advocacy

Today’s update from FOGAH and GA in the news

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From FOGAH President Dianne Cannestra:

As of yesterday, five of the 10 remaining employees will still be losing their jobs October 31.  We are continuing to work through our consultant, Joe Tanner and Associates, to decrease that number.  He shares our opinion that all 10 of the employees are essential to the Archives operation.  

Unless more surprises are coming our way, it does appear that the Archives will remain in Morrow, even after the Archives operation in transferred to the University System.  Just in case, the FOGAH Board is providing rational to the consultants regarding the benefit to not physically moving the Archives from its current location.

We still need to identify volunteers around the state who will personally make contact with their state legislators after receiving training and “talking points” from our consulting firm.  If you would be willing to volunteer, please email me at diannebc@bellsouth.net with either your district number or your nine digit zip code and I will add you to the list.  The first training session will be November 8 in St. Simons Island from 4:00 pm to 5:30 so we are especially interested in volunteers from South Georgia right now.

Because the consultant contract fee was not anticipated and thus not in the FOGAH budget, you can also assist in saving the Archives by making a donation to FOGAH for the “Consultant Fee” fund.  You can send a check to FOGAH, 5800 Jonesboro Road, Morrow GA 30260 or by PayPal at www.FOGAH.org.  Please check that web site frequently for additional updates.


Links to news items after the jump:


October 21

Walter C. Jones  http://romenews-tribune.com/bookmark/20562548/article-ANALYSIS-+Gov-+Deal+set+to+put+his+stamp+on+higher+education
(Not about the Archives but an interesting analysis of Gov. Deal and the Univ. System)
Waldo Lydecker  http://waldolydeckersjournal.blogspot.com/2012/10/governor-deals-deal.html(Interesting read!)
Marvin Arrington  http://marvinarringtonjr.com/deal-kemp-to-keep-georgias-archives-open.html
No bylinehttp://www.myfoxtwincities.com/story/19868657/5-employees-to-be-laid-off-at-ga-state-archives   (Minneapolis St. Paul, MN)
Associated Press  http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2012/oct/21/us-georgia-state-archives/
No  byline  http://archiv.twoday.net/  (Sweden Archivists – Scroll down for entry)
October 20 

Dangdatkat   http://atlanta.localme.me/jobs/5-georgia-archives-employees-will-still-lose-jobs
Associated Press  http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=254311&c=10
Associated Press  http://www.times-Herald.com/local/20121019AP_GaStateArchives1stwritethru-MOS  (Newnan, GA)
Associated Press   http://valdostadailytimes.com/national-international/x1400188140/5-employees-to-be-laid-off-at-Ga-state-archives
Dianne Cannestra  http://georgiaarchivists.blogspot.com/

Update from FOGAH

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From FOGAH President Dianne Cannestra:

“After reading the October 18, 2012 Press Release from Governor Deal’s office, the FOGAH Legislative Affairs Committee had a conference call with our Legislative Affairs Consultant.  It is unclear how the latest news will impact on the termination of the 7 employees.  The consultant will attempt to get more information on that question as soon as possible.  He shares our opinion that all 7 of the employees are essential to the Archives operation.  It was also not clearly stated that the Archives will remain in Morrow.  We will be working on that clarification as well.

We are all very appreciative of the Governor’s intervention and are especially excited about the move to the University System.  Please write letters to the Governor thanking him for his intervention as soon as possible.
Our fight for restoration of the budget is not over.  The $125,000 is obviously not nearly enough.  No matter where the Archives resides organizationally,  we need to convince our senators and representatives that the Archives needs $5.4 million to get back to the model Archives it once was and be open 5 days a week. 

The first task in the consultants work plan is to identify volunteers around the state who will personally make contact with their state legislators after receiving training and “talking points” from our consulting firm.  If you would be willing to volunteer, please email me at diannebc@bellsouth.net and I will add you to the list.

