Linking Generations
What is Linking Generations?
Linking Generations at BYU does online service for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and other family history-related organizations. We focus on the following projects:
- FamilySearch Indexing (familysearch.org/getinvolved)
- Family Tree record linking in conjunction with the BYU Record Linking Lab (record-linking-lab.byu.edu/volunteer)
- Reverse Indexing (record-linking-lab.byu.edu/volunteer)
- Personal genealogy aid in conjunction with the BYU Library Family History Center (Stories and Services sessions schedule: https://familyhistory.lib.byu.edu/family-history-stories-service-sessions)
- Interview the elderly and record their life stories. Please contact the program directors for more information (see the Contact Info page.)
Photos:
How do I get involved?
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
Weekly Meetings
Volunteer Description: You are welcome to join us at any of our weekly meetings on Tuesdays from 5 to 6 pm at the Y-Serve office (2330 WSC).
Volunteer Commitment: Most of our volunteers attend once a week or once every other week as their time permits. We are accepting service hours that you give outside of our Tuesday meetings, as long as you are working on one of our current projects and began to do so with the intent of serving with Y-Serve.
Multigenerational Program
Volunteer Description: We are also looking for volunteers to participate in a multigenerational program that pairs socially isolated older adults with students for weekly enriching conversations. Volunteers will record the older adults' life stories during the conversations and help publish a booklet for the older adults.
Volunteer Commitment: Students will be matched with an older adult. Pairs will connect weekly and commit for 8 - 10 weeks. All connections will be virtual via phone or computer.
Step 1:
Email us at linkinggenerations@byu.edu, or contact Taylor Simpson at (404) 660-8704
Step 2:
Complete the mandatory 1-hour training session that will be sent to your email.
BECOME A LEADER
Volunteer Leader Description: There are two kinds of leadership positions: Lead Program Director and Program Director. A program only has one Lead Program Director, but multiple Program Directors. Leaders are generally responsible for overseeing recruitment, retention, and reflection with volunteers. They also coordinate service with community partners and ensure their program runs smoothly. Volunteer leaders may also share the responsibilities of volunteers as outlined in the Volunteer Description. For more information, visit our section called Be a Leader!
Volunteer Leader Commitment: In addition to volunteering, Volunteer leaders commit to a 1-hour monthly team meeting to discuss needs and make plans for the program.
Step 1:
Apply to become a leader by completing the application below:
It was cool being able to work with the Church and plan an event to learn about indexing in different languages. We also worked with faculty to get information out about the event. I also really loved working together with other volunteers to finish a project the Church has given us (transcribing a newspaper). Service is great! Those were fun events, but my favorite thing is the dedicated, kind, charitable volunteers who bring their happy faces each week! They sacrifice and it strengthens me!