Federation of Genealogical Societies and the National Genealogical Society Records Preservation and Access Committee Mission Statement "To advise the genealogical community on ensuring proper access to historical records of genealogical value in whatever media they are recorded, on means to affect legislation, and on supporting strong records preservation policies and practices." The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) and the National Genealogical Society (NGS) have agreed to a combined effort to address these issues through the Records Preservation and Access Committee. This cooperative venture is intended to advise the genealogical and historical communities, as well as other interested parties, on ensuring proper access to vital records, on means to effect legislation, and on supporting strong records preservation policies and practices. Records are always at risk of accidental or scheduled destruction. Today, many additional problems threaten access to the documents and collections that hold our genealogical, medical, and social history. Funding cuts resulting from budget crises, large scale natural disasters, as well as rapidly changing technology adding to the existing problems of preserving and maintaining access to records. The Federation and the National Genealogy Society cannot solve all these complex issues, but are acting to help coordinate the efforts of individuals and societies who can have a tremendous impact on these problems. The effective response to access and preservation challenges are usually from the individuals who vote and pay taxes in the specific locality. YOU, individually, and the genealogical societies of which YOU are a member, can make the difference on these issues in your area. In each state there is or will be an individual responsible for maintaining liaison and communication between the FGS Records Access and Preservation Committee and the statewide genealogical/historical community with respect to matters concerning the preservation of and access to national, state and local historical records of genealogical and historical interest. I have been appointed the Louisiana State Liaison. I am also a member of the Committee, representing the Association of Professional Genealogists. Responsibilities 1) Create and maintain within the state a communications network involving as many local genealogical/historical societies as are willing to cooperate- I plan to use the Council as the foundation for this network. 2) Monitor state and local legislative and regulatory or administrative activities relating to records access and preservation. 3) Serve as primary communications link between the genealogical/historical community of the state and the FGS Records Access and Preservation Committee.         A. Transmits information to the Committee about records access and     preservation activities within the state, including both problems (issues) and     successes.     B. Transmits information from the Committee with respect to national and     regional records access and preservation activities to the state     genealogical/historical community. 4) Provide information in a timely manner regarding state and local issues to the RP&A Committee Chairman, David Rencher at fgs-access@fgs.org. 5) Assemble data for the state and each county within the state for records that are available and the retention schedules which will be posted on the state pages of the RP&A web site.* 6) Organize and/or promote coordinated action to respond to issues with respect to records access and preservation matters. In carrying out these responsibilities the appointed liaison person may, and should, involve as many other persons within the state genealogical/historical community as s/he deems appropriate. It is not intended that the liaison do all the work his/herself. Keeping track of every Parish and town in Louisiana is not something that one person can do. I need your help. Please keep me informed about happenings in your community. Also, if you know persons in the state legislature that we could use a contact person, let me know. If any issues come up, please contact me immediately. Please pass this email along to your genealogical friends, As well as to your society presidents. Thanks. Sincerely, Cynthia M. Hofmeister Louisiana State Liaison Rep. for FGS and NGS hofsearch@aol.com (337)288-7278