Course: 2026-18
Genealogical Organization Excellence: A Course for Group Leadership
Virtual via Zoom
Faculty:
- Coordinator and Instructor: Matt Weismantel, MA
- Other Instructors: Ed Donakey; Karen Molohon, MS, MSEd; Judy Nimer Muhn, Ed.M., FSA-Scot; David E. Rencher, AG ®, CG ®, FUGA, FIGRS, FNGS; Tricia Seguine
Kate Smith, CAE; D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS, FUGA
Tuition:
- Regular Price: $350.00
- NGS Member Price: $310.00
Description:
Developed in alignment with the NGS Delegate Council’s Excellence Recognition Program, this course delivers in-depth education on elements vital to the organizational self-evaluation process and continuous improvement. As the first institute-level course dedicated to organizational management and development for genealogical organizations, it addresses a longstanding gap in leadership education for existing and emerging officers and leaders. The curriculum integrates established nonprofit management research and best practices, providing a well-rounded and practical experience for participants. It also addresses the unique issues confronting genealogical organizations today. By empowering leaders with the knowledge and tools needed for effective decision-making, this course supports the continued growth and vitality of genealogical organizations, which are essential to the health of the genealogical field and community.
Student Prerequisites:
None
Recommendations:
None
What to Expect:
Students will be involved with in-class activities and projects.
Recordings:
Sessions will be recorded and available through Thursday, 26 November 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.
NOTE: All times are listed in Eastern Time.
Live Sessions may be subject to schedule adjustments by your course coordinator.
| Day | Session | Time | Session Title | Description | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday 17 September |
1 | 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM | Overview and the Keys to Strategic Planning: Part 1 | This session introduces participants to the essential elements of effective organizational planning. We will explore the strategic planning process, including defining and aligning mission, vision, and goals, fostering collaborative and transparent goal-setting, and engaging stakeholders through community-focused needs assessments. | Weismantel |
| 2 | 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM | Keys to Strategic Planning: Part 2 | Participants will complete a hands-on activity, conducting an organizational needs assessment, developing a goal, and drafting an action plan. The session also incorporates the 12 Ways to Kill an Organization toolkit to highlight common pitfalls and encourage sustainable, strategic thinking. | Weismantel | |
| Thursday 24 September |
3 | 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM | Leadership, Governance, and Running Effective Meetings: Part 1 | This session will equip participants with tools to strengthen organizational leadership and improve meeting effectiveness. We will examine how clear governance structures, governing documents, and transparent, competency-based leadership practices foster accountability, ethical decision-making, and financial stewardship. Participants will explore leadership development, role assessment, and continuous improvement strategies. | Smith |
| 4 | 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM | Leadership, Governance, and Running Effective Meetings: Part 2 | This session will cover planning efficient, engaging meetings, developing useful agendas and notes, and reducing fatigue while preventing conflicts. The Meeting Evaluation Checklist toolkit supports participants in applying practical methods for more productive and results-oriented meetings. | Smith | |
| Thursday 1 October |
5 | 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM | Developing and Managing Successful Programs & Services: Part 1 | This session guides participants through the process of designing, implementing, and evaluating mission-driven initiatives. Participants will explore strategic program development, collaboration, task delegation, and resource allocation to ensure alignment with organizational goals. Participants will learn to set clear outcomes, manage timelines, and apply effective project management practices. | Molohon |
| 6 | 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM | Developing and Managing Successful Programs & Services: Part 2 | During this session, emphasis is placed on continuous assessment, evaluation of impact, and demonstrating mission alignment. The Post-Event Evaluation & Planning Form toolkit helps participants measure success, identify opportunities for improvement, and reinforce long-term program effectiveness. | Molohon | |
| Thursday 8 October |
7 | 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM | Diversity, Equity, and Effective Membership Recruitment Efforts: Part 1 | This session explores how organizations can foster inclusivity while strengthening membership engagement. It will address equitable service provision, accessibility, and the creation of inclusive policies that celebrate diversity and remove barriers to participation. Participants will learn strategies to expand representation, partner with cultural organizations, and recruit and retain members from underrepresented groups. | Taylor |
