A newsletter only works if people read it. That means leading with something worth their attention, keeping it short enough to scan in two minutes, and making every section earn its place.

Use this template as a starting point. Cut sections that don’t apply to your group this month – a newsletter with three strong sections beats one with seven thin ones.

Recommended frequency: monthly.
Recommended length: short enough to read in under two minutes.

Subject line options:

• [Group Name] | What’s Happening This Month
• [Month] Update from [Group Name]
• Coming Up | [Group Name]

[Group Name] | [Month] Update

Hi everyone,

[One or two sentences that set the tone for this month – a timely observation, something the group is excited about, or a brief note on what’s coming. Skip the “thank you for being part of our community” opener. Start with something worth reading.]

Example: This month we’re focused on two things: our biggest event of the year and finding a few more volunteers to help make it happen. Details on both below.

Coming Up

[Event Name]
[Day, Date] | [Time] | [Location or Virtual Link]

[Two to three sentences on what the event is and why it’s worth attending. Focus on what attendees will get, not just what will happen.]

[Register here →] or [Add to calendar →]

[Event Name] (if applicable)
[Day, Date] | [Time] | [Location or Virtual Link]

[Two to three sentences.]

[Register here →]

Member Spotlight

[Name], [Role or Team]

[Three to five sentences about this person – what they do in the group, what they’re proud of, something worth knowing about them. Write it as a mini-profile, not a formal recognition. Ask the member for a quote and use it.]

Example: Maya has been organizing our quarterly coffee chats for the past year, which sounds simple until you realize she’s personally followed up with over 60 members to make sure no one falls through the cracks. “I just don’t want people to feel like they joined something and then heard nothing,” she says. We couldn’t agree more.

Worth Reading / Watching / Listening To

[Title and one sentence on why it’s relevant to your community.]

[Title and one sentence.]

[Title and one sentence.]

Keep this to two or three items maximum. Longer resource lists get ignored.

Get Involved

[Specific ask #1 — be concrete about what’s needed and how to respond]
[Specific ask #2 if applicable]

Example: We’re looking for two volunteers to help with registration at our March event. If you have an hour on the 14th and want to be involved, reply to this email.

Observances This Month

[Awareness month, heritage observance, or relevant date] | [One sentence on how the group is acknowledging it, or a link to related programming]

Only include this section if the group is doing something with it. Skip if it’s just a mention.

Community Updates

[Brief update #1 — new leadership, program news, recent win worth sharing]
[Brief update #2 if applicable]

Keep this to two items. If you have more, save some for next month.

Stay Connected

[Platform or community page link]
[Contact email or point person for questions]

Questions or ideas for the newsletter? Reply directly or contact [name] at [email].