NEWSLETTER CONTEST

Open to state and school newsletters for all constituent chapters

Deadline: February 20, 2026

The primary purpose of a state or school newsletter is to inform the membership of chapter events and other news in a timely and interesting manner. Further, it should promote interest in student participation in these events and encourage the membership to contribute articles, letters to the editor, or suggestions about events.

The secondary purpose is to promote a positive image of nursing and to report on current issues and concerns in nursing.

Winners are chosen for the following:

Awards and Prizes

State Level 1:
  • State Association (1,000 or more members): $50 and certificate

State Level 2:
  • State Association (Fewer than 1,000 members): $50 and certificate

School Level
  • $100 and certificate
*To enter, submit an electronic file (PDF preferred) of each newsletter published from March 2025 through February 2026. All newsletters received are automatically entered. Click above for contest entry.
By submitting your newsletter, not only are you automatically entered into the contest, but the publications are passed on to all NSNA Board Members and serve as an important communication tool linking NSNA to school and state associations. 

**Hard copies mailed to NSNA are no longer entered into the contest. See online form above.

Judging Criteria for Newsletter Contest

A. Frequency of Publication - 20 points maximum. (From 3/2025 through 2/2026)
  1. Two times               5 points
  2. Three times          10 points
  3. Four times            15 points
  4. Five+ times           20 points

B. Content - 30 points maximum. Based on the following criteria:
  1. Relevance and timeliness
  2. Student and variable author participation
  3. Balance of news & features

C. Layout and Design Considerations – 30 points maximum.
  1. Up-front placement of priority news
  2. Tempting headlines throughout the issue
  3. Appealing front page
  4. Balance of copy with photos/art & headlines
  5. Readability (size of type & use of white space)
  6. Consistent format
  7. Unity (focus of issue, photos to support article, ads appropriate to nursing)

D.  Accuracy - 20 points maximum.
  1. Effective proofreading
  2. Proper referencing
  3. Observance of copyright laws
  4. Volume and Issue number listed

All of the above requirements add up to a maximum 100 points to be judged by the Image of Nursing Committee.