I am the secretary/newsletter chair/key caller co-head for our SFRG(Soldier and Family Readiness Group). We are revamping and creating our own newsletter to go along with the battalion newsletter that goes out every month, and I need some input.
What are some things you would like to see in an FRG newsletter? Our FRG runs all year, as we have deployments, TDY's, missions, schools, etc going constantly. Would you be interested in having an FRG myspace and/or blog also? We are debating about getting our own webpage running and are trying to evaluate all the options.

Any input you can give me is greatly appreciated. TIA!

Mine has a website... but it is not updated very often, so it kind of defeats the purpose. It would be good if it were managed better. We have a MySpace group but nobody really uses it.

yeah i voted first.. ok back to topic
I think an FRG site would be awesome. Def links to useful sites, numbers that aren't readily available, but are used most often. Same for the newsletter.. In the newsletter I would include local places to visit, mostly really cheap and free places (since everyone is broke :D) Maybe compile a list of teens who babysit that wouldn't mind their name in the newsletter ( obviously get parental permission) I have ton more ideas, but can't think of them at the moment.

yeah i voted first.. ok back to topic
I think an FRG site would be awesome. Def links to useful sites, numbers that aren't readily available, but are used most often. Same for the newsletter.. In the newsletter I would include local places to visit, mostly really cheap and free places (since everyone is broke :D) Maybe compile a list of teens who babysit that wouldn't mind their name in the newsletter ( obviously get parental permission) I have ton more ideas, but can't think of them at the moment.

We are planning on listing all the MWR/ITT/USO tours, maybe something like a tourist's corner...list of fun, cheap places to go and spotlight one a month...:thinking We can't publish a babysitting roster, but we can have an option to contact to get one, that is a good idea!

We have a web page through cinchouse for ours. I think it will help in a lot of ways with getting info out there.

We have a web page through cinchouse for ours. I think it will help in a lot of ways with getting info out there.

Yeah, if we have it, we can have it listed in the sponsorship packet and get spouses involved before they even get overseas, which will be nice. We'd have at least monthly updates, just depending on the month, etc. I think it will be awesome and so does the SFRG presidency, but I wanted to ask some other miltiary wives for their opinion before we put in the hours of work into designing everything.

I voted no, because at my last FRG, the website was all outdated info. But reading the posts, I could see how it could be very useful if it was current.

I don't have any brilliant ideas for you for content. Sorry! But if I think of anything, I'll let you know.

Thanks for your input Kristen. That's one of the things I am wary about, is it getting outdated. But I think we can keep it current and fresh if each member of the FRG presidency commits....hmm...:thinking

Yeah, if we have it, we can have it listed in the sponsorship packet and get spouses involved before they even get overseas, which will be nice. We'd have at least monthly updates, just depending on the month, etc. I think it will be awesome and so does the SFRG presidency, but I wanted to ask some other miltiary wives for their opinion before we put in the hours of work into designing everything.


We have just started. Our is on (or will be) the ship website and we update at least every month. Generally after each meeting. I think it will be a great tool for you. We just added a for sale section for old stuff and a sale or rent houses section too. We are really trying to get our members all the info we can for everything we can.

We have just started. Our is on (or will be) the ship website and we update at least every month. Generally after each meeting. I think it will be a great tool for you. We just added a for sale section for old stuff and a sale or rent houses section too. We are really trying to get our members all the info we can for everything we can.

Sounds like it will really work....thanks Amber! I knew you would have some great input. Today is the first anniversary of our FRG running...we are sooo new. Plus with us falling under NATO, things are different than if we were in the states too...it's all a zoo. I'll be glad when the next few weeks are over and we are officially reorganized

:bump

i think an FRG site would be very helpful if it had updated info.:yes

thanks for those of you who put in your input!

I am not sure about all military branches but the ARMY has a regulation about any sort of web pages. Just as a side note...

i would mkae sure the site is secure! we have a site for DH's command through surpac and you have to change your password constantly its not a great site cause if you don't have microsoft word you can't read anything! i wouldn't use myspace or msn or yahoo groups. i would find out who the command recommends and make sure that the command can also monitor it for OSPEC violations. JMO

I am not sure about all military branches but the ARMY has a regulation about any sort of web pages. Just as a side note...

We actually don't fall under army, we fall under NATO, but we are aware of the regs and would make sure nothing violates OPSEC. It'll be a secure site.

I am not sure about all military branches but the ARMY has a regulation about any sort of web pages. Just as a side note...

it's not just army...navy falls in there too so I'm guessing Marine Corps does too since they're part of the navy...we can't have a site unless it's approved by the command.

My dh and I just switched subs... The first sub has a yahoo group run by the ombudsman and Co's wife and it is great for getting info out there as reminders on boat picnics, etc or if someone needs some help etc... but it only is for the people on the boat...This new boat is soooo not together and I don't know if I want or can take the time to go to their frg, they haven't given me any warm fuzzies and the meeting is not at Oceana but on the border of VA Beach and norfolk for me to go... I live 45 miles from base... I just wish my new boat had some kind of comaderie...Yahoo groups are great to keep everyone in the loop and it can be set to hidden and they can add you by your hubby giving info out...See about that for you... My new boat...only have 16 more months on it though...

yeah i voted first.. ok back to topic
I think an FRG site would be awesome. Def links to useful sites, numbers that aren't readily available, but are used most often. Same for the newsletter.. In the newsletter I would include local places to visit, mostly really cheap and free places (since everyone is broke :D) Maybe compile a list of teens who babysit that wouldn't mind their name in the newsletter ( obviously get parental permission) I have ton more ideas, but can't think of them at the moment.

Great ideas!

I agree that a website would be fantastic if you can get around all the rules about it being attached to a command. It would be a much simpler way of getting info out IMO.

One thing I would add (if you could list names?) would be a section to welcome new families and new babies in the command.