Woking Ramblers have persuaded 80% of members to get their programme from the internet. Here is an opportunity for other groups to follow their approach and drive down costs and slash volunteer time spent stuffing envelopes. The key probably is their use of a Stamped Addressed Envelope and the personal follow through of Mike Lipscomb, Chairman.
Their July newsletter started with: “We are trying to save money and volunteer labour by modernising the way we publicise the Newsletter and Walks Programme. To help us, please read the enclosed letter carefully and respond using the tear off slip and STAMPED, ADDRESSED ENVELOPE provided.”
Dear Rambler
Distributing the Newsletter and Walks Programme
Problem:
Sending the Newsletter and Walks Programme through the post is very expensive because of the cost of printing, stationery and most of all postage. It is also expensive in terms of the time taken by volunteers to send the printed documents. Over 1000 sheets of paper are used in the process.
Solution:
Many members have said that they would be happy to get the Newsletter and Walks Programme from the Woking Ramblers’ web site. In case you have access to the internet but are not aware of how to get this information, here is a step by step guide:
Method:
Go to this web address:
http://wokingramblers.org/index.html
Click on the box marked “Walks” from the list on the left hand side. Then click on the box marked “Walks”.
This will show you the walks planned and also let you click on the name of the walk and get more information and a map showing the starting point. (This extra information is not in the printed version.)
You can see the Newsletter or the Walks Programme the way it looks when printed by doing this:
In the Downloads section, click on “Download Walks” or “Newsletter”
In each case the document will open for you to read or print as you wish.
Choice:
Please tell us how you would like to get these publications in future by completing the slip below and returning it in the envelope provided.
The committee of the Woking Ramblers hope that you are content to download the Newsletter and Walks Programme from the internet and that you will say “YES” to the first question. We could send you an email reminder although that would entail our maintaining a list with your email preferences. Your choices will not affect any other mailing done by the Woking Group or the Ramblers Head Office – if you answer “NO” to both questions you will continue to receive both the Newsletter and the Walks Programme through the post.
Thank you for considering this cost saving change – Woking Ramblers.
................................................................................
| I am content to get the Woking Ramblers Newsletter and Walks Programme from the Ramblers’ web site | NO* | YES*
|
| I should like to receive an email reminder when the new version of the Newsletter and Programme are available. | NO* | YES*
|
| Email address: (to receive reminder) | | |
| Telephone: (optional) | | |
Name: (please print)
| | |
Signature:
| | |
* Delete as appropriate”
The SAE resulted in most people responding and then Mike Lipscomb, Chairman, telephoned those who did not reply.
As a result about 80% of members have agreed to take the programme from the internet, 15% have actively requested to retain a paper copy and the remaining 5% have been difficult to contact (ex directory etc.)
New members are asked how they wish to receive their programme and again about 80% have already agreed to use the internet.
David Ross, Area Secretary
