FGS Announces New Webinar Series

Press Release - Austin, TX - April 16, 2011

The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) announces its new series of genealogy society management education delivered online in webinar format. As part of its new online education initiative, FGS will offer webinars both free to the public and to its member societies via the popular GoToWebinar® platform which can accommodate up to 1,000 participants. FGS members will also have access to recorded webinars and syllabus materials at the members-only section of the FGS website at http://www.fgs.org.

Social Networking for Genealogy Societies

The first webinar, Social Networking for Genealogy Societies, will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011 and is free to the public. FGS Board member Thomas MacEntee will demonstrate how genealogy societies are currently leveraging the power of Facebook, Twitter and blogs to expand their online presence and recruit new members. Register at https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/401693254.

Future Webinar Topics

FGS plans to offer a wide variety of webinars focusing on society management topics over the next few months. Some of the most recognized names in genealogy education including D. Joshua Taylor, George G. Morgan and Drew Smith will develop and deliver these presentations in a convenient online setting. Topics will include:

• Administration and Member Services: Joining a Genealogical Society; How to Promote Volunteerism in Your Society; How to Create a Member Handbook; Developing an Excellent and Cost-Effective Educational Programs for Your Society; and Using Bylaws to Focus and Motivate Your Society.

• Marketing: Developing a Publicity and Marketing Plan; Methods for Promoting Your Society's Meetings; Developing a Social Media Plan; Creating a Facebook Page; Creating and Using a Twitter Account; Your Society's Next Generation: Reaching Out to New Communities; and Creating an Effective Press Release.

• Technology: How to Attend a Webinar; How to Host a Webinar; Google Docs for Societies; Google Forms for Societies; Backing Up Your Society Data; Creating a Free Website for Your Society; and Creating a Blog for Your Society.

• Finances and Fundraising: Complying with IRS Filing and Reporting Requirements for Your Non-Profit Society; Society Fundraising Through Affiliate Marketing; and How to Set Up and Use a PayPal Account.

We are extremely excited about this series and are committed to helping genealogy and historical societies improve their operations and expand their membership reach.