and serving you even better!

Thanks.
Alliance for Community Trees