After many years of mailing hard-copy newsletters to members, the NAVHDA board decided to move to an e-newsletter format to help us better communicate with not only our members, but prospective members. We’ve adopted Constant Contact, a popular service that will help make the best of all of our digital platforms.

In addition to our to the RMC NAVHDA web page, many of you are familiar with our Facebook Group. We also now have a Facebook page, and this newsletter.

Here’s a closer look at our communication tools and how they can be used to compliment each other:

• Website – The website is for materials of reference ( ie: bylaws, how to join) news of major business (board elections, board actions, testing information); lengthier feature articles and generally content that has a long shelf life.
• Newsletter – This newsletter will be designed to update members on major business (ie: board decisions), seasonal events as well as contain messages from chapter officials. Delivered four times annually, the newsletter will link back to the website and official chapter Facebook page.
• Facebook page – The Facebook page gives us the ability to update on chapter business between newsletters with just the click of a button. We will also post links to any new information placed on website. Anyone can post on the Facebook page, but the atmosphere of the page should be businesslike.
• Facebook group – This is the place where our members and guests can share personal opinions, photos, encouragement, announce litters, etc. Anyone can post here – with the goal of a lighter, engaging presence.

One note: unlike the web site, Facebook is not a spectator sport. It relies on user-generated content (that means you) to keep things fresh and interesting for our members and for prospective members. So please do not be shy about posting pictures of your exploits with your hunting buddy, your triumphs, your challenges and anything else that may come to mind.

This is new for us, and it will probably take a while to figure out how to use these four platforms to their best effect. If you have questions, or would like to make sure you’re on our email list, please contact the newsletter editor.