IAJGS Salutes!

Nancy Adelson, We Salute You!

January, 2008 - IAJGS Salutes Nancy Adelson, First Vice President of Programming for the Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State for founding the Northwest Speaker’s Bureau.

In charge of programming for JGSWS from 2001-2007, Nancy has found first-rate speakers for her local society. At first she found speakers from the local Seattle area. Then, while attending conferences she learned about other pertinent topics and speakers that could bring valuable lessons to her constituency.

Nancy started her efforts in 2005 when she asked Ron Doctor of JGS Oregon if he would consider coordinating efforts. As a result of this collaboration, out-of-town speakers have traveled to the Northwest, to present to several groups. Multiple JGSs worked together to reduce the travel expenses so that speakers can be brought in for a reasonable cost, which no one group could afford alone resulting in the opportunity to host quality speakers on a wider range of topics at an affordable rate.

The effect on Nancy’s local society has been staggering – JGSWS’s membership has doubled over the past few years. One new member states that his primary reason for joining the society was simply that he, “Saw quality programs being offered to help in my research.” JGSWS also noticed an increase in the number of its members attending the annual IAJGS conference.

Ron Arons, Chair, IAJGS Salutes
  with Gary Mokotoff and Elsebeth Paikin