1. No Board of Directors, just someone to facilitate each meeting. Facilitator or moderator can be rotated each meeting. That way, no one person is in charge all the time.
A facilitators responsibility is to get the meeting started on time and end on time. Greet the newcomers and make them feel welcome. This person can also be the one to make sure no one person talks to long. Use a watch or timer if necessary. At the end of each meeting, ask for a volunteer to facilitate the upcoming meeting.
2. No minutes need to be taken.
3. There are no dues or fees.
4. Bring something to write on (optional).
5. Suggested places to hold a meeting would be: library, local coffee shop, fast food restaurant, Churches, recreation centers, etc.. Most places are open to having groups utilize their facilities at no charge. BYOB, Bring Your Own Beverage if the location does not sell refreshments.
6. Topics can vary depending on what the group decides. A good way to involve people is to have everyone write on a scrap of paper something they want to talk about. Put the scraps in a bag, hat etc. and draw one out. Make sure everyone gets an opportunity to trade ideas, exchange information, and above all, get to know one another. The first meeting can be the time to give your group a name: Genealogy Cafe, Genealogy Club or anything else that sounds good.
NOTE* This is not intended to take away from the local Genealogy Societies. This idea can actually enhance an existing membership. However, it is also geared to be a "stand alone" group.
Suggestions are always welcome Genealogy Cafe
BTW, when you get a group started, let me know how it's going. If you get a web page, I'll be glad to put a link here.............. or if you would like to have a webpage made free, let me know...........................HAVE FUN
