Volunteer with the California Genealogical Society

Did you know that the California Genealogical Society is an all-volunteer organization? From the president and the board of directors to the researchers, the bookkeepers, and the people who shelve books, we all are volunteers because we love genealogy and interacting with others who share our passion for genealogy.

Are you a current member interested in helping out? Do you have some skills to share and some free time? We have projects that you can work on at home as well as projects at the library. To volunteer, use the form at the bottom of this page or contact one of our Committee Chairs to learn more about a position.

Current list of CGS Volunteer Opportunities

PositionDescriptionHoursContact
Book Repair AssistantHelp keep our books in serviceable condition for researchers. No prior experience necessary. On the job training and continuous support.Meets the second Tuesday of the month. Training will be provided.Diane Richards
Book Repair Co-ChairWorkable knowledge of bookmaking/book repair, ability to work with and instruct others, knowledge of the record keeping process and know where to purchase the unique materials used for repair.Meets Second Tuesday of the Month.Diane Richards
Calendar CoordinatorCould you help keep our CGS calendar up-to-date with program info for events? Work remotely but collaborate with other volunteers.

  • Help publicize events to the genealogy community and prevent duplication of programs by other societies
  • Communicate with other CGS volunteers to upload program information in a timely manner to our Webpage, Blog, eNews
  • Occasional Program committee meetings
This job can be done remotely. Comfort with emails, websites and Google drive. Training and orientation provided.Maureen Hanlon
Classroom HostWould you like to help our instructors by supporting our online and in-library classes? We need help with set-up and support for our speakers and audience during a class.

  • Be present at the CGS classroom to support both online and hybrid programs.
  • Oversee classroom set up and room conditions
  • Attend to the needs of the Zoom Host, speaker and audience
Mostly Saturdays for 4 hours once or twice a month for online or hybrid classes.Maureen Hanlon
Computer MaintenanceVolunteers are needed to help keep our in-library computers and network functioning smoothly. Duty rotates among the volunteers, is performed weekly on Monday, and usually takes a couple of hours. Requires familiarity with Windows 10 setup and troubleshooting, you’ll get training on the specific procedures.Mondays at the library.John Ralls
Desk Duty at the LibraryBe the face of CGS as a volunteer receptionist. Welcome our patrons to the library, shelve books, answer the telephone. It’s a wonderful way to meet people and to learn more about our society.One day per month during library hours. Training will be provided.Maureen Hanlon
InstructorsInterested in teaching other genealogy enthusiasts about a special niche in the search for our ancestors? We are always looking for new instructors.Hours vary.Maureen Hanlon
LibraryAssistance is needed cataloging our books (experience suggested), training will be provided. Additional volunteer tasks are available. Must come to the library, schedule is flexible.Hours vary. Must come to the library.Chris Pattillo
MembershipBecome part of the CGS “Welcome Wagon!” Two to three individuals are needed for membership outreach.Hours vary.Membership Chair
MembershipComputer savvy with skills including Word and Excel. These are needed to do the mail merge documents for billing, and to watch over the Wild Apricot database.Hours vary.Membership Chair
Program ChairAre you interested in building and improving our education and the classes that CGS offers to members? Job would include:

  • Plan and schedule educational programs (help is available finding speakers)
  • Manage speaker arrangements
  • Work with other helpful committee volunteers who also support the program by overseeing Registration, hosting Zoom classes, maintaining external event calendars, providing publicity, and sending out post event-surveys
  • Provide a monthly report to the board.
  • May be up to 20 hours a month ( can be shared)
  • Most duties can be done remotely using email, Google Drive, Zoom and making some calls. Comfort with Technical skills.
Hours vary. Can be done remotely. Training provided as neededMaureen Hanlon
WordsmithsLike to write? Are you organized? Want to learn more about social media? Then we want you! Looking for CGS members to help with blog entries, social media and our eNews. Can be done remotely.Hours vary. Can be done remotely.Carly Morgan
Zoom Hosts and Co-HostsAre you good with operating Zoom and helping folks who are new to it? Join the existing committee to support hybrid and online zoom programs.

  • Set up Zoom sessions, monitor chat box and support leads and participants with technical problems.
  • Classes that use Zoom are held online and in the library on weekday evenings and Saturdays.
  • Hosting can be done at the library or remotely.
  • Flexible commitment; sign up for the times that work for your schedule.
Hours vary. Can be done remotely. Training provided.Maureen Hanlon
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  • VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME
    Please note: CGS policy requires that one must be a member of the California Genealogical Society in order to volunteer. The Volunteer Coordinator will contact you upon receipt of this form after your membership has been verified. Thank you!