We talked about the fact that there is no 'right' way of keeping records or writing up family history, with a wide range of methods used. Quite often members will have done a lot of work before coming to the Drop In and it is wonderful to see the variety of approaches used. A particular focus of the Drop In is to support family researchers who lack confidence with computer applications and processes needed to achieve their goals.
We mentioned the monthly family story writing activity during Covid. This is an optional project now for members who enjoy writing stories. There is a Topic List for 2024 largely featuring topics remaining on our list at the end of 2023. We also have a list of all the Family Story Topics from 2021 to 2024 if anyone enjoys writing stories and would like to draw story topics from it.
Our goal for Drop In sessions is that each person leaves the group having at least partly, if not fully, completed what they came to the Drop In hoping to do.
After reflecting on our first session, and chatting through some ideas with Robyn, there's a new format for the Drop In. What do you think?
Family Research 'Drop In'
1 pm 'Drop in Open' - Class Room 2 will be open for group members to settle in with devices and start working on the area/s they have focused on for the day.
1.30pm . Convenor/Mentor./s will begin working with participants.
2pm. Group discussion - pains and gains, stories to be shared, what participants are working on, what they would like help with.
2.30 Review and support for any jointly occurring issues in the group
2.45 ish. Coffee break
3pm. 'Back to work' on devices with help from mentors/other group members.
3.50 to 4 pm Winding up, including arrangements for one to one appointment times to complete any learning needs worked on during the session if requested.
4 pm See you next time!
Note -
*Coffee will be available throughout the afternoon.
*There are naturally occurring 'Drop In' points eg. at the start; for the discussion, and 'Drop Out' points eg. after the discussion, or when goals for the day have been achieved.