by
Bill Buchanan
If I were trying to revive a stake FHC, here are some ideas I would try:
1. Create a schedule of fairly basic lessons. We have more patrons when we
have lessons to offer.
2. Phone each ward to get the name, phone number and email address of the
bulletin editor and HPGL.
3. Contact each bulletin editor to verify their email address.
4. Send each editor and HPGL a copy of the schedule of lessons and ask to
have it included in their bulletin for the next two weeks.
Ask them to include the hours of operation as a standing item in each weekly
bulletin.
5. Make sure that your hours of operation and phone number are listed in the
stake directory, and maybe the FamilySearch wiki.
6. Get a list of all the ward consultants with their contact information.
7. Schedule a monthly training meeting for constultants and other staff.
8. Make sure your stake president and your high councillor over genealogy
know who you are and what you are doing.
9. Find out who your area FH advisor is, and what suggestions they have.
Their support can be a tremendous benefit.
10. Try to recruit staff that are comfortable with technology. Maybe that
recently released YW president or High Councillor? That young man that needs
to wait a year before serving a mission? Or that couple who just returned
from a mission where they used Skype for a weekly visit with their families?
If you are the director, a few strong assistants can help to move the work
forward.
11. Delegate these tasks as necessary.
12. Always pray for guidance and help.
Thank you, Bill!
Bonus!
More information on FHCs
From Knowledge Document (KD) 101753 – “The future for family history centers (from question and answer session with Elder Marlin K. Jensen of the First Quorum of Seventy and Executive Director of the Family History Department.
Q.(Family history center director) My question is just what is the future for family history centers?
A.(Elder Jensen) Family history centers will continue to exist. Family history centers are a resource for family history consultants to help members identify their ancestors and provide temple ordinances for them. Members and community patrons can use the resources available in family history centers to extend their family history research.
Q.(Family history center director) I can see from this presentation that the Church is providing the members with new family history resources. How will those resources affect family history centers?
A.(Elder Jensen) The Church will increasingly make family history information available online for members to conveniently use at home. In areas of the world where home access to the Internet is generally available, we likely will not see many additional centers approved.
In some areas of the world, access to the Internet from home is still relatively limited. Members and consultants in these areas can use the Internet connection in family history centers to do family history work and prepare names of ancestors for submission to the temple. In these areas, the Church may approve additional family history centers where needed.
Family history centers have provided exceptional service to our members for many years, and they will continue to do so.”
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“To Turn the Hearts – Leader’s Guide to Temple and Family History Work” p 9.
“Family history centers give members and community patrons access to family history resources, including:
• Genealogical resources
• Classes and workshops on family history
• One-on-one assistance
As stake leaders seek to accomplish specific public affairs goals, they view family history centers as a unique and effective way to enhance the Church’s position in the local community. The majority of the patrons who use family history centers are not members.”
