Saturday, July 30, 2011

Web-based Fundraising Opportunities for Genealogy Societies

This is a follow-up to today's FGS Radio - My Society show entitled Web-Based Fundraising Opportunities and includes notes and hyperlinks on some of the opportunities discussed.

I can't stress enough this fact: starting thinking as an "individual" when you try to set these sites and opportunities up.  Think about what you would want as a consumer: bargains, discounts, the ability to recycle, to give back to your community.  So if you use Groupon, eBay, a credit card, etc. then there is no reason why you can't put those some ideas to work for your society.

Affiliate Marketing programs

What is affiliate marketing? Affiliate marketing can take many forms – mostly it means signing up for an affiliate program with a genealogy-related vendor or service provider and if a purchase is made using your unique ID and link, the society gets a set percentage. This is not the same as members discount (for example, ISGS members get 50% off on a Footnote subscription) – this is member benefits and the topic of a different show in the future. Also this is not “per click” advertising such as Google AdSense.

One vendor for societies to check out is FamilyLink (http://www.familylink.com) and society leaders should contact Mark Olsen, Online Marketing Manager for FamilyLink for more information at mark.olsen@familylink.com.  Many genealogy vendors have affiliate marketing programs and remember, if a vendor doesn’t have an affiliate program, ask them to set one up!

Why Affiliate Marketing Works

  • Your society members shop – why not go through the affiliate links for the society and let the society earn a percentage?
  • Make it easy for them to find the links
  • Make sure there is a reminder in your newsletter. Better yet, in your email signature!

Examples of Genealogy Societies Using Affiliate Marketing


Online Retailers

An online retailer is a vendor of items such as mugs, calendars, shirts that can be customized with your society logo and sold online at your society's virtual store.

Why Online Retailers Work

  • Set up your own store
  • Web presence
  • No warehousing – products produced on demand
  • No shipping & handling issues
  • Simple as using your logo
  • Your customers act as a billboard for your society

Examples of Genealogy Societies Using Online Retailers


Google AdSense

Google AdSense allows you to collect advertising revenue by placing ads on your blog or website. There is a little known division of Google AdSense called Google Grants http://www.google.com/grants/details.html which allows non-profits to collect this same ad revenue.

Ebay Community Selling

Ebay allows nonprofits to receive a certain percentage of online auction proceeds from auctions and sales run by the members of that non-profit. See http://pages.ebay.com/help/sell/nonprofit.html for more information. Think of this as a genealogy society garage or rummage sale but done online!

Other Ideas

  • Staples Ink Cartridge Recycling - your members return used cartridges at any store and your society gets coupons for office supplies
    http://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/products/3dollar_inkrecycle/
  • Branded Credit Cards (aka Affinity Cards) - just like NFL teams have branded credit cards, nonprofits also brand their own credit cards and get 1% or more of the amount spent by the member 
  • Cookbook – just like the church or community cookbooks that our mothers and grandmothers not only bought but contributed their recipes to, your society can self-publish a cookbook with member recipes, photos and family stories.
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Friday, July 29, 2011

FGS Radio - Web-based Fundraising Opportunities

Click here to create a reminder to listen to FGS Radio:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety/2011/07/30/web-based-fundraising-opportunities

Saturday, July 30, 2011
2-3pm Eastern US
1-2pm Central US
12-1pm Mountain US
11am-12pm Pacific US

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety/2011/07/30/web-based-fundraising-opportunities

Join us for the next episode of FGS Radio - My Society, an Internet radio show on Blog talk Radio presented by the Federation of Genealogical Societies. This week Thomas MacEntee will be hosting a show focusing on how your genealogy society can employ some simple yet effective techniques to raise money for your group.

Guests

Mark Olsen
Online Marketing Manager - FamilyLink.com

Mark Olsen is the Online Marketing Manager for FamilyLink.com He is currently putting Google Plus and Hangout through the wringer. He has organized a worldwide Marathon Hangout now in its 11th day to prove the value of the Hangout in the Genealogy World. He likes what he sees so far and has big plans for Google Plus.

