Committees are part of the behind-the-scenes structure that keeps the Dallas Genealogical Society running. They are also a great place to start participating.
Each team has a board-designated leader and additional volunteers who contribute their time and skills as time permits. If you would like to volunteer for a committee, please:
- Answer a few quick questions about yourself using our Volunteer form, or
- Contact volunteer@dallasgenealogy.org, or
- Send email to the contact listed under the specific committee.
Standing Committees
General Meeting Team
This team manages the Educational Presentation and refreshments for each General meeting. This involves selecting a speaker for each meeting, arranging for light refreshments before the meeting, and coordinating with speakers on the day of the meeting. Contact: education@dallasgenealogy.org
Marketing Team
For 2023 this team is working with a paid consultant to improve our marketing outreach on Facebook, Twitter and email. Desired skills (or skills we will help you develop!) include familiarity with Social Media Platforms and Hootsuite, ability to edit digital images, writing/editing and project management. Contact publicity@dallasgenealogy.org
Newsletter Committee
Our newsletter is published electronically 10 times each year. This team solicits articles on specific topics, works with authors of articles that have been submitted and formats each newsletter, which is then distributed for review and comment. Desired skills (or skills you will learn) include writing/editing and text formatting. Contact newsletter@dallasgenealogy.org
Seminar Committee
Our society offers three seminars each year featuring nationally-known experts who are recognized and respected for their knowledge and presentation skills. This team has two primary areas of responsibility: 1) Selecting speakers and topics for upcoming seminars, and 2) Managing and coordinating each Seminar as it occurs. Team members work closely with each presenter to coordinate schedules, make travel and hotel arrangements, and to create the materials that will be provided to seminar participants. They also coordinate with DPL Library Staff, Catering providers and other key stakeholders with the Society. Contact seminars@dallasgenealogy.org
Technology Team
Our society has developed a well-deserved reputation for technological innovation. Each General Meeting and each Seminar is offered in a hybrid format, which allows attendees to choose between in-person or virtual participation. This team works closely with DPL staff members to utilize library-owned computers and audio/visual equipment to provide a seamless experience for in-person and virtual participants. Desired skills/skills you will gain include familiarity with Zoom, general PC skills, and general familiarity with Audio/Video technology. Contact tech@dallasgenealogy.org
Website Committee
Our website, which is based on the industry-standard WordPress platform, was extensively revised and updated in 2022 by our web-development team of Todd DeDecker, Susan Rainwater and Tony Hanson. They would welcome anybody who has (or who who would like to develop) the skills required to manage an award-winning genealogical society website.
Skills:
- Web building experience (any platform, WordPress a plus)
- Design skills for page layout, light graphics work
Duties
- Keep the calendar updated
- Create and edit pages including simplifying layout and updating content
- Maintain WordPress environment (ensure WordPress, themes and plugins are up-to-date)
- Ensure backups complete successfully
Contact webmaster@dallasgenealogy.org
Special Committees
These committees have bylaw-specified obligations and schedules.
Annual Awards Committee
Our society recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the society and to the general genealogical community at our Annual Awards Banquet held in May. Responsibility for managing this event is divided between two groups of volunteers:
- One group is responsible for identifying recipients for each award and for managing the awards presentation ceremony at the meeting.
- The second group is tasked with arranging for the meeting room at the library, coordinating registration and arranging for the catering for the event.
Contact nominating@dallasgenealogy.org
Financial Review Committee
The Financial Review Committee shall consist of at least three (3) members appointed by the President in November to review the Society’s fiscal year financial transactions after January 1st and before February 28, in accordance with current official procedures established by the Board of Directors. It shall report to the Board of Directors by March and to the membership at its next general business meeting by April. Contact president@dallasgenealogy.org
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee performs the essential role of nominating the Society’s President, Vice President, and Secretary, and help identify individuals who may serve in Director positions. Nominations are presented to society members at the April General Meeting. Contact nominating@dallasgenealogy.org
Short Term/Specific Volunteer Opportunities
We occasionally need volunteers to help out at special events (Seminars, Awards Banquet, etc.) or for special projects.
See our Get Involved page for more information about these events
