How to start your own surname society

Introduction

Starting your own surname society can be an overwhelming task, but it can also be incredibly rewarding for those who are interested in genealogy and family history. A surname society provides an opportunity for those who share a common last name to come together, share information, and learn more about their family history. In this article, we will discuss the steps to starting your own surname society.

Research and Planning

The first step in starting a surname society is to do your research and planning. You want to make sure that there is enough interest and potential membership in your society to make it worth your while. You should also research other surname societies to see what they are doing and how they are operating.

Identify Your Goals

What are your goals for the surname society? Are you interested in simply bringing people together who share a last name? Are you looking to research the history of your family name? Are you interested in organizing reunions for your family members? It's important to know what your goals are before you start planning the society.

Identify Potential Members

Once you have identified your goals, you need to identify potential members. Start by reaching out to family members and asking them if they would be interested in joining a surname society. You can also reach out to genealogy groups and organizations to see if they have any members who share your last name. Social media can also be a great tool for reaching out to potential members.

Develop a Plan

With your goals and potential members in mind, it's time to develop a plan for your surname society. Determine how often you will meet, where you will meet, what activities you will do, and how you will communicate with members. You should also think about how you will fund your society and what kind of paperwork or legal considerations will be necessary.

Creation and Implementation

Now that you have done your research and planning, it's time to start creating and implementing your surname society.

Form a Board

The first step in creating your surname society is to form a board. This board will be responsible for making decisions and organizing events. You should look for people who are passionate about the family name and willing to put in the time and effort to make the society a success.

Create a Name and Logo

Your surname society should have a name and a logo that accurately represents your family name. You may want to consider hiring a graphic designer to create a logo that captures the essence of your family name.

Plan Your First Event

Your first event should be something that will bring members together and generate excitement for the society. Consider hosting a family reunion or a genealogy workshop. Make sure to promote the event to members and potential members.

Establish Communication Channels

Communication is key to the success of your surname society. You should establish communication channels, such as a newsletter or social media page, to keep members informed about meetings and events.

Maintenance and Growth

Once your surname society is up and running, it's important to focus on maintenance and growth.

Report on Activities

Your board should regularly report on activities that the society has participated in or organized. This will give members a sense of what the society is accomplishing and encourage them to continue to participate.

Foster Relationships

Encourage members to get to know one another and build relationships. This can be done through social events, volunteer projects, or genealogy research.

Continue to Recruit New Members

Your society should always be looking to recruit new members. This can be done through outreach efforts or by attending genealogy conferences and events.

Conclusion

Starting your own surname society can be a fulfilling experience for those interested in genealogy and family history. With careful planning and implementation, your society can bring together members who share a common last name and provide opportunities to learn more about their family history. Remember to focus on maintenance and growth to ensure that your society continues to thrive for years to come.