To establish a new list, you will need to log in to our list-hosting website; if you don't have a password, or can't remember what it is, our system will email you a password - it's easy, and fast.

Request a new email list password

 

Once you have received your new email list password, Creating an email list is easy, but there are some minimum requirements we ask that you meet with respect to training, list moderation, and list size. Also, please note that list creation is NOT instantaneous. Your list has to be manually created by a ONE/Northwest staff member. This can take anywhere from two minutes to two days depending upon when you request your list.  Before you login to the list host, think through these three pieces of information:

1) Name your list.
Your list's email address will be NAME-OF-YOUR-LIST@lists.onenw.org. Try to make the name brief, memorable, and relevant to the purpose of your list. For example, our board of directors list is called "onenw-board."  List names that are too broad - newsletter@lists.onenw.org, for example - will be asked to include more definition.  Do NOT include the domain name (lists. onenw.org) in your list creation request. Our software automatically assumes that all lists have the lists.onenw.org domain. Our software also doesn't like spaces in list names, so use either a hyphen or an underscore.

2) Identify a list owner.
Email lists are most effective when someone on the list actively takes responsibility for its operation and works with the people on the list to keep the flow of information valuable and efficient. We call this person the list "owner." Without this management, email lists can quickly become useless, either because of too much low-value email, or too little email to make the list worth belonging to. In addition, if there is a technical problem with the list, it is important that it be resolved quickly by an individual who has received training from us.

Therefore, each organization requesting an email list from ONE/Northwest must designate an individual who will serve as the "owner" of the list. We will provide informal training and reference materials to the List Owner, who will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the email list: adding new names, helping list members with problems, ensuring a productive flow of information, etc. The List Owner will also be our point-of-contact on all technical issues. The other authority figure on a given list is the "moderator," who has special privileges on lists with limited posting, and can qualify/reject messages if the list is setup to allow moderation. It is possible, and sometimes preferable to have more than one owner and/or moderator on a list, but it's always a good idea to have one, definitive person responsible for the list. Sharing responsibility for the list can lead to miscommunications.

3) Decide whether you want a "broadcast" list or a "private discussion" list.
Discussion lists allow all list subscribers to post. Discussion lists are designed for focused conversation around a predetermined topic. The list owner takes an active role in leading discussion, defining goals, and generally making the communication worth everyone's time. Interactive lists tend to be relatively small (less than 100) groups of people working closely on a specific issue.

Broadcast lists only allow a few people to post to a much larger subscriber base. One person - the list owner- is responsible for gathering, distilling, and publishing relevant messages to the list. Broadcast lists are typically used for email newsletters and other forms of announcement lists.

Now you are ready to create your list. If you need help using our list hosting site, for troubleshooting, or for technical support please visit our Email List Help Guide.

 

Note: To effectively manage the technical aspects of the lists we host, and to identify opportunities for helping list participants use their list more effectively, selected ONE/Northwest staff have access to all list traffic. All communication via ONE/Northwest-hosted lists is kept strictly confidential to the participants. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about this policy.