Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness

I must say that one web site has an intriguing name: Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness. From what I hear, the site also produces excellent results.

Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness was started by two researchers who saw the need for such a service in their region. This small site grew very rapidly from a statewide service to an international one.

The idea behind the site is that many volunteers have agreed to perform some sort of genealogy research in their area at least once per month. The types of research might be to visit a local archive or library to look up specific information, visit a local courthouse to photocopy a document or two, or perhaps visit a local cemetery to photograph a tombstone.

All the work is done by volunteers. Do not assume this is a free service, however. The volunteers do not earn any payment for their labors, but they are allowed to charge for their expenses: postage, film, videotapes, the cost of making photocopies, and possibly parking fees. In addition, the volunteers are also allowed to charge up to 50 cents per mile for any automobile travel incurred. There are never any labor fees.

While volunteers can recover their expenses, no fees are paid to the web site's owners. The owners do sell coffee cups, t-shirts, book bags, and other promotional items in an effort to cover the web site's expenses. Donations are also gratefully accepted.

Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness presently coordinates the efforts of more than 4500 volunteers who give of themselves unselfishly in aiding others in their research. Each volunteer agrees to do a research task in their local area as an act of kindness at least once a month.

Many of the volunteers are in the United States. However, there are others listed in the British Isles, Argentina, Belgium, Belize, France, Israel, Russia, Yugoslavia, India, and even one in Botswana.

How well does this volunteer service work? Obviously, there is no guarantee of success. There may not be a volunteer available in the area of interest, or the records you seek may not be available. However, take a look at the thousands of "thank you" messages at http://www.raogk.org/thanks/index.php. The service obviously has pleased many people.

When visiting the site for the first time, you may be frustrated that there is no place to immediately fill in a request. That design is deliberate; you first must read the Frequently-Asked Questions (often called the FAQs). The FAQ page also contains a link to making requests. This is an effective method of making every newcomer read the basic information needed.

Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness is a first-class operation. It benefits many genealogists at very low costs. In fact, you might be interested in volunteering to help other genealogists.

Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness is available at http://www.raogk.org.

Comments

[Richard Wilson]

RAOGK is a great site. They also have a program that prevents someone from requesting help on the same subject, at the same time, from more than one person in a city/county/state.

[Joseph Sievers]

While I was able, I thoroughly enjoyed doing look-ups of tombstones for people from far away who could not come to my area to research a relative's grave. The volunteer with RAOGK calls the shots and sets the schedule; do what you can, when you can, and make a real contribution to someone's research. A great feeling, and all because RAOGK is so well structured. A win-win situation.

[LaJuan Lee]

I was a volunteer for a time and it was great. I went out of my way to help all who requested it. When I moved, there were already so many who were volunteering in my new location, that I did not continue.
On the flip side, I have asked for research help 5 times. Once I got a very nice, helpful man, who did not complete the promised research. The second time, the same thing, the third time, I got a man who obviously had too much on his plate and did nothing for me.The fourth time, I got no response from my request at all. This last time, just a couple months ago, the lady told me what she had found, I asked for copies and offered to pay for for her time and trouble. Never heard from her again!! I won't use their services again.

[Hans Van Landschoot]

The RAOGK site is a great site. The members (more than 15) i've contacted over the years have been very helpfull in my research in the US.I've send money on request, others did it for free , making copys ,making pictures of gravestones and much more. I must say, without the help of the volunteers of RAOGK, my Van Landschoot Family tree should not have been the way it is today. So by this, i would like to THANK all those volunteers.
Hans Van Landschoot
Belgium

[Dodi]

I am an RAOGK volunteer and all the staff of RAOGK are also volunteers. With over 4500 of us you will occasionally get a bad egg or two that don't respond. Sometimes it is an illness, computer problems or even the death of a volunteer that keeps them from responding. I know my computer was down for a month and I was using the computers at my local library. I try to complete a request within a two week time period but sometimes that just doesn't happen. Be patient - remember we are doing this because we enjoy the research not for the pay!

[Marianne Fisher]

Dick,
Thanks for the great review!!!
I have been a RAOGK Volunteer in Jefferson county,Pennsylvania since 1999.
It's a really great feeling getting an email from a stranger to tell you that you(the volunteer) had helped them break down a brick wall in their research.
And it's an equal letdown to do alot of free research for a stranger,without a single "thank you" in return.
So,why do I continue to volunteer my services...?
Because,I feel that the time I spend helping a stranger...sometimes from 100s of miles away...will eventually be given back to me in my own research.
There will be another helpful person,out there somewhere,patiently waiting,to help me.

[Maryann C. Martel]

Hi, I am a volunteer who gets maybe up to 5 or more request a month and I always try to get them don asap, but sometimes due to weather and health reasons it takes a little longer. Actually because we are only asked to do one a month, this is still a pretty good turnover. I love doing the research it has become such a hobby that I am not happy unless I do it at least once a day either for myself or for a requester. I am from Fall River, Massachusetts.

[Kristy Kupsc]

I am looking for my biological father and any relatives. I have come to find out my biological died in November of 2006. His parents, his dad anyway, are buried at Lawndale Cemetary in Ridgevillek IN. My biological father's name is James Richard Lowery and he was born 12/10/1943. His dad's name is Basil Lowery and he died in 1993. His mother's name is Portia Lowery and she died in 1979. I've been searching for my biological dad for 15 years so finding out he died has been quite a blow. If someone could help me in getting copies of obituaries, tombstone pictures, etc. Anything big or small would really mean alot. If anyone is able to help me find these things it would be special to me. Please communicate with me via w-mail if someone is able to help me out. If relatives are found also please please let me know. Your help is greatly appreciated. God Bless, Kristy