Today is week 10 of what is going to be a 15 month project. Each Saturday, at around 12.30am UK time I will release the prompt for that week’s Book of Me, Written by You. If you are new here, welcome! The details, background flyer and Face Book link to the Book of Me can be found HERE.
This week’s prompt is Unexplained Memories
Do you have an unexplained memory or memories?
Items
Places
People
Things and times you can remember, but you are not sure where they fit into your past
The short video presentation is available on YouTube
Yesterday I was given a friendly nudge via Google+ and reminded to join in with #genchat over on Twitter.
Usually these happen in the early hours here and I am forced to set an alarm clock and retreat to the study in my pajamas with a cup of tea. Truly, be thankful it does not involve video!
To celebrate Halloween this was a special Gen Chat extravaganza asking
“What should Genealogy Societies be offering?”
With a question like that I simply had to take part!
The question and discussion (all via Twitter in 140 characters or less) was broken down into several components –
1. What do you find that your Society does that is really helpful
I belong to several societies. Several have not embraced the online market well, others have done it and not brilliantly and others have done it and are developing
2.Is your Society affiliated to a large state (or equivalent) organisation
Typically, here in the UK, Societies are members of the Federation of Family History Societies (FFHS). The reality is that really if you have an organisation that is perhaps not locality linked, but perhaps specific to a research group and you are attempting to grown your membership outside of the home country then joining organisations such as the FGS in the US would be a good option.
3. What would you like to see your Society offer?
Now on this question I am not going to answer it in a direct fashion. I am simply going to list some random thoughts and observations
Modernisation –Several of my long term UK societies have just celebrated their 40th birthday. Firstly Congratulations and thank you to the volunteers and members who have contributed.
Have those Societies had a review of their Constitutions?
Is the structure of the Society suitable for a 21st genealogical research world?
Is that Society retaining members and gaining both new and younger members?
Succession Planning – For any organisation to continue, progress and evolve succession planning is vital.
Do you have a team of volunteers who produce your newsletter? Or is it the case that every time the editor or treasurer steps down you almost have to break someones arm to get them involved?
Has Mavis and Harold been involved for so long that when they are perhaps forced to slow up, and relax the organisation grinds to a halt?
Set about looking around the committee table – yes look at the ages of the members, the people who travel some distance to attend, the person who is always late, the person who spends an hour doodling and says nothing. – Are those people needing support, help. Are they bored?
Volunteers – Do you recruit volunteers constantly or just when the need presents itself?
The Constitution states that you need X to function, but that does not mean you do not need others.
Are you encouraging and engaging others to link into your succession plan?
Do you say thank you to your volunteers?
Is the work easily spread? Or is one person buckling under the strain while six others are putting their feet up?
Do your volunteers feel valued?
Social Media – Here in the UK we have an advert on the TV with kids in the back of the car asking “are we there yet?” in that dreadful singsong voice that only someone with no children would hate!
So ARE YOU THERE with Social Media?
Twitter
Google +
Blog
Face Book
Hangouts on Air
Is the difference between social media outlets and a web page known?
Do you meet online?
Committee
Members
Red Tape – Is your Society held back by red tape?
Was the constitution written years ago with no subsequent updates and a committee meeting of volunteers looking like the board meeting of ICI?
Embrace Change –
The way to survive is to adjust and adapt to change.
The above thoughts are my mine and mine alone. I have been a volunteer to various Societies over the years and believe in giving something back. The statements above are not about young or old volunteers. Genealogy welcomes everyone and is for everyone, but we need to both progress and value those members who have contributed so much, in terms of knowledge, willingness and time.
* Disclaimer – Harold and Mavis are fictional individuals!
As promised on my earlier post, which you can read HERE, I am sharing my photo collages. This time round, I have created two, one for each week of the “festival”.In this post I am sharing the collage for week 2.
Every day from 4th November I will talk about one of the photographs. You can view the collage for week one HERE
As promised on my earlier post, which you can read HERE, I am sharing my photo collages. This time round, I have created two, one for each week of the “festival”.In this post I am sharing the collage for week 1.
Every day from 4th November I will talk about one of the photographs.
What an eventful morning! I have just spent and enjoyable hour or so in the first Geniaus’ Hangout on Air. What a wonderful treat that was. Many of the panel were new to this wonderful extension of being online and some, like Dear Myrt and Cousin Russ were experienced and familiar with the wonders & opportunities that Google provides.
The whole concept of being able to explore, discuss and chat informally with fellow genealogists despite the many time zones and miles between us is truly wonderful and anyone who has not embraced this is surely missing out on a real treat.
