The following does a much better job of explaining or answering the various questions that have been sent to be regarding the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS). Les STATE COORDINATORS AND REGIONAL LIST ADMINS: Please feel free to forward onto your lists if you feel it is right to do so. Dear Fellow USGenWeb Members: Please note that this message is written in my capacity as a member of USGenWeb, not as the Parliamentarian for the Advisory Board. There have been several misconceptions about the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS), since the announcement that USGenWeb had submitted its membership application to the society. While I do not claim to be an "expert" on FGS, I do know quite a few of the board members on a personal level, and as you know am involved with their 2006 National Conference in Boston, Massachusetts. The first misconception that needs to be corrected is that FGS *needs* us, this is completely untrue. The Federation serves to connect the genealogical community (professional, volunteer, etc.) through the thousands of genealogical societies in the United States. While attending the FGS 2005 Conference, I (and other USGenWeb members) discussed with FGS Officers about USGenWeb joining FGS, and we were told that FGS would be happy to welcome USGenWeb as a member society. Because we were at the conference, the rate was discounted ($105.00 rather than $115.00), and we could immediately begin the process of becoming a part of FGS. A membership application was filled out, and contrary to what has earlier been said, that application does not need to be "approved" by their board. The membership was a donation and a gift to USGenWeb by one of its members in attempts to solidify the efforts of USGenWeb within the nationwide genealogical community. FGS is an organization made up of volunteers (as are most genealogical societies throughout the United States). Recently FGS created the Ruth C. Bishop Family History Volunteer Hall of Honor, an award recognizing volunteers from FGS member societies throughout the United States (more information is at http://www.fgs.org/fgs-rbaward.htm). As an FGS member, USGenWeb will be able to nominate its members for their generous contributions to the world of genealogy. As a member of FGS, USGenWeb will receive the "Delegate Digest," which will be sent to the FGS Delegate, and then the FGS Delegate (who does NOT become a member of the FGS Board) disseminates the information to USGenWeb. We don't have to put their logo on our pages, or submit a report to them. One of the many benefits is also the FGS Forum subscription, which is sent to the FGS Delegate for USGenWeb, and most likely the President (in our case the National Coordinator). The FGS Forum will provide information helping USGenWeb to grow as an organization and become "bigger and better," enabling us to serve genealogists in a much easier manner. The FGS Delegate is charged with sharing this information with USGenWeb members. While some may not agree with the "process" by which USGenWeb joined FGS, the fact is that becoming a member of FGS signifies to the genealogical community that USGenWeb wants to be a part of the "genealogy world." Our efforts with the 2006 Boston Conference, the track we have put together, and the various events we will be holding during the week will only further help to enhance the reputation of USGenWeb as a resource for "free genealogy." I plead with members of the USGenWeb Advisory Board to accept the donation of FGS Membership (recognizing that the process of joining was not a process that should be repeated), and give our membership in FGS a chance! Membership within the Federation is a good thing for the future of USGenWeb. I invite any AB members, or my fellow project members who have questions regarding FGS and USGenWeb's membership to e-mail me at Josh@DJoshuaTaylor.com, I would be happy to do my best to give you an answer. Sincerely, D. Joshua Taylor