California Genealogical Society blog: Strategic Plan

04 March 2019

Updates: Recent Progress; New Membership Rates Beginning June 1st

Posted by Chris Pattillo

Past President Steve Harris and others
at this year's annual meeting

Chris Pattillo reports:

As you should know by now if you are a regular blog reader CGS has a new Strategic Plan. I’ve written about this a few times and mentioned some of the new things that are being planned. One of the first priorities is to update our website. I am happy to report that we have assembled a fabulous committee to work on this and that we have made excellent progress.

Jane Lindsey and board member Felicia Addison have jumped right in on our new Training program. I attended the first session with the Desk Volunteers (aka Desk Duty, aka Desk Divas) last week and was very impressed with what Jane and Felicia have started.

Our committees have a new format for reporting their activities and needs to the Board of Directors which is intended to increase and improve communication both ways.

Rich Kehoe introducing new board members

Georgia Lupinsky published her first article in this blog from our Manuscripts Committee with a great tale about how a woman’s dream saved her life; a story that came out of using our new finding aids. This too is an outcome of the strategic planning efforts.

One of the other changes that will go into effect on June 1^st are modest changes to our Membership Rates so if you have been thinking about joining the society and want to get a good deal – don’t wait. Now is the time to join at our current rates.

In June the cost of a Basic Membership will increase from $40 to $45 annually and from $75 to $85 for a two-year subscription. Still a bargain. Family Memberships will increase by $20 per year. We changed the Student Membership category to a “Youth Membership” to avoid the hassle of having to have proof of being a student. The cut off for being considered a youth is 30. The fee for a Youth Membership will increase from $20 to $25.

The only substantial change we’ve made is to clarify that a Life Membership is for one person. But, if a partner in a couple also wants to be a Life Member, the two can join for an additional $600 which is half price.

The Annual Membership meeting in January

The other categories of membership are not being changed.

We hope you will agree that the value of your membership is well worth the cost and that you will continue to participate actively in the society so you can take advantage of the many things we offer – great classes, field trips, research trips, membership meetings, and opportunities to work with other members on projects.

11 August 2018

September 8 Board Meeting: Unveiling the 2018 Strategic Plan!

Posted by Chris Pattillo

At our next CGS Board Meeting, on Saturday, September 8, we will be unveiling the 2018 Strategic Plan, an ambitious proposal to reorganize and update the organization to better serve our members and secure our future.

Proposed organizational chart based on the 2018 Strategic Plan (click to enlarge)

The SPC has set out an aggressive Goals & Action Plan with six main goals and 43 proposed specific actions. Primary goals:

Attract new members and meet the needs of existing members.
Expand and improve our educational programs.
Attract and retain more volunteers.
Sustain our outreach efforts.
Continue to improve our library
Achieve a sustainable financial base for the society.

Members can read the entire plan on our website at "Minutes and Reports" under the Membership tab (login required).

The plan has been nearly a year in the making, with input from numerous members and stakeholders. The Strategic Planning Committee began last fall by interviewing members on each of the active CGS committees to hear their thoughts about CGS’ strengths and weaknesses. The board has reviewed different parts of the plan at its last three board meetings. Now it is time to hear from YOU.

The September 8 board meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. (30 minutes earlier than our usual time) and will be held in the conference room at CGS, 2201 Broadway, Suite LL2, Oakland. We welcome your interest and hope to see you there!