For many Councils on Aging, the monthly newsletter remains one of the most important communication tools they produce. It keeps older adults informed about programs and services, shares important community resources, celebrates volunteers and participants, and tells the story of the meaningful work happening every day.
But creating a newsletter can also be one of the most time-consuming responsibilities for already busy COA professionals.
As many communities began preparing for the transition away from Microsoft Publisher, MCOA recognized the need to provide members with a practical, accessible solution for creating professional-quality newsletters. This spring, MCOA launched a Canva Newsletter Series designed to help Council on Aging staff build the skills and confidence needed to create engaging, accessible, and visually appealing publications.
The response was tremendous.
Over the course of the series, more than 350 participants from across Massachusetts, from the Berkshires to Cape Cod, joined the sessions to learn how Canva can transform the newsletter creation process. Participants represented Councils on Aging of all sizes and brought a wide range of experience levels, from those new to design tools to experienced newsletter creators looking to modernize their process.
Moving Beyond Traditional Desktop Publishing
For many years, Microsoft Publisher has been a familiar tool for creating newsletters, flyers, and other community communications. As organizations transition to new platforms, Canva offers a flexible, user-friendly alternative that makes designing, editing, and collaborating easier.
The Canva Newsletter Series focused on practical skills that participants could immediately apply, including how to:
- Create newsletter layouts from scratch
- Use templates to save time and maintain consistency
- Organize content for easier reading
- Incorporate photos and graphics effectively
- Create accessible designs for older adult audiences
- Collaborate with colleagues on newsletter projects
- Prepare newsletters for print, email, and online sharing
For many participants, the training sparked immediate changes in how they approached their newsletters.
“Our newsletter was completely overhauled as a result of this training.”
Another participant shared:
“We moved to Canva right after this training! Your guidance was helpful!”
Designing Newsletters with Older Adults in Mind
A successful newsletter is not just about looking polished. It is about making information easy to find, understand, and act upon.
Throughout the series, participants explored design techniques that improve readability and accessibility, including font selection, color contrast, spacing, image choices, and visual organization. These small but important design decisions can make a significant difference for readers and help ensure that valuable information reaches the people who need it most.
Participants identified readability and simplicity as key takeaways from the training.
“I will try to focus on simplifying the layout by using more white space, consistent fonts, and clearer sections to make the newsletter easier to read and more visually appealing.”
Another participant noted that the training helped shift their thinking about newsletter design:
“It certainly informed our emphasis on readability and simplicity.”
Building Templates That Save Time
One of the most valuable features of Canva is the ability to create reusable templates.
Participants learned how to develop newsletter formats that can be updated month after month without starting over. Recurring sections such as program calendars, director messages, community announcements, and feature articles can be built into templates, allowing staff to spend less time formatting and more time creating meaningful content.
Consistent templates also help maintain a recognizable identity for the COA and make it easier for multiple staff members to contribute.
For some participants, the series provided an opportunity to rethink their newsletter’s overall look and feel.
“We want to clean up the entire current newsletter once we have Canva.”
Another participant shared a goal that many organizations can relate to:
“Make it look more like a magazine and less like a church newsletter.”
More Than a Newsletter
A newsletter is more than a collection of dates and announcements. It is a reflection of the Council on Aging and the community it serves.
A well-crafted newsletter highlights success stories, introduces new programs, celebrates partnerships, shares helpful resources, and reminds older adults that their local COA is a place for connection, support, and engagement.
By strengthening newsletter design skills, COA professionals are strengthening one of their most important communication tools.
Resources Available Anytime in MyMCOA Infohub
MCOA’s commitment to supporting members extends beyond the live training sessions. Each Canva Newsletter Series session was recorded, and participants have access to additional resources, including checklists, guides, and supporting materials.
All recordings and resources are available on demand through the MyMCOA Infohub, allowing COA professionals to revisit lessons, share materials with colleagues, and continue building their newsletter skills at their own pace.
Continuing to Build Communications Skills
The Canva Newsletter Series is part of MCOA’s ongoing commitment to providing practical professional development that helps Council on Aging professionals save time, strengthen communications, and better connect with their communities.
As technology continues to evolve, MCOA will continue providing resources and training opportunities that help members adapt, learn new tools, and confidently share the stories of the important work happening across Massachusetts.
Because when COAs communicate effectively, communities become more connected, informed, and engaged.
