The evidence is growing that regular emails to members, with links back to the Virtual Branch, are producing good levels of member response.

To get the best level of engagement from members we believe you should look to issue a weekly email, provided you have things to tell them.

The checklist below is not exhaustive but please use it to see if there are topics or updates you can add to your site and include in a weekly e-newsletter:

1. Pay
   1. Have you issued any update to members on pay this month? 
   2. If there is any news on this issue, no matter how brief, make sure to update your site and include it in your newsletter.
   3. Make sure to add any update as a topic in the forums and advise members that they can comment there.
   4. Look to issue a simple consultation form, so members can make comments to the branch in private if they don't wish to do so in the forums.
   5. If there is no current update, look to issue a brief statement on the branch's view about the pay claim/award and remind members of any relevant dates (these can be added to your website calendar).
2. Pensions
   1. Have you issued any update to members on pensions recently? 
   2. If there is any news on this issue, no matter how brief, make sure to update your site and include it in your newsletter.
   3. Make sure to add any update as a topic in the forums and advise members that they can comment there.
   4. Look to issue a simple consultation form, so members can make comments to the branch in private if they don't wish to do so in the forums.
3. Redundancy and reorganisations
   1. Have you updated you members on what UNISON is doing about redundancy issues?
   2. Make sure you issue an update each month and seek to include an update from your region on how this issue is being handled.
   3. Make sure to add  a topic in the forums on this issue and advise members that they can comment there.
   4. Look to issue a simple consultation form, so members can make comments to the branch in private if they don't wish to do so in the forums.
4. Public Services cuts
   1. UNISON is campaigning nationally against cuts in public spending. Make sure you update members on this.
   2. Highlight to members any news items about the cuts, especially ones affecting your local area.
   3. Issue updates about any campaigns you are involved ni regarding cuts or changes to services.
   4. Make sure to add  a topic in the forums on this issue and advise members that they can comment there.
   5. Look to issue a simple consultation form, so members can make comments to the branch in private if they don't wish to do so in the forums.
5. AGM
   1. Have you updated members about your AGM?
   2. Seek to issue invites and reminders about the AGM
   3. Encourage members to comment in the forums on AGM agenda items.

If you find you have covered sufficiently the above issues then don't forget to review your frequently asked questions to see if any of your updates can be included there.

You will find that by picking one or two issues a week, and adding a general note about updating member details, or on membership benefits, you will have sufficient content to issue weekly bulletins that will illicit a good response from members.

If you have any comments on this issue please feel free to rasie them in the Virtual UNISON Forum