| 8 | 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM | Diversity, Equity, and Effective Membership Recruitment Efforts: Part 2 | This session will include effective onboarding, mentorship, and using digital tools to engage younger generations. A case study featuring successful onboarding models from genealogical societies illustrates practical approaches to sustaining a diverse and vibrant membership base. | Taylor | |
| Thursday 15 October |
9 | 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM | Managing People and Effective Volunteer Recruitment & Retention: Part 1 | This session equips participants with strategies for building, supporting, and sustaining engaged teams; and examines best practices in recruiting, selecting, and training volunteers while promoting fair, inclusive, and transparent management. Participants will explore how to align roles with skills and interests, set clear expectations, and create pathways for development and leadership. | Muhn |
| 10 | 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM | Managing People and Effective Volunteer Recruitment & Retention: Part 2 | This session is a continuation of Session 9 and discussion will include effective recognition methods, succession planning, and evaluating volunteer impact to ensure organizational sustainability. A hands-on activity guides participants in designing a volunteer appreciation program to strengthen motivation and long-term commitment. | Muhn | |
| Thursday 22 October |
11 | 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM | Collaboration, Communication, Conflict, and Organizational Development: Part 1 | This session explores how strong communication and partnership strategies can enhance organizational growth. Participants will learn techniques for building relationships with stakeholders, using transparent communication channels, and ensuring accuracy in information sharing. We will address managing interpersonal dynamics, resolving conflicts constructively, and fostering a culture of inclusion and collaboration. | Weismantel |
| 12 | 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM | Collaboration, Communication, Conflict, and Organizational Development: Part 2 | This session introduces the stages of organizational development and effective leadership responses. Activities include navigating common conflicts in volunteer-led projects and identifying potential partners to draft collaborative proposals with libraries, universities, and cultural organizations. | Weismantel | |
| Thursday 29 October |
13 | 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM | Law, Ethics, and Leadership Transition: Part 1 | This session prepares participants to navigate legal, ethical, and organizational responsibilities with confidence and integrity. We will explore compliance, financial accountability, and the ethical use of technology, data, and intellectual property in program operations. Participants will learn how to maintain privacy, avoid conflicts of interest, and uphold transparency and trust. | Rencher |
| 14 | 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM | Law, Ethics, and Leadership Transition: Part 2 | The session addresses effective leadership transition through succession planning, documentation, and member support. A practical case study challenges participants to examine real-world scenarios involving ethical dilemmas, privacy breaches, and organizational handover processes. | Rencher | |
| Thursday 5 November |
15 | 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM | Financial Resources and Leadership Development: Part 1 | This session strengthens participants’ ability to lead with fiscal responsibility and strategic insight. We will explore assessing financial needs, transparent budgeting, and diversifying funding sources through grants and fundraising initiatives. Participants will learn to align financial priorities with mission goals and address challenges in preservation and digitization. | Seguine |
| 16 | 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM | Financial Resources and Leadership Development: Part 2 | This session’s Leadership topics include ethical and responsible use of power, team-building, and developing self-awareness for effective leadership. A guided personality self-assessment encourages reflection on individual strengths and growth areas, promoting leadership continuity and community-focused decision-making. | Seguine | |
| Thursday 12 November |
17 | 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM | Technology, Equipment, Tools, and Facilities | This session highlights how technology and well-managed facilities can enhance organizational effectiveness. Participants will explore strategies for digitizing records, using genealogy and workflow tools, maintaining technology security, and ensuring accessible and sustainable workspaces. The session also addresses adapting to digital research trends and balancing virtual and physical environments. A practical exercise guides participants in streamlining workflows through technology integration. | Donakey |
| 18 | 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM | Course Summation Instructors Panel Q&A | This session is an interactive panel Q&A, where instructors discuss cross-topic insights and invite participants to reflect on key takeaways and future applications. | Donakey, Molohon, Muhn, Rencher, Seguine, Taylor, Weismantel |