SO YOU WANT TO WIN AN AWARD!

It's easy. Criteria for Publications and Websites are posted on the dropdown menu under Evaluation Forms. The evaluation form for websites includes an explanation regarding the criteria. Here is a summary to help you better understand the criteria for publications:

1. The title of your newsletter should be large and clear. You are free to make it as artfully and tastefully as you know how. The name of the squadron and/or district should be shown as well as the legends "A Unit of the United States Power Squadrons®" and "Sail and Power Boating". Indicate the periodicity of your newsletter (i.e. monthly, bimonthly, etc.) and print the date of the issue. It is a good idea to list the volume and issue number for future reference.

2. Include stimulating articles on boating education (the boating classes and advanced/elective courses being offered), safety, boat shows, raft-ups, cruises, co-op charting, other civic services and every activity in which your squadron or district participates. There should be an article to promote the activity and, following the activity, an article to tell what happened and who was there. Always include pictures if possible. Put the most interesting articles on the first page. Remember your newsletter is your squadron's primary marketing tool and you are writing it for members who haven't attended an event for some time to try to make them active (or at the very least, to retain them as members) as well as for those who participate regularly. Rank and grade should accompany each name. Members are proud of the grades they have earned and are proud of responsible positions in the squadron or district. See Chapter 2 in the Handbook. Add congratulations for course completions and welcome new members.

3.Include a message from the commander or an assigned bridge officer. These messages should be inspirational, motivational and demonstrate leadership. These qualities are expected of all bridge messages. Avoid, "Thank you for...... Thank you messages belong in articles following an activity or event. See pages 32 and 33 in the Handbook.

4.Squadron newsletters should have articles about district activities and conferences as well as information regarding Governing Board meetings, USPS annual meetings and whatever may be going on in the many national committees. This kind of information about USPS is being posted on the USPS bulletin board and can be downloaded and included in articles. Don't just copy these messages. Rewrite them and give them meaning for your members. See pages 37 - 39 and exhibits E and F for information on downloading graphics and text from national headquarters.

5. The overall appearance of your Newsletter should not only be legible, it should be readable, inviting your members to pick it up and start to read. See pages 27 -30 in the Handbook.

6.Avoid typographical errors, misspelling and poor grammar. One or more members of most squadrons have a computer with a spelling checker. Make use of these but continue to proof read all material.

7.Follow the USPS style sheet on pages 34 - 37 of the Handbook.

8.Include addresses and phone numbers of key people, including the editor.

9.Finally, look over your newsletter and ask yourself, "Is this newsletter interesting to read?"

10.If you can honestly answer yes to item 9, then not later than 1 December send at least four issues if you are a squadron editor and two issues if you are a district editor. Squadron newsletters should be sent to the Adviser assigned to your district while district editors submit their newsletters to the Adviser assigned for District newsletters. Most Advisers accept electronic copies of newsletters by email or a hyperlink to your newsletter. Using a hyperlink precludes potential overload of mail servers. Check with your Advisers to confirm which method they prefer.

Weren't Selected? Appeal!

The former Publications Committee developed an Appeal Process that has carried over to the Communications Committee. You'll have an opportunity to appeal if you sincerely believe your newsletter or your website should have received the Distinctive Communicator Award. Here's the procedure:

• Complete the appropriate Evaluation Form for Publications or for Websites. Evaluation forms are available as a download from this website (see dropdown menu under Evaluation Forms). For Publications, please remember squadrons are required to submit at least 4 different issues for the evaluation year and districts are required to submit at least 2 different issues for consideration. Can't recall if you sent one or not (email or snailmail)? Take the easy way out and make sure your Adviser receives a copy of every issue you publish.

• Publication editors should mail a copy of the completed evaluation form to their District Publications Chair and discuss the issue with him or her. If both feel that the claim has merit, ask the D/C for an opinion. • Webmasters should complete the evaluation form and contact their district IT Chair or, when not available, contact and discuss the issue with the D/C.

• When all are in agreement, ask the D/C to send the Documented Appeal to the Communications Committee Chair listed on this website; either under Publications Advisers or Website Advisers.

• A three-person Appeals Committee will carefully review the arguments, make a determination, and then forward their decision to the Assistant National Secretary for his or her examination.

• Those submitting the Appeal Request will receive prompt notification of the final resolution.