Links




FGS 2011 Speaker of the Week

Each week up until the FGS 2011 Conference, look for a special appearance by a speaker during which time they'll discuss their presentations at the conference.

Cath Madden Trindle, CG

Cath Madden Trindle, a certified genealogist, earned a Certificate of European Research from BYU and a Certificate in Genealogical Studies-Librarianship from the National Institute of Genealogical Studies. A retired financial system consultant she is currently Treasurer of the Federation of Genealogical Societies. Cath writes regular copyright and society strategy columns for the CSGA newsletter and has helped design and implement the online California Research Aid. As Publication Chair for SMCGS she has edited the San Mateo County Naturalization Index Series, the Schellens indexing project, and coauthored the SMCGS Tree Climbing Guides. She is working to coordinate California projects with FamilySearch. A first generation Californian, Cath has limited her client research to Northern California, however, speaking engagements also focus on the records of Ireland and Scotland, Canada, probate and land records and genealogical storytelling. Speaking engagements include societies throughout Northern California, SCGS Jamboree, the Salt Lake Institute and FGS.

FGS 2011 Conference Appearances
  • Wednesday, September 7, 2011, 9:30-10:30am
    But It's My Family: Copyright Issues for Genealogists
    Focus on Societies: Technology and Publishing
  • Wednesday, September 7, 2011, 2:00-3:00pm
    Fiscal Considerations for Your Non-Profit Society Board
    Focus on Societies: Organization
  • Thursday, September 8, 2011, 2:00-3:00pm
    Building a House History
    Strategies and Techniques
  • Saturday, September 10, 2011, 8:00-9:00am
    Land, Tax, and Court Records: Used Together Enhance Genealogical Data
    Family History Essentials

Links
  • California State Genealogical Alliance - California Research Guide
    http://www.csga.com (click on a county on the map)

Society Spotlight

This week's Society Spotlight features the Indiana Genealogical Society.

The Indiana Genealogical Society was formed in 1989 to foster an interest in all people who contributed to the establishment and perpetuation of the state of Indiana, particularly early settlers. We strive to help preserve and publish materials relating to the people who settled this state.

Our current projects include a Records Preservation Project in Hendricks County, where we are preserving and digitizing Hendricks County probate records that date back to the county's founding in the early 1800's.

We are also supporting the efforts to digitize War of 1812 pension files and put them online for free access by sponsoring a $10,000 Match Challenge, where we are MATCHING any donation made, up to $10,000. Ancestry.com recently announced it will also match ALL donations, meaning that any donation you make to the $10,000 Match Challenge will actually be QUADRUPLED!

Since 2008, the Indiana Genealogical Society has been making Indiana’s historical records more accessible to the public by putting them online. We have more than 500,000 records.

Members of the Indiana Genealogical Society receive access to our growing collection of databases. We currently have 628 databases, representing all 92 Indiana counties. We add more databases all the time.
Members of the Indiana Genealogical Society also receive electronic delivery of our publications, IGS Newsletter and Indiana Genealogist. IGS Newsletter contains news items from across the state. Indiana Genealogist contains record abstracts and helpful articles relating to Indiana genealogy research.

Links

Join Us Each Saturday Afternoon at FGS Radio

Tune in to FGS Radio – My Society each week to learn more about genealogy societies and join in a discussion of the issues impacting the genealogical community.
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Thursday, July 21, 2011

FGS Radio - The Doctor Is In – Solving Your Genealogy Society Problems

Click here to create a reminder to listen to FGS Radio:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety/2011/07/23/the-doctor-is-in-solving-your-genealogy-society-problems

Saturday, July 23, 2011
2-3pm Eastern US
1-2pm Central US
12-1pm Mountain US
11am-12pm Pacific US

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety/2011/07/23/the-doctor-is-in-solving-your-genealogy-society-problems

Join us for the next episode of FGS Radio - My Society, an Internet radio show on Blog talk Radio presented by the Federation of Genealogical Societies. This week Thomas MacEntee will be hosting a call in show focusing on current issues and problems that genealogy societies are facing. While Thomas won’t have all the answers, we know the My Society listeners and those on the chat board will come through with some great ideas in the true spirit of problem-solving and collaboration.

