pretty much everyday. It is amazing, they have daily blogging prompts, contests, list of new and old blogs, and all kind of goodies. If you are blogging and you don't know or don't visit this site you are MISSING out! I saw this (most of my family lived and came through Virginia) and new I had to pass it on. Yes, I copied the whole post for your reading pleasure. I ask that you take action (either way, its your opinion) and help.
[Editor's Note: as the genealogy industry continues to grow and evolve, more and more opportunities are found where the input of genealogists and family historians is needed. Look for more of these Call to Action posts here at GeneaBloggers in the future.]
Calling all genealogists and family historians – especially if you are concerned about access to any and all vital records. Right now plans are in the work to increase restrictions for Virginia vital records – to 125 years for birth records and 75 years for marriage and death records!
What’s Happening with Virginia Vital Records
On Tuesday, November 22, 2011, the Virginia Joint Commission on Health Care (JCHC) will vote on to extend the current access restrictions by another 25 years. Between now and November 22, 2011 you can send your comments to the committee members and let them know why the restrictions to access should not be extended.
What You Can Do about Virginia Vital Records Access
Here is how you can get involved:
- Send your letter via email to
Senators, General Area, Email address
House of Delegates, General Area, Email address
Copy and paste the entire block of addresses here:
district36@senate.virginia.gov; district39@senate.virginia.gov;district14@senate.virginia.gov; district17@senate.virginia.gov;district18@senate.virginia.gov; district06@senate.virginia.gov;district40@senate.virginia.gov; district30@senate.virginia.gov;delbcline@house.virginia.gov; delrbrink@house.virginia.gov;deldbulova@house.virginia.gov; delrdance@house.virginia.gov;delsgarrett@house.virginia.gov; delahowell@house.virginia.gov;delhmorgan@house.virginia.gov; deldnutter@house.virginia.gov;deljobannon@house.virginia.gov; delcpeace@house.virginia.gov
And don’t forget to follow the
Records Preservation and Access Committee blog at
http://www.fgs.org/rpac/ to follow all the latest news about vital records access and changes to laws and policies affecting genealogists and family historians.
Conclusion
Please take a minute and step away from your own genealogy research and get involved. Even if you don’t have Virginia ancestors, realize that other states and entities look at what is being done regarding vital records access – your state or municipality might be next!
Email or write the contacts listed above and let them know as a genealogist and family historian what it means to access such records. Don’t be afraid to get personal – share your success stories or how you’ve helped a client using vital records.
Many small voices make for one large voice. Our history here in the United States has shown this to be so. Our ancestors call out to us for their stories to be told. Our duty is to let legislators and others in decision-making positions hear those voices and work to provide reasonable and responsible access to vital records – everywhere.
©2011, copyright Thomas MacEntee
