Loading...Diocese adapts communication strategy to new realities.
Most of our readers will have noticed by now that Episcopal Life has not arrived in their mailbox recently. In mid-2009, the Communications Office in the National Church decided to terminate the monthly publication of Episcopal Life as a print newspaper. This move coincided with the final stages of a year-long effort by our own Communication Commission to restructure the media and methods by which the Diocese communicates with its people and congregations. The reason for this effort—a part of the Bishop’s long-term vision for the Diocese—was the ever-increasing cost of printing and mailing roughly 7,500 newspapers each month, coupled with the increasing dominance of electronic communication as a practical, cost-effective means of moving information.
As a result of these discussions, Diocesan communication during 2010 will transition to a threefold approach:
A new, expanded Diocesan web site. This site will be the primary communication vehicle for conveying Diocesan information to the public. The new site, which will launch later this spring, will include new resources that individual congregations can use to create their own web presence. Previews of this effort will take place at the upcoming Clergy Conference, and at the Diocesan Leadership Conference in March.
• Expanded use of email for general communication, and to specific constituencies. Many congregations are now using email as their primary vehicle for distributing news and information. The Diocese uses email for communication with clergy and wardens; during 2010 we will expand our email capabilities to include other groups as well.
• Use of print for specialized, occasional purposes. The Communication Commission has recognized that print can be a useful medium for some situations, and its members are currently evaluating the practicality of several printed publications. Tightly constrained budgets, however, will continue to limit our ability to use print as a regular means of general communication.
As always, the Diocese welcomes your input on our communication strategies. You may make suggestions by sending email to David Shively, Diocesan Communications Officer, at dshively@diocesecpa.org. He will share your thoughts with the Rev. Christine Purcell, chair of the Communication Commission, and the members of that commission.