I know from personal experience that the first hangout is always a huge hurdle in terms of nerves and questions – what if it all goes wrong? – nothing did go wrong and Jill is planning to host another in a few weeks. This, hopefully will become a regular feature on the genealogical online hangout calendar.
Over the course of an hour this morning we chatted and mentioned some great online resources and whilst I didn’t note all of them down, here are a few I can remember – great resources to everyone researching their ancestry, or local history – listed in no particular order
Trove – A fantastic newspaper resource run by the National Library of Australia
The wonder of these hangouts is not just interaction with others that share an interest. It is about the sharing of resources. Creating friendships and steering the path on collaboration. Even if these resources was known to you it was absolutely worth a mention because sometime we forget what we know, because there is so much material and resources “out there”.
It was a true joy to be invited by my Aussie geneablogging mate to take part.
If you missed the hangout – you can watch it at Jill’s YouTube Channel, but here it is embedded, for your viewing pleasure and enjoyment.
Congratulations to Jill for taking the bull by the horns and launching Geniaus On Air!
If you want to be kept in the loop about when the next Aussie Hangout will take place add Jill to your Google Circle and you never need miss a hangout again!
As you guys down under would say – Good on ya Jill!
The weather forecast for England has been for heavy rain and severe gale force winds, the prediction is for the worse since 1987.
In 1987, I was living inland and in Surrey and can recall the devastation those heavy winds caused.
This morning as I looked out of our bedroom window towards the sea, I could see several tankers, with heavy loads, moored awaiting to dock at Teignmouth Docks. I sure do not envy those guys on those vessels.
The weather has been somewhat dubious all day. Teignmouth is on the coast and is between the second and third named place on the map; in the red bit!
By mid afternoon the wind was starting to pick up and by early evening the rain had started to fall. Now, just approaching midnight, the rain is falling very heavily and the winds are pretty severe. The prediction is for the worse to occur at around 3am.
Meanwhile, hubby has gone to bed, I am just finishing my bedtime tea and then I shall be away to bed, listening to the wind as it rages. So very glad that I am not out on the sea tonight.
Today is week 9 of what is going to be a 15 month project. Each Saturday, at around 12.30am UK time I will release the prompt for that week’s Book of Me, Written by You. If you are new here, welcome! The details, background flyer and Face Book link to the Book of Me can be found HERE.
The first email I spotted this morning as I started work on my inbox was from Jill at Geniaus, who has I am delighted to say, has taken the plunge and is hosting what I believe will be a regular in the Genealogy Google Hangout calender.
Image courtesy of Google & Geniaus
The event will take place on Wednesday 30th October. Jill has created an event at Google which you can access HERE.
By clicking on Yes to attend or maybe the item will appear in your Google stream so that you don’t miss the event.
As someone who has started hosting hangouts with the Book of Me, they appear to be daunting, but don’t let that put you off.
It is easy to participate and I really recommend getting involved. All you need is –
A Google Account which allows you to access the event
Headphones and a microphone – I personally have a Microsoft Life Chat LX 300 (remember to tell your computer you are using a headset!)
Google operates by allowing 10 people to be inside the hangout – or in the room, or active participants. The hangout once live will record at YouTube where you can
Watch live
Water later
You can view Jill’s YouTube Channel HERE & check your time zone by using World Time Buddy
The Internet and Google are really allowing us to interact and collaborate with fellow genealogists, from the comfort of our homes. Isn’t technology wonderful?
So, what are you waiting for? Will we see you on Wednesday?
Just 8 weeks in and I have to say the support and interest in the Book of Me has been breathtaking.
The Facebook group has been a true source of amazement and engagement. It is wonderfully refreshing to see a group of relative strangers come together, across the many miles and time zones to share their stories, listen to stories and be part of something very thought provoking.
On the back of the Facebook group I decided to undertake a couple of trials.
A video to accompany the prompts, which started with week 3. I was asked if I could produce one each week and so far I have, either in the format of me talking or a presentation style, which I think is my preference, as it means that I can prepare them in my pajamas!
A fortnightly hangout on air. – These have been fairly well supported.
Mr Google is my new best friend, well after several fellow genealogists, who did some hand holding – you know who you are, so thank you! Through Google we can tap into the facilities of Communities and YouTube.
The latest prompt in the Book of Me Series, is about Time Capsules. You can read the details of the this prompt HERE.
Image from Google Images
Over the last year or so, I have written about previously about time capsules and in 2000 created one which we have planted in the loft of our home for future residents.
I thought that it might be useful to share those earlier posts here, before I share with you my current plans for prompt 8.
Julie Goucher ~ Anglers Rest 