2015 Webinar Series: How to Keep Your Volunteers Happy, Helpful, and Engaged

FGS is pleased to announce the re-launch of its webinar series. FGS is committed to continuing education for societies and the individual genealogist alike.

The first webinar of the new slate will feature Amy Johnson Crow on "How to Keep Your Volunteers Happy, Helpful, and Engaged." An author, Certified Genealogist and regular speaker at FGS conferences, we are certain Amy’s webinar will help societies learn the tools necessary to keep those much needed volunteers actively participating in your organization.

Please register for How to Keep Your Volunteers Happy, Helpful, and Engaged on Jun 23, 2015 8:00 PM EDT at:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6687687484175642113

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

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This webinar will remain publicly available for 30 days. After 30 days it can be found in our Members Only Area. Not a member society? Please consider joining us for this and other great content at www.fgs.org

Volunteer Appreciation Week: 10 Ways to Show You Care

Volunteers helping at registration,
FGS 2015

Without volunteers, most genealogy societies would cease to exist. Imagine all of the projects that your society is working on. Publishing a newsletter. Maintaining a website. Reading cemeteries. Abstracting obituaries. Assisting people with research. Hosting seminars. Preserving records. Now imagine doing all of that work with no volunteers.

April 12-18, 2015 is National Volunteer Appreciation Week. It's a time when organizations across the United States recognize and pay tribute to the invaluable people who carry out the important work of the group.

Here's a little secret: Your appreciation shouldn't be limited to just one week. Volunteers don't expect to be paid (hence, "volunteer"), but they're still human. People have a need to know that their efforts are noticed and appreciated.

Here's another little secret: If you don't appreciate your volunteers, they'll go someplace that does.

Here are 10 easy ways you can show your volunteers that you truly appreciate them.

1. Say "Thank You"

There's a reason your mother made you say "thank you." It's a sign of respect. It lets the other person know that you noticed what they did and that you appreciate it. It sounds simplistic, but simply saying "thank you" goes a long way to making your volunteers feel good about helping.

2. Award Them

Do you have a volunteer who went above and beyond on a particular project or event? Give them the award that your society has established for these special people! (Don't have such a thing? Make one. You can also issue something like a "president's certificate" to show that the society is behind it.) FGS would like to help you recognize the awesome volunteers in your society. Nominate them for an FGS award!

3. Tell Her Boss

You know that volunteer who helped get the society's financial statements in order? What about the one who was instrumental in getting a $1,000 grant? Send her boss a letter detailing what she did and how it helped your society. (Added bonus: It gives your society a bit of exposure with a business in the area.)

4. Say "Thank You" Again

Thanking the people who keep your society running isn't a "one and done" proposition. Tell them again how much you sincerely appreciate them.

5. Listen to Them

Volunteers are down in the trenches. They know how the projects are working – and how they're not working. They can have great ideas on how things can be improved. Listen to them. You may not take all of their suggestions, but the act of listening can really help people know that you care.

6. Help Them Do Their Jobs

Is there a project that's harder than necessary because of the tools that the volunteers use? Maybe the old photocopier is constantly jamming or filing cabinet drawers are always stuck. Replacing these things takes away a source of frustration – and who doesn't want less frustration?

7. Say "Thank You" Once More

Are you picking up on a theme here?

8. Give to a Favorite Cause

People can use only so many plaques and certificates. Instead of recognizing volunteers' efforts by giving them something they have to dust, give them something that speaks to their hearts. Make a donation in their name to a favorite cause. (Might we suggest Preserve the Pensions?)

9. Tell the World

Volunteers are the light of your society. Let that light shine! Tell the world about the awesome volunteers that you have. Announce it in your newsletter and on your website and blog. Send a press release to your local newspaper and include details of how their efforts impacted your society and the community at large. For examples, check out these posts on the FGS Voice blog.

10. Say "Thank You"

Few things make people feel better about helping than to have someone offer their sincere thanks. Make sure you give yours.

Genealogy Societies: A Case for Creating a Mission Statement

Why write a mission statement?

Why write a mission statement?

Don’t people know what you do? After all, the name of your organization spells out who you are, right? Maybe not. A mission statement explains an organization’s purpose, direction and reason for existence. When a mission statement is clear and concise, it can not only let others know who you are and what you do, but also motivate and inspire your members.

Mission statements outline the organization's purpose and main objectives. The statements are set in the present tense and explain why you exist, both to members of the organization and to people outside it. A mission statement can be highly motivating when conveyed clearly and with intent. This is also very helpful when collaborating with members. It can help them stay focused on accomplishing the goals of the organization.

Some reasons & excuses for no mission statement

So if having a clear mission statement is good, why do so many organizations not have them or have poorly written ones?  Some reasons could include:

• "It takes too much time to develop them."
• "We will never reach consensus."
• "Everyone knows what we do, so what is the benefit of writing a statement about it?
• "We have goals — who needs Mission Statement?
• “We might have to make some changes and it would be hard to do.”

None of these reasons outweigh the benefits of having a well-written mission statement. Yes, writing a mission statement will take some time and may cause some changes to the group. However, a poorly written mission statement or a lack of a mission statement can be lost opportunities for attracting new members, retaining talented people, and having a thriving organization. A study done by Bain and Company shows that organizations that have "clearly defined Vision and Mission statements that are aligned with a strategic plan, outperform those who do not." In addition, a clear mission statement can strengthen the group, improve decision making and provide clarity of purpose.

What are the attributes of a good mission statement?   

• Uses language people can understand
• Resonates with people, evokes an emotional response
• Communicates the “why” 
• Is a concise, single, powerful sentence
• Is memorable, actionable
• Is specific

3 Elements of a Great Mission Statement

1. Our Cause — Who do you serve? What matters?
2. Our Actions — What we do
3. Our Impact — Changes for the better

These three elements unite the best mission statements. Remember that one or more items may be implied. At times people make mission statements complex, but complexity does not make something more valuable. Think of this as an opportunity to give people a ‘taste’ of your organization. It should get them interested in learning more not telling them everything about your organization. Think of this as your ‘elevator speech.’

Having a clear, concise Mission statement helps members better understand board decisions and organizational changes. It helps the group have a better perspective to what is happening and how they fit in.

Some examples

Here are some examples of good mission statements:

• Nike: To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.  (www.nike.com)
• Walgreens: To be the most trusted, convenient, multichannel provider and advisor or innovative pharmacy, health and wellness solutions, and consumer goods and services in communities across America.  (www.Walgreens.com)
• Dell: Our mission is to be the most successful IT systems company in the world by delivering the best customer experience in all markets we serve.  (www.Dell.com)

How to use a mission statement

The next step is deciding how to use the mission statement. The point is to get your message across to others. There are many ways to share your message:

• Website
• Letterhead
• Giveaway items
• Press kit
• Interviews
• Cover of newsletters and reports
• Social media

Use your creativity!  There are many ways to use your mission statement in your community.

Summary

A mission statement explains the organizations reason for existence. It describes what the organization does and its overall intention.  The mission statement supports the vision and goals of the organization and communicates purpose and direction to members and the community.

Sources:

www.mindtools.com

www.psychologytoday.com

Cherie Bush