Newsletters

Publishing a program newsletter is another inexpensive, effective way of promoting your program and keeping families, institutions, and other agencies informed and aware of its development. It's possible to put together a very attractive newsletter with nothing more than basic computer software and a photocopier.

In reviewing numerous examples of family literacy newsletters, we found that the most effective were those that were positive in tone, brief, and balanced in terms of program information and practical suggestions.

Brochures and information sheets

Other types of inexpensive promotional materials include simple print materials like brochures and information sheets. These can contain program descriptions and registration information, tips on family reading, information on the sponsoring organization(s), and/or acknowledgment of sponsors.

Other promotional strategies

While researching family literacy programs across Alberta and beyond, we saw Or heard of some very innovative promotional ideas, including book bags, bookmarks, fridge magnets, posters, and videos. Other promotional ideas included using school and

church newsletters to advertise programs, as well as sending letters and information packages to Members of Parliament and other politicians.

Example of Program Promotion

An interesting example of promotion is the Families in Motion family literacy program in Chilliwack, B.C. The following are some of their strategies for promoting and raising public awareness of their program:

• The program advisory committee members are recognized and given a gift.
• There is a Christmas party for everyone involved in the program, and includes a book gift for participants.
• There is a wrap-up potluck brunch, with participants and facility hosts. The facility hosts receive a substantial gift, and children and parents receive certificates. The adult participants plan the brunch, make gifts, and cook, which gives an important feeling of ownership.
• The program uses a mall display to raise public awareness and recruit participants.
• Two radio shows have done interviews on Families in Motion, with participants involved.
• Newspaper coverage has helped to promote the program.
• The program has made a video as part of a series on literacy in the Fraser Valley.

G. Recruiting Participants

Recruitment is one of the biggest challenges of establishing a family literacy program. How you go about recruiting participants will depend on the type of program you're developing, on the "target groups" you want to reach, if any, and on the resources you have available. It will also depend on whether you are collaborating with other agencies and how they can be involved in developing a recruitment strategy. In addition to being involved in this type of program development, other agencies often provide client referrals and help to promote the project.