Every week, our state association, the NYSFDA, sends out a newsletter intended to inform and support funeral directors. In theory, this should be a valuable resource—something that keeps us connected, updated, and empowered in our work. In practice, however, the content often feels misaligned with the realities of our profession.
This week’s edition was no exception. Once again, one of the headlined articles focused on green burial. While alternative practices deserve discussion in the broader landscape of end-of-life care, the repeated emphasis on this single topic—without balance, nuance, or practical relevance—feels like noise rather than support. Funeral directors are navigating complex challenges: regulatory changes, shifting family expectations, staffing shortages, and the ongoing need to uphold dignity in every service. Yet the newsletter rarely addresses these pressing issues.
Recently, the association commissioned a survey, and many of us welcomed the chance to speak candidly. Some of us expressed our discontent there, making it clear that funeral directors want communication that reflects our needs, not a recycled agenda. That survey was a rare moment of being heard, and we hope it signals a willingness to listen more deeply going forward.
A newsletter should be more than filler—it should be a lifeline. Imagine if each issue offered:
- Legislative updates that directly impact funeral service.
- Practical tools for managing staff, technology, and compliance.
- Spotlights on funeral directors innovating in their communities.
- Honest conversations about the challenges we face, paired with solutions.
That kind of content would strengthen our industry and remind us that the association truly has our back. Until then, many of us will continue to feel that the newsletter is missing the mark.
The Morte Girls 