2001-2002 Communications Committee Report

This is the first year of operation for the newly created Communications Committee. We began by clarifying our mission, which was approved by the board.

Current members and areas of focus include: Barb Bloom, writer: David Brown, web designer & committee liaison; Bobbi Linkemer, chair; Pat Eby, graphic design & public relations; Chery Green, webmaster; Larry Kehler; Jeff Huestis; Joann Stephan, staff liaison; Bill Zeh, consultant network coordinator

Following are our accomplishments for the 2001-2002 year.

• Mission and goals: Our mission, in a nutshell, is to facilitate the flow of communication throughout the Eliot community and to the interested public.
• Website: Our #1 goal for our first year was to bring our website into the 21st century. That has been achieved. The site was moved to new web hosting company, reorganized, redesigned, and expanded. It now contains up-to-date information about Sunday services and upcoming events; current and past newsletters; an online calendar; congregational profile; summary of UU beliefs and Eliot members' credos; sermons; and Chapel contact information. The Madrigal Dinner and Women's Weekend made use of the website to facilitate registration this year. Website statistics since inception are attached.
• Communications Guidelines: Another major achievement this year was developing communications polices and guidelines. We now have such guidelines in place for the print and web-based newsletters, group e-mail list, and town hall meetings.
• Corporate identity: As part of evaluating the quality and effectiveness of our existing communications, we have brought an "Eliot look" to much of Eliot's printed material, including the print newsletter, directory, information guide, and order of service. This effort will continue in 2002.
• Interface with other committees: To meet the goals of serving as a resource for and working collaboratively with all Eliot committees, we have invited committee chairs to attend our meetings. When needed, one of our members has attended other committee meetings, e.g., the Stewardship Committee and GEMMs.
• Consultant Network: As requests for assistance increased, we created a consultant network of talented people to meet the specific needs of individuals and groups. Consultants are assigned based on their areas of expertise.
• Print newsletter: The newsletter has been redesigned to incorporate Eliot's new corporate look and convey information in a timely and readable manner.
• Public Relations: our most noteworthy PR success was an article in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch written by Pat Rice and featuring Eliot Chapel. We will expand this effort next year with an emphasis on promoting significant events and activities.
• Town Hall Meetings: Town hall meetings are designed to facilitate two-way communication between n the leadership and members and friends of Eliot chapel. Our role has been to help develop a template for and coordinate three such meetings this year.