A Vibrant Newsletter Essential

by Marco den Ouden
October 1984

The West Coast Libertarian has been published on an erratic schedule for several years now. The national newsletter Principle expired some time ago to be replaced by Wings. Since its inception, Wings has been published on an erratic schedule as well. The only libertarian newsletter in Canada that seems to come out regularly is the Ontario Libertarian Party Bulletin. This is a sad state of affairs for communications within the Libertarian community.

A newsletter keeps members informed of what is happening in the libertarian movement. It reinforces the presence of the party. Without regular contact, party members wonder whether or not there still is a Libertarian Party. A regular newsletter keeps the membership interested and encourages the membership to take an active role in the affairs of the party.

Here in BC, the libertarian movement is growing fast. New members are keen to hear from us and keen to get involved. A regularly published newsletter for BC is now essential.

The West Coast Libertarian had fallen into an erratic publishing schedule for several reasons. First, it takes quite a bit of work to put out a regular newsletter and the workload was falling on a few shoulders. Second, it takes a fair amount of money to publish a newsletter. With a circulation of 300, it would cost $90.00 just for postage. It would cost around $100 for printing.

But now we have an increased membership and greater resources to draw on. With more people working on the newsletter, and with more money in the bank, we should be able to publish a newsletter on a bimonthly basis.

I have agreed to take on the task of editing and organizing the newsletter upon relinquishing my former duties of GVLA secretary and treasurer. At that time, we'll roll into full gear with a December edition of the newsletter. We'll need lots of people to participate in this project. Writers, correspondents from Prince George and Victoria, layout and headline organizers, typesetters and mailers. If any of these activities appeals to you, please phone or write.

Our most urgent problem is money. Right now we are sending the newsletter free to anyone who wants it. We wish to continue with this practice or we may have to reassess it -- by selling advertising to finance it? Then we should need someone to sell advertising...

Whatever it takes, West Coast Libertarian will be flying by Christmas.