These communication channels are used to communicate members-only information to SLSC members.
SLSCs should have a communications schedule noting what can wait for regularly scheduled internal communications and what should be sent urgently.
Note: While most communication channels are electronic, it is important to remember that some members prefer to receive paper-based communications through the post or on an SLSC noticeboard.
SLS Members Area
Created by SLSA following member feedback for a members-only one-stop shop for all SLS member’s online needs. It reduces the need for members to go to multiple emails, websites and other communications to locate the latest news and member resources, access or change their member information and make payments as required.
Every SLS member is prompted to create their own unique SLS Members Area account upon joining an SLSC. All SLS members need a unique SLS Members Area account to obtain SLS eLearning access. CMT members should ensure every member has access to the SLS Members Area upon joining the SLSC.
CMT members should be allocated permission (in SurfGuard) to update the SLS Members Area Document Library and News and Events menus. CMT Members should upload and maintain their latest SLSC member-only information and resources in the SLS Members Area Document Library. These include:
- Electronic PDFs, such as SLSC policies, guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs), templates, patrol operations manuals, terms of reference for committees and SLSC officer roles, SLSC Constitution, emergency management plans
- Work and Excel templates, such as WHS and financial documents
- Videos such as any training videos related to standard operating procedures and SLSC inductions.
The SLS Members Area should be referenced (or linked) in internal SLSC communications that relate to its main features:
- Access SLS eLearning platform
- Create and manage family groups
- Download their patrol roster in ical format to a smart device
- Make a patrol swap request and accept another member’s requests to swap a patrol date
- Pay fees related to membership, courses and carnival entry
- Purchase SLS publications, equipment and merchandise
- Read the latest news and events
- Renew their membership or transfer to another SLSC
- Submit online SLS forms, such as those for member recognition awards and TAF re-endorsement
- Update their personal and contact details
- View their membership history, awards, patrols and transactions
Refer to the SLS Members Area User Guide information about maintaining your SLSC’s information and resources communicated with members within the SLS Members Area.
Circulars
A circular is a letter containing important information for a large number of members, if not all members. Such as:
- Grant options
- Policy updates
- Skills maintenance requirements.
Circulars from SLSNSW are located on the SLSNSW Circulars and Memos webpage. National SLSA circulars are located in the SLS Members Area Document Library. SLSNSW circulars often contain information in addition to that within an SLSA circular, as they contextualise the national information to local NSW requirements and state specific legislation.
Refer to the SLSNSW Club Mail eNewsletters every Thursday for a list of the latest SLSNSW and SLSA circulars released containing the information from SLS entities.
Electronic Newsletters
Electronic newsletters can be tailored to different audiences with specific information. They can be distributed regularly to subscribed members based upon their membership status and SLSC role noted within SurfGuard.
The key electronic newsletters in NSW are:
- Club Mail – released every Thursday for CMT members and all SLSC members who wish to subscribe
- Surf Sports Weekly – released every Wednesday primarily for surf sport officers and team members
- Beyond the Flags – released every month for all subscribers wanting to know more about SLS in their community.
Electronic newsletters must also offer people the option to unsubscribe or block email senders if preferred.
If your SLSC chooses to produce its own eNewsletter to inform and market to its members and others within their local community, SLSNSW recommends using email marketing software, such as MailChimp, for professional newsletter templates, easy mail list management, automation of various administrative tasks, app integrations and data analysis tools that help inform decisions.