Today, via conference call, I was sworn in as the new Chapter Registrar for my local DAR Chapter for a two-year term! I feel a little lost as I still haven’t received my DAR Certificate or Welcome Packet and I do not understand much of how the organization is structured. However, I do know that I felt frustrated by my application process (in that my local chapter did not follow the directions and got my application rejected by National – twice!) and that if I could help a potential member (PM) not to have to go through the same experience that I did, it would be a good thing.
Members of my local chapter have been forwarding Registrar e mails to me and I’ve been putting them in a folder. One of them was a link to the State Registrar’s site which included some very useful information:
So, I need to maintain a list of members – that seems easy enough. I assume once I can get into the eMembership area of the website that I would see all of the members there and can create a document for the chapter.
Maintain copies of all approved applications & supplemental applications. Hmm… Is this for the history of the Chapter or going forward. I’ll need to ask who has the old ones.
Facilitate transfers between chapters – I doubt that happens often but I bet how to do it is in the guide for registrars.
Report changes in membership. Ok – can do.
Attest each application or supplemental application is properly prepared and documented. Ok – again, I bet I would learn more about how to do that when I read the registrar’s guide.
Notify members of the verification of their application. Something that, frustratingly, was not done for me. Will do!
Address all pre-letters or requests for additional information (AIR) personally or by referral to appropriate help. I am not sure what that means. I am playing to sign up for the Registrar Training Course – hopefully I’ll learn about AIR then.
Provide copies (electronic or paper) of each approved application to submitting member. That sounds easy enough.
Coordinate work of chapter Membership, Lineage Research and/or Volunteer Genealogy Committees. I’m sure that I’ll learn my way around all of that.
What the list says that I am NOT to do is to complete applications personally, become the only personal contact a perspective member has with the chapter, and know how to find every record in every dusty courthouse. Got it!
I’m looking forward to my new office as a DAR Chapter Registrar! I sent in the e mail requesting access to the Registrar Training Course as a first step in my new role!