Q: I’m interested in the Academy, but I have so many projects! How do I pick what to work on?
A: We definitely recommend picking one project to focus as an Academy project. We definitely understand how hard that is! Once you’re signed up, you’ll get a packet of worksheets to do before our first meeting, including one designed to help you decide which one project to focus on.
Q: What skill level is the Academy geared to? If I’m a beginner, will that be an issue? If I’m more advanced, will I be bored?
A: Absolutely not! Each mini-lesson will be selected based on the needs of the group, and no question or need is too “beginner.” This is a space where everyone will make progress on their project and learn and grow! Even the most advanced researchers will learn new things because we’re going to cover the things you want to learn about.
Q: I bet everyone will have different projects. What if I want to work on photos and someone else is working on DNA?
A: You’re right, there will be a variety of projects! Whether you’re finding unknown parents with DNA, scanning photos, or writing the family history, certain skills are universally required. There will be mini-lessons on project management, time management, and organizational tools, as well as research planning. Just to name a few.
Q: What if the mini-lesson has nothing to do with my project at all, though?
A: You’re welcome to leave the Zoom if you prefer (hey, bonus time to work on your project). But you’re also encouraged to stick around. We all have a variety of projects on our lists, and you might pick up tips for those too.
Q: I have a lot going on right now. What’s the time commitment?
A: There will be two hour-long Zoom meetings per month, and you’ll have a buddy to check in with (which can take as much or as little time as you both want). After that, it’s really up to you! Even if you only have an hour or two a month to work on your project, you’ll be making noticeable progress.
Q: Could you tell me more about this accountability partner I’m hearing about?
A: Great question! When you sign up, we’ll send you a short questionnaire so we can learn more about you and your project, as well as your availability and interests. Beth & I will then play match-maker and assign you a buddy to get started. Together, you’ll decide how often you want to check in with each other (we recommend once a week), and how (Zoom, phone call, or meet for coffee). It’s motivating to work on your project -even a little- when you know someone is going to ask “how are you doing?”
Q: Are the Zoom meetings mandatory?
A: No. But you’ll get more out of each session if you attend live.
Q: What if I have to miss a Zoom?
A: You can catch the recording! Academy members can watch the replay as often as they want while they are enrolled.
Q: What will we do in the Zoom meetings?
A: We’ll start by going around the room for a quick check-in. Tell us how you’re doing, what challenges you need help overcoming, and ask for ideas on what to do next. Then, we’ll have a mini-lesson on a particular topic. For instance, Beth might show off a DNA tool that will help you, or Sara might share ideas for organizing your photos and documents. Stuck on how to use FamilySearch’s new OCR tool? We can do a live demo!
Ready to Learn More? Come to our Open House on September 2, 2023! It’s on Zoom and there will be door prizes!
