Volunteer Role
Leading the TXGenWeb Project
The State Coordinator (SC) supports TXGenWeb volunteers, oversees the statewide project, and serves as the primary connection between TXGenWeb and USGenWeb.
About the Position
The State Coordinator is the only elected position in TXGenWeb. The term is two years and begins on November 1 of even-numbered years.
To be nominated, a candidate must have served as a TXGenWeb County Coordinator in good standing for at least one year.
The State Coordinator does not have to do everything alone. With 254 Texas counties and a large statewide project, the SC may appoint volunteers to help manage many of these responsibilities.
Support TXGenWeb Volunteers
The State Coordinator keeps the volunteer network organized and functioning. This includes:
- maintaining current and historical records of TXGenWeb volunteers and their positions;
- conducting roll call to confirm that County Coordinators remain reachable;
- recruiting volunteers when positions become available; and
- addressing volunteer or position changes when necessary.
Appoint a Statewide Team
The State Coordinator may appoint Assistant State Coordinators and other volunteers to help manage the statewide project.
Existing staff members may be invited to continue, or the incoming State Coordinator may appoint a new team. Statewide staff appointments serve with the State Coordinator during the two-year term.
Represent TXGenWeb to USGenWeb
The State Coordinator maintains the information USGenWeb needs from Texas, including an accurate list of County Coordinators for voting purposes.
The SC also participates in the USGenWeb State Coordinators mailing list, monitors important announcements, and shares relevant information with TXGenWeb volunteers.
Grievances that cannot be resolved through the TXGenWeb grievance process may also require communication with USGenWeb.
Maintain the State Website
The State Coordinator is ultimately responsible for the TXGenWeb statewide website and its continued availability. Responsibilities include:
- arranging appropriate website hosting and handling any associated financial obligation;
- maintaining backups;
- keeping county links and County Coordinator information current; and
- maintaining required links to Texas county sites, the Archives, and USGenWeb.
Website work may be delegated to a Webmaster or other qualified volunteer.
Oversee the County Network
The State Coordinator helps ensure that county websites meet the minimum requirements of TXGenWeb and USGenWeb.
The SC also works to recruit coordinators for available counties and ensures that basic resources remain available for counties that do not currently have a permanent coordinator.
Support TXGenWeb Programs
The State Coordinator oversees several areas that may be delegated to other volunteers, including:
- TXGenWeb social media;
- county and volunteer recognition programs;
- the historical record of TXGenWeb; and
- help and training resources for new and experienced volunteers.
Volunteer recruitment information should remain clear, welcoming, and easy to understand.
Working Together
A Statewide Team Effort
Many responsibilities of the State Coordinator can be shared with Assistant State Coordinators and other appointed volunteers. The SC remains responsible for the overall operation of TXGenWeb while helping those volunteers succeed in their individual roles.