The December 2009 issue of the Empire State Kiwanian looks different than what you have been accustomed to seeing, but it marks a change in more than appearance.
Over the years printing and postage costs have increased even as more and more Kiwanians have gotten access to the Internet, which is seen by the fact that traffic on the district web site is now 10 times greater than it was eight years ago.
During the past few months, district officials have taken a new look at the way the district was communicating with its members and have decided it's time to update how that is being done.
Under the new plan, the Empire State Kiwanian will continue as the print publication for District Kiwanians, as part of a coordinated communications effort that calls for increased use of the district's web site, www.kiwanis-ny.org. With the appointment of a single person as ESK Editor and Webmaster, the intent is to make the best possible use of both the ESK and the web site, taking advantage of the strengths of each.
Publication deadlines and space limitations are always a factor for any print publication. Often items don't get the attention they are due because of timing issues, and cost issues prevent print publications from growing to accommodate the volume of information that might be available.
Those issues don't apply to a web site, which can be updated continually and has no space limitations. Web sites also can feature color pictures and other media, including videos.
This new plan means that many items of division and club news that previously had to wait until the next issue of the ESK for publication can now be published quickly on the web site, and without the space restrictions of a print publication. The changes in the web site needed to accommodate the club and division news were implemented Oct. 1, and during October and November 44 news items were published. Included are Hixson award presentations, club service projects, K-Kids and Circle K projects, and honors received. Many items feature multiple pictures from the events.
The latest news items are featured on the site's front page, and those that have been posted remain available and can be searched by club name and in other ways.
While the web site has those advantages, this printed publication has advantages as well. It arrives in the mailbox of every district Kiwanian without requiring them to remember to look at the web site, and provides a source of information which does not require a computer. The ESK remains a key part of the district's communications plan.
In its new role, the ESK will focus on upcoming Kiwanis events in the New York District and in Kiwanis International. This issue features information about the upcoming Mid-Year Conference, which will include a visit from Kiwanis International President Paul Palazzolo. Future issues will provide information on the International Convention in Las Vegas, on Kamp Kiwanis' 2010 season, and the District Convention in August of 2010.
The ESK focus will be on information that's important for Kiwanians to have. Items such as registration forms for district events will be posted on the district web site for easy download. These changes mean there will be fewer and smaller issues of the Empire State Kiwanian than in the past, but the total quantity of information published in the newsletter and on the web site will be much greater than ever before.
The web site also is becoming more than just an information provider. Last summer Kiwanians could register for the District Convention online for the first time. Those services will be continued and extended as appropriate.
Every club in the district is welcome to be a part of the new effort by submitting information on club projects to be added to the district web site. Fund raising efforts, service projects and special awards are all welcome.
When sending news, be sure to include all the information that will be needed to explain the event to people visiting the web site. The preferred method of submission is by e-mail to webmaster@kiwanis-ny.org; e-mails will be acknowledged. Printed information and photographs can be sent to me at 84 Bridge St., Seneca Falls, NY 13148.
If you are looking for help with preparing articles or taking good pictures, that's available on the web site at www.kiwanis-ny.org/esk.htm.
Your comments are always welcome at webmaster@kiwanis-ny.org.
Column Posted on Web Site December 28, 2009
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