Today's DAR
Who hasn’t dreamt of having a magical genie? Members who are DAR trained on the standards of verification of Applications and Supplementals are the Volunteer Genealogists Committee and are called “Genies.” This committee was formed in 1986 to assist members with Supplementals.
Dreaming of a Volunteer Genie?
Who “Rises and Shines” to be a magical Volunteer Genie? It begins with training through the Genealogical Education Programs (GEP). The first trained Volunteer Genealogists went to NSDAR in 1986 for their education and worked with staff on the verification of Supplementals. In 2004, the four-day Genealogy Consultant Training and the two-day Volunteer Field Genealogy workshops were initiated. These courses ended when Genealogy Education Programs began in 2012.
Any DAR member may enroll in the online GEP courses. This training provides information on the proper completion and documentation standards required by NSDAR for the verification of Applications and Supplementals. Members who have completed a minimum of GEP 1 and 2 or the earlier equilivant are considered Volunteer Genealogists. Now is the perfect time to take GEP courses due to the recent reduction in cost. The DAR members only website has a tutorial on “How to Register for the GEP.”
After completion of GEP 1 and 2, additional volunteer opportunities are then available to those Genies who want to share their knowledge with others. They may conduct workshops for members or prospective members. These educational workshops can be on any of the issues surrounding Application completion. Volunteer Genies are members of State Application Teams and State Application Review Teams.
How do Genies serve members? DAR trained Genies may be assigned by their State Regent to assist “Chapters in Need.” This can be a chapter who is struggling due to lack of membership, a chapter with prospective members waiting too long for assistance or a chapter where the Registrar needs a break or support. An “In Need” Chapter can also be an Organizing Chapter. Genies who help another Chapter are called “Assigned Volunteer Field Genealogists.” They assist with new member Applications and resolution of “AIR” Requests. Assignments are for six months and can be extended. Image access is given during the assignment. Assigned Volunteer Field Genealogists also train at least one chapter member in the preparation of Applications and mentor chapter officers.
Genies from the Volunteer Genealogists and Lineage Research Committee show their magical talents by serving as “Balcony Volunteers” at in person Continental Congresses. Volunteers serve two-hours shifts providing consultation and support to members on their “brick walls.” Balcony Volunteers are available at the balcony of the DAR library and at the Congress hotel. Appointments are not needed for this free service to members.
Since January 2021, Volunteer Genies have been serving as Virtual Support Team volunteers providing virtual or telephonic consultations. The Volunteer Genealogists Committee assists with Supplementals and the Lineage Research Committee advises on new Applications. During the first year over 400 members used this free service for a consultation on a Supplemental Application. Over 25 “AIR” letters were resolved and numerous Supplementals have been submitted. Consultations from Genies may include teaching, mentoring, assistance and advice. Each session is individualized to meet the member’s need. Volunteers will review Applications and documentation for accuracy and completeness.
Want to be a Genie or receive magical assistance? More information and contacts for services can be found on the Volunteer Genealogist’s Committee webpages.