Send your questions or issues to publicity@fgs.org ahead of time and have them discussed and answered on the air!


FGS 2011 Speaker of the Week

Each week up until the FGS 2011 Conference, look for a special appearance by a speaker during which time they'll discuss their presentations at the conference.

Linda Woodward Geiger

Linda Woodward Geiger, CGSM, CGLSM, has been researching her family roots for more than twenty-five years and has been Board Certified since 1995. She and J. Mark Lowe, CGSM, are directors of RIGS Alliance. She also serves on the board of the Georgia Genealogical Society and the Georgia chapter of the Trail of Tears Association.

Linda grew up in the town of Walpole, New Hampshire, and spent several adult years in Westborough, Massachusetts. She and her late husband moved to Georgia in 1985. Prior to entering into the genealogical community she taught high school mathematics for twenty-two years.

Drawing from her extensive research experience as a professional genealogist, she has developed a variety of lectures that are designed to meet the needs and diversity of her audiences. Where appropriate, case studies are woven into her lectures to provide the audience with concrete examples. As a publisher and author, Linda has gained experience with a variety of different and little-used record groups.

In addition to her activities of lecturing, researching, and publishing, Linda designs and maintains a number of web sites for genealogical and historical societies. Some of her past positions included treasurer and trustee of the Board for Certification of Genealogists, secretary of the Genealogical Speakers Guild, and trustee of the National Institute for Genealogical Research Alumni.

FGS 2011 Conference Appearances
  • Friday, September 9, 2011, 8:00-9:00am
    U.S. Territorial Papers, 1789-1873: Records of the Frontiersmen
    Records, Records, Records
  • Saturday, September 10, 2011, 8:00-9:00am
    Digital Scrapbooking
    Writing and Sharing
  • Saturday, September 10, 2011, 11:00am-12:00pm
    Evidence: Guidelines for Evaluating Genealogical Sources
    Strategies and Techniques
Links


Society Spotlight

This week's Society Spotlight features the Oklahoma Genealogical Society.

The Oklahoma Genealogical Society was established and incorporated as a nonprofit organization under the laws of the state of Oklahoma in 1955.

It was created to bring together interested persons for discussion and exchange of information, to study research methodology, to issue publications, to collect and preserve data and to assist members with their genealogical research and writing.

Links


Join Us Each Saturday Afternoon at FGS Radio

Tune in to FGS Radio – My Society each week to learn more about genealogy societies and join in a discussion of the issues impacting the genealogical community.
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Saturday, July 9, 2011

Who Do You Think You Are? – Events for Genealogy Societies

Click here to create a reminder to listen to FGS Radio:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety/2011/07/16/who-do-you-think-you-are-events-for-genealogy-societies

Saturday, July 16, 2011
2-3pm Eastern US
1-2pm Central US
12-1pm Mountain US
11am-12pm Pacific US

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety/2011/07/16/who-do-you-think-you-are-events-for-genealogy-societies

Join us for the next episode of FGS Radio - My Society, an Internet radio show on Blog talk Radio presented by the Federation of Genealogical Societies. This week host FGS Director Drew Smith of The Genealogy Guys Podcast will interview special guest Rebecca M. Hill, Head Librarian, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center in Fremont, OH about a local version of Who Do You Think You Are? event recently held at the Center.

