April is National Volunteer Month and this week, 20-26 April, is National Volunteer Week. Last night I did some thinking about my volunteer activities over the years. You don’t need to read all these, but it might give you some ideas of where you can be of help. The friends and colleagues I gained from all these added to my quality of life and my genealogy life. I gained but so did the communities that I and others have served.
My point is that genealogy should not always be a singular activity. Volunteering is networking. Over the worktable or a lunch table you might find someone who knows about researching in the new to you county in New York. Another committee member might know which is the best index for birth and death records in one of your ancestral states. Volunteer time is not wasted time but is excellent helping and learning time. What have you done as a volunteer in our genealogy community? First, join some genealogical and historical societies and get involved. Start by offering short-term help and see how and where you fit in. It is work but we all need to do our part. What are you doing to be a volunteer and to honor other volunteers this week and at any time throughout the year?
• In high school, I was a Red Cross volunteer and was a candy striper at a hospital for a while. I was working two jobs so there wasn’t a lot of free time.
• When my children were in elementary school, I was a volunteer chaperone, on a fundraising committee, and some other activities. It was a great way to meet more of my children’s friends and their parents. I did one volunteer job for my oldest granddaughter’s school.
• Then came genealogy. I joined the Minnesota Genealogical Society and checked yes on the membership form asking if I wanted to be a volunteer. One of the smartest moves of my life. Served on the Board of Directors, ran the library, started the education program, served on multiple committees. All were part of my own genealogy education.
• Served as an officer of the Association of Professional Genealogists, President of the Northland Chapter of APG, served on the Professional Management Conference committee, and other committees. I also served on committees for the Board for Certification of Genealogists.
• Served on several committees for the National Genealogical Society and a joint one for the NGS and FGS.
• Served on the Board of Directors of the former Federation of Genealogical Societies and on various committees. Co-chaired three of the annual conferences and for many years on the conference committee. Began the first blog for FGS.
• Volunteered with a religious archive and at a county historical society. Great way to learn about the inner workings of these.
• All of this added to my experience, knowledge, education, abilities, and provided many special connections. I served along with some pretty incredible and caring people.
