Greetings USGenWeb Members!
USGenWeb ® is a well-known brand in the genealogical community, and I am proud to have served as the National Coordinator for the 2020/21 term and humbled to be nominated to serve a second term. I had much to learn about the National Coordinator role and made some mistakes along the way. If re-elected I hope these lessons learned will facilitate a smoother start to the 2021/22 term.
Like most of us, I joined our Project (in 2001) as a way to give back to the genealogical community. And I found out that the best thing about USGenWeb is its community of volunteers. It may be our name and linked websites that bring researchers to us, but it's our volunteers that makes us unique. I learned so much from so many members and being a part of this community has enriched my life. My hope for this next term is that we can find new ways to strengthen our community, support our members, and promote our brand.
I want to extend my gratitude to the members of the the 2020/21 Advisory Board. These volunteers made such a great team, were responsive, supportive, and worked together to address issues and provide a strong support system for the membership. All accomplishments this term are to their credit and due to their love for our Project.
2020/21 Advisory Board Activities
- Sourced funding for multiple domains, hosting, and two service mark renewals
- Appointed 2 Advisory Board seats, 3 AB-specific roles, 3 Grievance Committee seats, and seated 2 Special Committees
- Amended the Standard Rules to clarify AB appointments and remove confusion
- Facilitated and ratified 2 proposed Bylaw amendments for addition to the 2021 ballot
- Released 25th-anniversary USGenWeb logos
- Conducted numerous State elections as requested or necessary
- Facilitated the resolution of a State issue on behalf of its members
- Reviewed the National website and revised several pages
- Made some adjustments to the Regional Google Groups to try to make them more accessible
This term was not without tears. I was heartbroken by the loss of several long-time members and contributors:
- Jan Bony, ORGenWeb SC
- Linda Haas Davenport, NC 2005/06
- Gail Kilgore, AZGenWeb SC, COGenWeb SC
And I was saddened by the resignation of other long-time USGenWeb State Coordinators and wish them the very best as they take a break from their leadership roles:
- Larry Flesher, MOGenWeb SC
- Matthew Friend, IDGenWeb SC
- Jane Colmenares, TNGenWeb SC, IDGenWeb ASC
I wish all members the best health and happiness in 2021/22 as we all work together to make USGenWeb a valuable resource for the future!
Linda K. Lewis
National Coordinator
The USGenWeb Project ®
Free Genealogy for 25 Years
www.usgenweb.org
Johnson County, KSGenWeb
Linn County, KSGenWeb
Riley County, KSGenWeb