As the stake indexing director, you can help your stake members be prepared for the new indexing program by laying a foundation for change over the coming months. This foundation will help them be ready when it’s time to make the transition to the new program. Change is not easy for any of us, and the actions that you take now will help things go more smoothly in the future.
In the coming weeks, you will have access to the beta (test) program so that you can explore how it works and test its features. That is one of the best ways you can begin preparing for the new program. At the same time, there are other things you can do now to prepare. Here are a few plans stake indexing directors are currently making.
Work with Assistants at the Stake and Ward Level
- Our stake is planning to have a stake training meeting with our ward youth indexing assistants as soon as we are able to introduce the new program and give them hands-on training. We are training the youth first because they will adapt quickly to the changes and help keep the enthusiasm going back in their own wards. D. Durfee, from Alaska, USA
- I am meeting with my assistants to get them ready to help indexers make the transition. A member of my stake presidency suggested that we include all of the family history consultants in the stake to help. I am also requesting some young men and women with computer skills be called to assist. S. Robins, from Utah, USA
Plan Indexing Training Sessions (also Known as Indexing Transition Parties!)
- I will be offering a formal fortnightly information and training session where we will have an introduction to indexing and sessions on "Exploring the Programme" and "Finding Answers" and then will develop more sessions as needed. R. Smith, from Tasmania, Australia
- We are planning to have training in all the buildings in our stake each week for the first six months that the program is out, tapering off over time, and we will see if the need continues after that. C. Cheney, from Texas, USA
Spread the Word
- I plan to get indexers excited about the great new features by sharing a sneak peak of the program through email and our ongoing indexing classes. I’ll share screen shots from the webinar and the newsletter articles of what it looks like and explain what the major changes are, including the ability to index on iPads and other mobile devices. S. Jones, from Utah, USA
To summarize some of the great ideas mentioned above:
- Youth are ideal to help teach the new program because they learn so quickly and are not intimidated by new technology. Family history consultants can also help on the ward level.
- Begin thinking about the training sessions and parties you would like to hold when the program is released.
- Share the good news about features you are most excited about in the new program. Your excitement and encouragement will help others feel that as well.
Your preparations now can go a long way in helping to make this transition a smooth one for all the members of your stake. We’d love to hear any other ideas you’ve had as you’ve read through the article—feel free to share them in the comments below.
Learn more about the new indexing program in these articles:
