If you are looking for a way to get either your family or ward members involved in family history, but they seem a bit hesitant, you might want to consider becoming part of the indexing force which moves research along for others and yourself. How can you do this? The most productive and also fun way might be to host an indexing event. Planning a successful event isn’t hard, and it might encourage your family and others to dip their toes into family history. Here are several tips for planning such an event.
- Seek support from priesthood leaders. Once your leaders can see the benefits of an indexing event, you can encourage them to invite others to join in the event. Elders quorum, relief society, and even young men and young women can join in the event.
- Set challenging, attainable goals. If you can set a specific goal, this will inspire and motivate participants.
- Give the event a clear start and end date. You don’t have to complete the event in one day or evening. Spread it out over perhaps a week. Deadlines tend to be great motivators. If you establish a reasonable length of time, then you are more likely to get participants.
- Focus on participation. Productivity goals are good, but the focus here should be on the participants. If they are young or unfamiliar with computers, then just getting them involved is a step in the right direction. The experience is what you are going for.
- Celebrate success. To keep participants motivated, acknowledge and celebrate successes during the event. This is also a great way to motivate some competition.
- Encourage temple attendance. Ultimately, your efforts will lead to the temple. If you can make the connection between the indexing and finding individuals to take to the temple, then you have had a successful event.