Guests

Rebecca M. Hill
Head Librarian
Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center

Rebecca Baker Hill is head librarian of the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center in Fremont, Ohio. She has been employed at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center since 1984. She is a founding member of the Seneca County Genealogical Society, a lifetime member of the Wilson, New York Historical Society, a member of the Sandusky County Genealogical Society, and a former trustee and Fellow of the Ohio Genealogical Society. Her interest in genealogy developed in the early 1970s. From 1978-1998 she performed research for those interested in ancestors who lived in Seneca, Wyandot, Crawford, and Sandusky counties in Ohio.

Links

FGS 2011 Speaker of the Week

Each week up until the FGS 2011 Conference, look for a special appearance by a speaker during which time they'll discuss their presentations at the conference.

Paula Stuart-Warren

Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, is a Certified Genealogist working full-time in genealogical and historical research, lecturing, consulting, and writing. Her expertise is widely known and respected. Her lectures are informative, educational, and lively. Each lecture is accompanied by an extensive handout with both online and offline resources. Paula has researched at the National Archives, Family History Library, Minnesota Historical Society, Wisconsin Historical Society, and many other repositories across the U.S. Since 1997 she has been a Course Coordinator for the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, lectured at National Genealogical Society and Federation of Genealogical Societies conferences since 1993, and in 29 states and Canada for many types of groups.

A former officer of the Association of Professional Genealogists and former board member of the Minnesota Genealogical Society, she is a member and volunteer in historical and genealogical organizations. Currently she is President of the Northland Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists, a member of the Board of Directors of the Federation of Genealogical Societies, and co-chair of the 2011 FGS Conference being held in Springfield, Illinois.

She has written for Ancestry Magazine, FGS Forum, NGS Magazine, New England Ancestors, Minnesota Genealogist, and is editor of FGS Conference News Blog and Paula’s Genealogical Eclectica. Her articles and lectures focus on unusual resources, manuscripts, methodology, analyzing records, Midwest, and Native Americans. She is descended from eight ancestral countries and has connections to many U.S. states and Canadian provinces.

FGS 2011 Conference Appearances

  • Wednesday, September 7, 2011, 2:00-3:00pm
    Publicity for Society Events: Simply Supercharged
    Focus on Societies: Program
  • Wednesday, September 7, 2011, 5:00-6:00pm
    Operational Manual or Handbook: Guidelines at Your Volunteers' Fingertips
    Focus on Societies: Organization
  • Saturday, September 10, 2011, 9:30-10:30am
    Researching Midwestern and Plains States American Indians
    Beginnings and Beliefs
  • Saturday, September 10, 2011, 2:00-3:00pm
    Indian Princess or Native Heritage? Tradition or Fact?
    Beginnings and Beliefs

Links



Society Spotlight

This week's Society Spotlight features the Ohio Genealogical Society.

The Ohio Genealogical Society is the largest state genealogical society in the United States. Its mission is to meet the educational needs of its members and the general public through the acquisition, preservation, and dissemination of genealogical and historical information.

Links

Join Us Each Saturday Afternoon at FGS Radio

Tune in to FGS Radio – My Society each week to learn more about genealogy societies and join in a discussion of the issues impacting the genealogical community.
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Saturday, July 2, 2011

FGS Radio - Selecting and Hiring a Genealogy Speaker

Click here to create a reminder to listen to FGS Radio:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety/2011/07/09/selecting-and-hiring-a-genealogy-speaker

Saturday, July 16, 2011
2-3pm Eastern US
1-2pm Central US
12-1pm Mountain US
11am-12pm Pacific US

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety/2011/07/09/selecting-and-hiring-a-genealogy-speaker

Join us for the next episode of FGS Radio - My Society, an Internet radio show on Blog talk Radio presented by the Federation of Genealogical Societies. This week host Thomas MacEntee will interview special guest Jean Hibben of the Genealogical Speakers Guild discussing how to select and hire a genealogy speaker.

Guests

Jean Hibben

A Board Certified genealogist, Jean Wilcox Hibben has been involved in family research for over 30 years. She is a member of the National Genealogical Society (NGS), the Genealogical Speakers Guild (where she serves as secretary), various societies in the areas where she does research, the Association of Professional Genealogists (serving as president of the Southern California Chapter), and the Corona Genealogical Society (where she serves as president). She is also the Membership and Meeting Coordinator for the Riverside Folk Song Society.

