1992 PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT
The General Council of the Fellowship
Melissa Wells


 

Periodicals of this committee are the Bulletin, Journal and Study Group Herald. During 1992, the Bulletin, which provides news on activities of the Fellowship, will decrease in publishing frequency from four times per year to three. One issue of the Bulletin was published in April, and two will mailed in August and November. 

The Journal has changed in format, under the guidance of managing editor David Kulieke. The inaugural issue, which is 16 pages featuring philosophic essays written by various authors plus poetry, artwork and photography, was mailed to subscribers, area coordinators, societies and 300 study groups during May. A second issue is scheduled for publication in September. 

The Study Group Herald was published twice in 1991 with Martin Greenhut functioning as managing editor. This tabloid, 24 pages in its first issue and 32 pages in the second, features articles written for study groups to facilitate a networking of ideas and activities at the grass-roots level the Fellowship. The next issue is scheduled for December. 

In April 1992, Jim Johnston resigned his position as chairman of the Publications Committee, after serving for four years in that capacity. His work on behalf of the committee is reflected in the excellent quality of the publications generated during his tenure. 

A publications advisory committee -- David Elders, Marilynn Kulieke and Melissa Wells, who has been elected by the Executive Committee to replace the vacant chair position -- has been formed to ensure a smooth transition in the change of chairpersons. This ad hoc committee met in May and recommended that the Publications Committee prepare a long-range plan, which is to include an analysis of how the committee's publications address the needs of readers based on the mission of the Fellowship along with intent of editorial coverage.

Additional objectives of this committee during 1992 are to:

* Recruit a managing editor for the Bulletin and volunteers with journalism experience to write news articles on activities occurring at all levels of the Fellowship.

* Review and update editorial policy of the Publications Committee.

* Establish production schedules for each publication in order to avoid work overflow.

* Reprint the Resource Guide of Secondary Works and the Fellowship brochure.

* Produce additional literature: presentations made at Scientific Symposium II, the pronunciation guide, the list of changes to the Urantia Book and a brochure introducing the Urantia Book.

Melissa Wells, Chair