Many indexers choose to index beginner projects because they feel safe doing them. This choice makes perfect sense unless it’s your ancestor’s information that happens to be trapped in an intermediate or advanced record. Indexing is the key to unlocking information about our ancestors, including the ones who had the misfortune of having their life’s details recorded by someone with bad handwriting or poor organization skills.
So how do you get your stake excited about intermediate or even advanced projects? How do you help experienced indexers transition from beginner to intermediate projects and beyond? We decided to ask stake indexing directors around the world what they have experienced. Here’s what they said.
“When I received my calling to be a stake indexing director, I was scared that I would not be able to teach my stake how to index difficult projects. I had already been indexing for a year, but only beginner projects. So I decided to fast and pray several times so the Lord could help me understand the handwriting and I could help all the indexers not get stuck in beginner projects. The Lord answered my prayers, and I am able to help my stake with intermediate projects. When the brothers and sisters say that I have a special gift, I explain how hard it was for me and that they can also acquire the same skill through fasting, prayer, and hard work. Then all of them feel motivated enough to index batches that seem to be difficult at first. In other words, nothing is impossible for those who believe!”
A. Malagueta, from Goiânia, Brazil
“Many people tend to search for projects with more complexity after they become familiar with and fond of indexing. We should challenge our indexers to increase their skills and seek for personal revelation to help them in the work. The Holy Ghost will help them do a quality job. Our job as stake indexing directors is to teach and challenge them. I also tell my stake that sooner or later, the beginner projects will be completed and no longer available, so it is necessary to get involved in challenging projects that are also important to this sacred work.”
A. Leal, from São Luís, Brazil
“I love intermediate projects! But I know not all indexers are like me, so I tell the experienced indexers to start intermediate projects and leave the easier ones for those who are new and still learning. Once they start the intermediate projects, they never quit!”
M. Coronetti, from Portoalegre, Brazil
“I shared with my stake that indexing is such an important part of the temple and family history process and we desperately need their help. I shared my experience working on obituaries to help them get excited. Even though obituaries are rated as intermediate projects, they are actually very easy once you read the instructions. They are typed records so you can read them! Obituaries can be some of the more interesting records, and they have stories that touch my heart. They are a great way to get my stake excited about indexing intermediate projects”
S. Jones, from Australia
“I have encouraged my indexers to try intermediate projects. I train them twice a month on how to index the harder projects. I also train them over the phone or invite them to my home. So far I have seen success, and the indexers are trying intermediate projects.”
I. Beazley, from Australia
“I enjoy observing the indexers in my stake become more experienced. Their totals increase, they come to enjoy indexing, and then they graduate from beginner to intermediate. If they spend one hour prayerfully trying to decipher one name, their time has not been wasted. It is better for them to work on intermediate projects than to stop indexing because there are no beginner projects.”
Denise
Aren’t these great examples? You too can help your stake transition to intermediate projects. Here are a few more suggestions:
- Adopt a Project: Have you tried “adopting” a certain project in your stake? Choose a project for the members in your stake to work on together, and hold training meetings specifically for that project. Members will then be able to help and motivate each other because they will all be familiar with the specific instructions and unique challenges of that project. Adopting a project will also create unity and synergy among the indexers in your stake.
- Try Obituaries: Obituaries are generally typewritten, full of stories, and the perfect opportunity to get your stake started on intermediate projects. Even beginners can index obituaries if they will take the time to learn the instructions.
- Lead by Example: Try working on intermediate projects yourself. Once you have this experience and understanding yourself, you will be able to teach and motivate members of your stake.
- Gather Together: The more you can get people together and helping each other, the more people will be excited to index. It is easier to try an intermediate project for the first time if you have someone there to help you.
Did these examples help answer your questions? What other questions do you have for stake indexing directors? Leave a comment below, or send us an email at fsindexing@familysearch.org.
– Article by Courtney Connolly
