I would like to start utilizing emails to share club information with all of the members.  My initial thought was that each month we could put together an email which provides information such as: upcoming events (races and fun events), results from races that just occurred, links to any race reports prepared for a recent WVMTR race/event, etc., maybe a member highlight where we could detail a big accomplishment a member just achieved.  The results and race reports don’t have to be listed in the email, but rather a short summary and then a link to the WVMTR website where you can find all the details.  

I stopped using any social media a while ago, and I realized that if you’re not on Facebook, you really don’t see or receive any club info or updates.  So I thought emails would be a good way to get our information out to club members.  Plus, I would like to build more of a “club” feel, and I think this could be a start to make people feel more involved.  Right now when you join the club, it really doesn’t come with a lot.  But maybe this could be a start to building a little more of a virtual community with the club.    

I think this is a GREAT idea. I also would like more of a club feel. I'd be happy to support you on this!

That's EXACTLY my idea for the suggested new position of Membership Chair (see Item 9) -- I just didn't share my thoughts and ideas very succinctly.  I think this is just the new enthusiasm that we need in the club!

Yes, this could be a very positive development. As someone who has been the newsletter writer for multiple jobs over many years, I will say that it IS a lot of work. It sounds so simple, but it takes a good bit of time, effort, and coordination and is hard to do regularly, throughout the year. 

Also, standard for newsletters these days is to use some sort of platform like mailchimp or substack. Depending on the size of our mailing list, this could incur a fee. Newsletter quality is much higher through these platforms, especially if you'll be including a lot of articles, photos, etc. 

I really love the idea though, and would support it however I can. I do think it would really help folks feel more like a club exists here and hopefully increase engagement. I also don't get much of any club news since I am not on social media.

I seem to remember Dan Lehmann sending a club newsletter email many years ago. I don't think it was very consistent though. I was always excited to receive some club updates! I'm with Charlotte, I gave up social media a long time ago. The WVMTR website has a location for Race Reports and Club Reports. People used to write these race reports and email to the RDs before there was social media. Now people just post the report to their own social media channels. 

I support this idea Charlotte, and I agree with Katie's reservation about the work load. Perhaps start with one month at a time without making a long-term commitment to the club, and see how it goes. I ran the Kalalau Trail in Kauai recently, but didn't take any photos.

@kaernigmail-com We have the ability to send emails to all club members through Run Sign Up which is where our membership list is maintained. Yes, I think it uses mail chimp, but it's already included in the service.

This is a great idea Charlotte!  

Thanks for all the discussion.  I expected it might be more work than I think, so my plan was to keep it flexible to begin with, no set length or timing.  My thought was to send one either monthly or quarterly, depending on how much information there is to share.  Maybe quarterly in the winter timeframe when things are slower, and then monthly when there’s a lot going on.  

I was thinking of maybe making an email address, something generic like “[email protected]”, that members could send ideas or race reports to, so I can use them to get information to include.  Might be slow to trickle in at first, but would hopefully catch on.  

@charleannej I can setup email accounts through our website hosting services so that it matches our website url. Such as [email protected]. Just let me know what your plan is and I'll make a general email that can fit multiple uses.

@arhodes5, that email address would be great.  I’d like to keep in general like that, then if/when someone else takes over the membership role, the email address would just roll over to that new person.  Thanks!

Also, congrats on running the Kalalau Trail.  I can’t wait to hear about it!  Maybe a quick write up to kick of the newsletter/email…?