GeneaBloggers Proposes Streamlined Bylaws to Sustain and Support Our Community of Family History Creators
Dear GeneaBloggers,
For nearly eighteen years, GeneaBloggers has grown through the creativity, goodwill, and collaboration of its members. Together we have encouraged one another as we share research discoveries and preserve the stories of our ancestors through blogs, podcasts, videos, articles, and other forms of online storytelling.
Acknowledging the challenges facing modern family historians—and recognizing that our officers serve as volunteers—Vice President Carol Kostakos Petranek suggested that we take a practical look at how our organization operates. Her recommendation was simple: let’s streamline where possible in order to reduce expenses and volunteer workload while continuing to support the community we have built together.
In response, the Board has drafted a proposed revision to the GeneaBloggers bylaws. These revisions reflect the diversity of our talented community of bloggers, podcasters, vloggers, and other genealogy content creators who generously share research findings and family stories with audiences around the world.
The proposed changes also recognize current economic realities affecting many of our members. One important step is to eliminate required annual membership dues and move instead to a voluntary donation model. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, GeneaBloggers can minimize expenses while allowing participation to remain open and welcoming to anyone interested in sharing family history.
In addition, the organization will take advantage of modern digital tools—including AI where appropriate—to streamline routine administrative and secretarial tasks. This allows our volunteers to spend less time on paperwork and more time supporting the creative and educational work of our members.
These revisions allow us to keep our focus on the objectives that have guided GeneaBloggers since its founding:
Promote awareness of and interest in sharing genealogical content through blogging, podcasting, vlogging, and other formats
Provide support and educational opportunities for online genealogy content creators
Recognize the achievements and milestones of genealogy content providers
Encourage fellowship and cooperation among GeneaBloggers members
You are invited to review the proposed bylaws here:
These revisions are intended to keep GeneaBloggers sustainable, accessible, and focused on supporting the genealogy content community for years to come.
Please feel free to share any questions or comments with the Board. GeneaBloggers has always thrived because members encourage one another, celebrate each other’s work, and collaborate in preserving family history.
Thank you for being part of this vibrant community of genealogy storytellers.
Warm regards,
Myrt (Pat Richley-Erickson)
President, GeneaBloggers