Jean has been playing guitar for over 40 years, learning a variety of other folk instruments along the way. She sees a connection between family history and music because, in learning about our forebears, we try to piece together the various elements of our ancestors' lives in an effort to create a complete (or as complete as possible) picture of who they were in their homes, families, occupations, religions, and activities. Their musical interests/involvement should be considered part of this whole picture, or circle, of their lives.

Jean is a volunteer at the Corona California Family History Center where she trains Family History consultants. A native of the Chicago suburbs, she moved to Southern California in 1973 and obtained her bachelors and masters degrees in Speech Communication. She worked as a professor in the field for 13 years before leaving academia to pursue her passions, family history and folklore, and holds a doctorate in the latter (her dissertation was on Family Stories gathered from genealogists across America). Jean is a national speaker and is known for her entertaining, as well as informative, presentations. She is a monthly contributor to the on-line magazine, GenWeekly, and a frequent writer for other genealogy publications.

Jean, who lives in western Riverside County, California, maintains that “who we are is a compilation of our experiences and associations as well as our biological connections. When we understand our ancestors we can better understand ourselves. By doing this, we can begin to complete our personal family circles.” This connects to her mission statement: “My goal is to assist others in their efforts to connect generations (past to present), completing the family circle.”

Links
  • FGS 2011 Genealogical Speakers Guild Track
    http://fgs.org/2011conference/program/program_by_track.php

    Friday, September 9, 2011, 8:00-9:00am
    Nancy Lee Waters Lauer
    I Tripped on the Way to the Podium

    Friday, September 9, 2011, 9:30-10:30am
    Carrie Cook
    Making PowerPoint Unique by Not Distracting

    Friday, September 9, 2011, 11:00am-12:00pm
    Fredrea Gregath Cook
    The Value-Added Professional

    Friday, September 9, 2011, ,2:00-3:00pm
    Jean Wilcox Hibben
    How do you do that? Practical Suggestions for Prospective Genealogical Lecturers

    Friday, September 9, 2011, 3:30-4:30pm
    Diana Crisman Smith
    Something For Everyone! Or Not? Establishing the Right Presentation Mix

    Friday, September 9, 2011, 5:00-6:00pm
    Gary M. Smith
    Lecturer, Speaker, Teacher: What's The Difference?

Society Spotlight

This week's Society Spotlight features the Genealogy Society of Southern Illinois.

The Genealogy Society of Southern Illinois (GSSI) was organized in Carterville, Illinois in March 1973, for the purpose of encouraging the science of genealogy; helping others gather genealogical information; and preserving, protecting, and publishing information of importance to Southern Illinois genealogy. Our Constitution and a list of current Officers are posted on this website.

GSSI includes in its geographic area the twenty-eight counties of Illinois south of interstate 70: Alexander, Clay, Clinton, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Lawrence, Marion, Massac, Monroe, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Richland, Saline, St. Clair, Union, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, White, and Williamson.

The GSSI Genealogy Collection at the John A. Logan College Library consists of more than 1000 books and several hundred reels of microfilm. The collection does not circulate, but it is now catalogued and may be searched through the JALC Library Catalog. Before visiting, consult the College Library webpage for opening and closing hours.

The Society issues a monthly Newsletter, and publishes a quarterly journal, The Saga of Southern Illinois, both of which are distributed to all members of the society. Indexes to Saga Articles 1974-2009 and the full text of Obituaries and Death Notices in the Jonesboro Gazette 1858-1939 and of Cairo Newspapers 1848 -1874 are published on line.

Links


Join Us Each Saturday Afternoon at FGS Radio

Tune in to FGS Radio – My Society each week to learn more about genealogy societies and join in a discussion of the issues impacting the genealogical community.
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