Be a Savvy Genealogist!

The FGS Voice Newsletter is a free monthly electronic publication with news, links, and information about the genealogical community delivered directly to your inbox. It includes recent announcements and posts from the FGS Voice Blog, the FGS Conference News Blog, and the Records Preservation and Access Blog. 

Updated Reach Out Publications for Genealogy Societies at FGS

The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) Outreach Committee is proud to announce that the latest digital editions of Reach Out are available on the FGS website. Three new digital editions are available featuring the guest writers:

• Youth Edition by Jennifer Holik
• Archives/Archivist Edition by Gregory J. Kocken
• Homeschool Edition by Stephanie Pitcher Fishman

The Federation of Genealogical Societies Outreach Committee (FGSOC) was formed in 2009 and produces digital editions to assist FGS membership societies in reaching out to those outside the genealogical community. Since that time, several editions have been made available at the FGS website under the following categories: Youth, Libraries/Librarians, Historians, Archives/Archivists, College/Universities and Corporations and Outside Partnerships. The FGSOC also hopes to have an open dialogue with other organizations and to remain in collaborative spirit.

The digital editions of Reach Out are available at the FGS Website in the Succeed sidebar.

If you have any suggestions or would like to contact the FGSOC you can email the committee at outreach@fgs.org.

FGS Announces New Publication - Bylaws Workbook: A Handbook for New & Established Societies

Bylaws Workbook: A Handbook for New & Established Societies, Second Edition

August 22, 2012 – Austin, TX. The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) announces the publication of the second edition of Bylaws Workbook: A Handbook for New & Established Societies, compiled by Marcia S. Lindley and revised by Roberta “Bobbi” King.

This workbook is designed to help societies create successful bylaws that prevent confusion, dissension, and disagreement. Whether large or small, new or established, societies can use this guide in planning, drafting, and implementing bylaws that guarantee a smooth-running organization. Whether a society realizes it or not, the most important document for its members is the bylaws. It is the only document that tells the members how the society is supposed to function.

The authors draw from their extensive experience in bylaws reviews and revisions to provide step-by-step guidance on all aspects of bylaws development, including detailed examples. They show genealogical societies as well as historical societies and family associations how to:

• Construct a solid bylaws plan

• Select the most appropriate bylaws language and format

• Utilize new technology for voting and board meetings

• Develop policy and procedure manuals

• Handle disciplinary actions quickly and competently

• Research considerations for incorporating

The book is available for purchase at Amazon.com ($4.99 + s/h). Copies of the book will be on display at the upcoming FGS 2012 Conference, Indians, Squatters, Settlers and Soldiers in the "Old Southwest" – to be held in Birmingham, Alabama 29 August to 1 September, 2012. Learn more at http://www.fgs.org.

About the Authors

Marcia S. Lindley, an active member of the Arizona State Genealogical Society, has served a variety of positions including president, vice president, director and member of the Editorial Board. She was responsible for leading a group of society members in an extensive review of their bylaws. She is a staff attorney with the Court of Appeals of the State of Arizona and holds degrees in history and law.

Roberta "Bobbi" King was for several years a member of the FGS board of directors as well as serving as Vice-President of Administration and parliamentarian. King is a member of the bylaws committee and the bylaws review committee, for which she has reviewed dozens of society bylaws. She is associated with several Colorado genealogical societies, as well as a member of the National Genealogical Society and the Association of Professional Genealogists. She was recipient of the APGQ Award of Excellence in 2008.