Communications Report

Mission Satement

The mission of the Communications Department is to foster effective and transparent communication within the Northeastern Conference community and beyond. By utilizing various media platforms, we aim to keep our members informed, inspired, and connected, while upholding the values and vision of the Conference. We strive to be a reliable source of information, a promoter of unity, and a builder of trust among our diverse audiences, to share the gospel to the world.

Key Functions of the Communications Department

The Communications Department’s multifaceted role is to liaison with constituents on behalf of the Northeastern Conference Administration and interact with communities throughout the Conference territory about the Seventh-day Adventist Church—either directly or indirectly through local church communications directors. To provide excellence in communications, the department serves as a resource for pastors, local church leaders, and Conference office departmental directors and support staff. The department consistently manages the flow of information, providing resources, such as event websites, graphic designs, promotional videos and maintains the Conference website and social media platforms.

Major Accomplishments and Milestones

In the past 10 months, the Communications department has achieved the following milestones:

1. Fostered excellent working relationships with all stakeholders, including the Atlantic Union Conference, fellow Conferences, and the Regional office.  
2. The NEC Communications Director was selected to be part of the global communications Newsroom for the General Conference Session in July 2025, which will take place in St. Louis, MO.  
3. Launched a bi-weekly e-newsletter, NEC Connect, to provide leadership updates and regular information to our constituents. Also serves as an avenue for churches to share inspiring ministry stories.
4. Produced a bi-weekly video news broadcast for members and the wider public to stay informed about happenings in the Northeastern Conference.  
5. Established consistent and effective communication channels between the Conference, churches, and the public.
6. Developed a structured request form to facilitate efficient service to Conference departments to effectively track requests, establish deadlines, and maintain specific details on file. Created a schedule for departments to submit articles highlighting activities within their departments.
7. Developed a LIVE Check-In site for church Communications and Audio-Visual Directors to receive information and interact with the Conference communications department.
8. Provided comprehensive training for Conference directors, communication and audio-visual leaders in local churches, and interested persons on topics such as writing for publications/social media, flyer creation, photography, content creation, audio engineering, and video production.  
9. Seen a significant increase in traffic on the NEC platforms, namely: YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Additionally, a Flickr platform has been established for the long-term display and archive of photos from events around the Conference.  
10. Collaborate closely with the Union Communications department to ensure the free flow of information between the Union and the Conference, and to increase the submission of articles for The Gleaner.  

Relevant Statistical Highlights

‍Website. Between the period of August 2024 to April 2025 - Growth: Approximately 42.38%

Facebook - May 2024 3,872 views vs May 2025 6,474 views (124,675 views in total during period).

Instagram – Between April 1-June 29  = 93,078 views , New Followers - 68

Constant Contact – Subscribers = Nov 2024 534 to May 2025 – 707 = 32.4% increase.

Story Submissions – Increased by over 50 %

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Notable Challenges and How They Were Addressed

• There was a lack of communication between departments and unity in ministry. The communications department has formulated different strategies to encourage fellow directors to share information about what is happening in their departments.
• Lack of equipment and support staff for the effective running of the communications department. Essential equipment was purchased to provide the immediate services needed. Enlisted volunteers and the assistance of skilled individuals to handle the volume of requests on a weekly basis.

Strategic Goals

• Enhance Digital Presence and Engagement
  Goal: Strengthen the Conference’s digital footprint across all platforms to reach a wider audience with the Advent message.
• Strengthen Internal Communication Across Churches and Ministries
  Goal: Improve the flow of information and collaboration between the Conference office, local churches, and ministries.
• Promote Community Engagement and Public Relations
  Goal: Position the Northeastern Conference as a visible and impactful presence in local communities through storytelling, outreach, and partnerships.

Recommendations For The Next Term

1. Allocate Adequate Resources for Communications.
   ‍The allocation of sustained funding and resources is recommended to modernize the department’s equipment, platforms, and personnel capabilities.
   
   Rationale: Effective communication in a digital age requires professional tools and skilled personnel.
   ‍Action Step: Provide full-time staff to adequately accomplish the volume of work needed to be done in the department.  
2. Involve Communications in Evangelism and Mission Strategy.
   It is recommended to fully integrate the Communications Department into the Conference’s evangelism, education, and community engagement planning.
   Rationale: Communications is not just a support function—it is a front-line ministry tool that can expand reach and deepen impact.
   ‍Action Step: Involve communications leadership in strategic planning sessions for major evangelistic campaigns and events.

Links

• NEC Facebook
• NEC Instagram
• NEC News Monthly Broadcasts
• NEC Newsletter Archives

Gratitude

The key to leading an effective Communication Department lies in the strength of a united team, and it has been my privilege to work alongside dedicated professionals who bring passion and purpose to our mission.

I am thankful to the Administration of our Conference, our Assistant Communication Directors—Amy Gallimore and Gary Saunders, the Atlantic Union Communication Director-Debra Cuadro, my fellow Conference Directors, local church Communication Directors, Pastors, and the many members who selflessly volunteer their time and talents to advance the Kingdom of God. Your contributions are seen, valued, and deeply appreciated.

A special thank you goes to my family for their unwavering love, prayers, and support.

Above all, I thank God for the opportunity to serve in this capacity and for His sustaining grace that empowers each of us to do our part in fulfilling the gospel commission.

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