End of an Era

Published on by Julie Roberts Szczepankiewicz

Many of you know me from the Polish Genealogy group on Facebook, where I’ve been an administrator since the summer of 2013. Back then, the group was growing quickly, approaching 1,000 members, and the group’s founder and sole admin, Michael Mulholland, was looking to bring in some new admins to help with managing the group’s day-to-day activities. I was a fairly active participant at the time, so he asked me and a few others to help out as admins. The group has now grown to over 15,000 members, blossoming into a community that I was proud to be a part of. With a core group of experienced, knowledgeable group members who were passionate, dedicated researchers, willing to share their expertise, there was an exciting dynamic. It was not an uncommon experience to have a newcomer present a research problem on which the group would work collaboratively in real time, ultimately producing a document or documents, such as the birth record from Poland for the target immigrant.

Besides being a place to learn about genealogy, I loved the Polish Genealogy group because of all the colleagues-turned-friends that I met there. I learned so much from them, and it was truly an honor and a privilege to serve in that community as admin for the past 5 years. I especially loved the atmosphere that we created, which was warm, friendly, welcoming, helpful, and knowledgeable — a community in which we could all learn from one another in an atmosphere of respect and encouragement.

As much as I have loved this community and the work that is accomplished there, all good things must come to an end. After much reflection, I feel that the time has come for me to turn over the reins to others who have a new vision with which to guide the group. For this reason, two days ago, I stepped down as admin in Polish Genealogy. I wish my friends on the admin team the very best as they lead the group into the future.

 

24 thoughts on “End of an Era”

  8. Julie Thank you for all the help and advice you have shared We will miss you and wish you the very best in all your future endeavors Kindly, fran

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 1 person

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  10. Julie,

    Wow. It is sad to learn you are leaving your position as Admin. You have done a fantastic job and left it in a better place; which is all anyone could have asked for or expected. Thank you for your knowledge, help and friendship over the years.

    Paul

    Liked by 1 person

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  11. Julie, I haven’t been real active in the group since I have moved last summer. But you will be missed. May all your future endeavors be blessed.

    Liked by 1 person

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  13. Thanks so much for all of your attention to detail and service to everyone over the years! Hope you have a new exciting project to come… I would buy your expertise!

    Liked by 1 person

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  18. What a great job you did with Polish Genealogy! You will be missed, but I am sure part of your newfound free time will still be put to helping others with their journeys. You do that so well!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Hi Kathy, I’m glad you enjoy the articles. 🙂 You’re welcome to follow my blog, and that way you won’t miss an article. However, self-promotional posts are prohibited by the admins of the Polish Genealogy group, and I must respect their right to dictate the content of the group as they see fit.

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