What You Told Us About Guiding News

Last edition, we invited readers of Guiding News to share their thoughts on the newsletter. The aim? To better understand what’s working, what’s not, and how we can make our publication more valuable to our vibrant community. With 30 respondents and thoughtful insights throughout, here’s a snapshot of what you told us—and how we’re using your feedback to influence our next steps.

Overall Satisfaction: A Mixed but Hopeful Picture

Nearly two-thirds of respondents reported feeling either very satisfied (30%) or somewhat satisfied (33%) with Guiding News overall. While only a small proportion reported being somewhat dissatisfied (7%) or very dissatisfied (13%), these perspectives matter deeply and point to opportunities to evolve our approach.

A Loyal Readership–With Room to Grow

Encouragingly, most readers (67%) engage with every edition of the newsletter, and an additional 17% read most editions. That means over 80% of readers are regularly opening and reading Guiding News—a strong sign of relevance and connection.

Content That Connects

When it comes to the types of content readers value most, the message was clear:

• Program resources were the standout favourite (23%)

• Stories from the Guiding community (20%) and Leader tips and tools (19%) also rank highly

• Event announcements and opportunities like awards and positions followed closely behind

Open-ended responses reinforced a desire for more “real” stories from Units and individuals across the state, and a deeper sense of community and connection. Several readers requested more updates from across NSW, ACT & NT–particularly region-specific news.

Format Frustrations-and Suggestions

Reader feedback on format and readability yielded some of the most actionable insights:

• While many enjoy the flipbook format (40%), nearly as many find it “okay” or said they didn’t like it

• A significant number of respondents didn’t know they could download the newsletter as a PDF—an awareness issue we can address

• The most common devices used to read the newsletter are mobile phones (48%) and laptops (31%), highlighting the importance of mobile optimisation

Several comments pointed to a need for greater usability and clarity: shorter articles, summaries, and easier navigation were commonly requested. As one reader put it, “Articles should have a summary—long ones lose me.

Engagement: A Strong Start

Over half of respondents (57%) have clicked a link or followed up on an opportunity mentioned in the newsletter. That’s a promising indicator that Guiding News is more than just a read—it’s a tool for action.

So What’s Next?

Based on your feedback, we’re exploring:

• More concise content and summaries , especially for longer articles

• Improved mobile compatibility and clarity on download options

• Increase state and region storytelling , bringing more voices to the page

• Highlighting quick links and calls to action more visibility throughout each editio

We’re also revisiting the flipbook format–balancing the appeal of a polished magazine look with the need for mobile readers.

Thank You

To everyone who took the time to complete the survey–thank you. Your responses are helping us shape a newsletter that better serves and reflects our Guiding community. As always, our aim is to inform, connect, and inspire.

Want to Join the Conversation?

To everyone who didn’t read about the survey in last edition, or agrees or disagrees with what’s been written above, you can still inform the direction we take with the newsletter. Tap this link to add your voice to the conversation.

We look forward to sharing future issues of Guiding News that feel even more relevant, engaging, and representative of the incredible movement we’re all part of.