Publishing History

 The Point newsletter was founded in March 2003, under the sponsorship of the Point Douglas Residents Committee Inc. (PDRC). For a year and a half, a team of volunteers produced 12-page issues each month. The target audience was residents of North Point Douglas, and a distribution crew coordinated by the North Point Douglas Women’s Centre dropped copies at more than 800 residences. Facing burnout, the production team opted for publishing six times a year, and that scheduled continued for four years.

 In the spring of 2008, following consultation with the PDRC, the newsletter incorporated as The Point Community News. With independent incorporation, the newsletter team was able to secure funding to expand The Point in two ways: distribution now includes residents and selected businesses in South Point Douglas and four page mini-issues are produced alternately with major issues, thus restoring a monthly publication schedule.

 At present 1250 copies are distributed in North and South Point Douglas, as well as to many businesses and agencies on Main Street and Selkirk Avenue. There is also a small mailing list of officials, politicians, and interested individuals.

 Board and Production Team

 The Board of Directors includes four community residents with long-term involvement in the newsletter. These four also have major roles on the production team: Valerie Himkowski and Mary Mathias are co-editors while Alex and Cliff Stornel share the layout position. The Production Team meets regularly to plan each issue and discuss other newsletter business. Currently the Production Team has reps from the Point Douglas Residents Committee and the North Point Douglas Women’s Centre, and other interested community writers are involved.

 Funders and Partners

 Production costs are mainly funded by the Neighbourhoods Alive Small Grants Fund, administered by North End Revitalization Inc. Since 2004 the newsletter has been a partner of Local Investment Toward Employment (LITE), and these grants fund honorariums for the production team, the distribution crew, and community members who write articles. Grants from the Chronic Disease Prevention Initiative (CDPI) have also helped with production and distribution costs and honorariums. Advertising income and donations, while modest, are an important additional source of funds.

 Mission Statement

The Point Community News exists to promote the formation of a strong and cohesive community by providing information and communication among all who live and work in the geographical Point, inclusive of North Point Douglas and South Point Douglas.

 Goals

1. To be a voice for everyone who lives and works in North and South Point Douglas.

2. To build connections and awareness among people and groups in these two neighbourhoods and adjacent areas.

3. To share points of view on issues affecting the community.

4. To recognize and acknowledge the contributions of individuals and groups to the community.

5. To provide residents with information on resources that may improve their quality of life.

6. To encourage involvement in and engender a sense of optimism and pride for the community.

7. To develop and promote employment opportunities for local residents, where possible, in the production and distribution of the paper.

 Submission Guidelines

 Submissions from community members are welcome. All submissions may be edited for length and style. The Point reserves the right not to publish submissions. The deadline for submissions is the 15^th of the month prior to the appearance of an issue. Submissions can be made by e-mail or to the address below. Writers are encouraged to discuss anticipated submissions with an editor (see contact information below).

 Advertising

 Ad income is an important supplement to funding from grants. Ads are offered in three sizes (business card, one-sixth page, and one-third page) and mainly appear in the 12-page issues. Flier inserts from community businesses and agencies can be included with any issue. Advertising rates are very reasonable. For more information please contact us as indicated in the next section.

 Contacting The Point

By phone: 771-6066

By email: thepoint.editor@pointdouglas.ca

By mail: c/o 1-116 Grove Street, Winnipeg MB R2W 3K8