Applies to
Microsoft Word 2002

To learn more about how to accomplish this specific task with a different Microsoft Office program that is designed for the job you're doing, follow the links in the See Also section of this article.

Sharing information and keeping in touch has never been easier with the advent of the Internet and Microsoft Office software such as Word. For example, you can work together with your family to build a newsletter simply by sending or routing a Word document in e-mail to gather the information you need. With all information in hand, you can then send your newsletter to family members through regular mail or e-mail, or if you have a Web site, host it online.

Deciding what to write about

When writing a family newsletter, first consider what information sections to include. Feature pieces are often driven by recent family events such as holidays, births, and graduations. Regular sections might include an upcoming events calendar, Web site links, a humorous piece, or a message from Mom.

Similar to a newspaper or magazine, and depending on how often you publish, you might have a weekly or monthly feature section followed by regular sections that provide updates on the lives of your family members. Typically one family member acts as lead organizer, ensuring all information is collected and included in the newsletter, and then sends it out.

Organizing your information

With Word you can organize your newsletter using columns, linked text boxes, or both. You can also insert a picture and format your text to wrap around it. If you choose to divide your newsletter into columns, text will snake across each page before continuing on to the next page. If you use linked text boxes, you can arrange information so that it is parallel or side-by-side down each page. To showcase a feature story on the first page but provide the remaining text on another page, you need to use linked text boxes regardless of how many pages are in your newsletter.

For step-by-step instructions to complete any of these tasks, see Help in your Word program.

A template just for you

Using Word, we've built a ready-made two-page family newsletter for you, complete with instructions for customizing and printing. Simply follow the easy-to-use instructions to download the template onto your machine.