Because the consultant contract fee of $3,000 per month for 6 months was not anticipated and thus not in the FOGAH budget, you can also assist in saving the Archives by making a donation to FOGAH for the “Consultant Fee” fund.  You can send a check to FOGAH, 5800 Jonesboro Road, Morrow GA 30260 or by PayPal at www.FOGAH.org.  Please check that web site frequently for additional updates.”

Links to news coverage below the jump.


Kristina Torres  http://www.ajc.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/5-georgia-archives-employees-will-still-lose-jobs/nShnm/
Vivian Price Saffold  http://georgiaarchivesmatters.org/
No byline  http://glanews.blogspot.com/2012/10/looking-for-ways-to-help-georgia.html
http://georgiaarchivists.blogspot.com/2012/10/georgia-archives-announcement-in-news.html
No byline  http://www.news-daily.com/news/2012/oct/19/georgia-archives-funding-fight-still-looms/
Norman Gomlak , AP  http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/uproar-ga-officials-back-off-archives-plan-17511947 
[Norman Gomlak] Associated Press  http://valdostadailytimes.com/todays-top-stories/x1200637139/After-uproar-Ga-officials-back-off-archives-plan
[Norman Gomlak] Associated Press  http://www.timesrepublican.com/page/content.detail/id/259212/After-uproar–Ga–officials-back-off-archives-plan-.html?isap=1&nav=5014  (Central Iowa Daily News)
Brandon Howell  http://georgiatipsheet.com/tag/georgia-archives/
Joseph M Alderman  http://www.common-place.org/pasley/?m=20121019
Michelle Wirth  http://wabe.org/post/five-georgia-archives-employees-lose-their-jobs
Kathleen Baydala Joyner  http://www.atlawblog.com/2012/10/deal-and-kemp-will-keep-state-archives-open/  (last paragraph ???)
Dick Eastman  http://blog.eogn.com/eastmans_online_genealogy/2012/10/georgias-archives-to-remain-open.html#more
Jennifer Hunt Johnson  http://www.familyhistoryexpos.com/wordpress/2012/10/georgia-archives-still-threatened-with-cutbacks/
No byline  http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/6/article/74365/
Associated Press  http://hnn.us/roundup/41.html#148858
No Byline  http://norcross.patch.com/articles/deal-announces-reprieve-for-georgia-archives
Norman Gomlak, AP  http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/uproar-ga-officials-back-off-archives-plan-17511947#.UII36W_ypKg
No byline  http://www.wjhnews.com/filesforweb/pageone/friday.pdf  (bottom left)
Editorial Board  http://www.albanyherald.com/news/2012/oct/18/state-archives-survive-budget-cuts/?opinion

Statement from FOGAH on the Georgia Archives remaining open

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Although the Governor’s press release raises a number of questions,
it’s fundamentally good news.  Archives is in a better place today
than it was yesterday.  With continued efforts, things may improve
further.

FIRST AND FOREMOST, FOGAH encourages EVERYONE to send an email or
letter to the Governor thanking him for his support.  Without his
efforts, we wouldn’t have this victory.

Everyone is concerned about the staff — one of the unanswered
questions.  Please remember that staffing decisions are ultimately the
Secretary of State’s, not the Governor’s.  It’s one thing to ask the
Governor to continue efforts to support the Archives and the Staff,
but please avoid language that sounds demanding.

We still have lots of work to do.  We need to make sure that the
Archives has adequate support when transferred to the Board of
Regents.  That means meeting with members of the Assembly —
preferably in their district before the beginning of session, rather
than at the Capitol.  We’re planning an advocacy training session at
the SGA meeting so that we can all work together as effectively as
possible.  Stay tuned for details.

Again, please use all available channels to say “thanks” to the Governor!

Georgia Archives link round-up

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*More in the news about the Georgia Archives new appointment schedule:

No byline  http://valdostadailytimes.com/todays-top-stories/x699438934/Archives-visitors-limited-to-2-hour-appointments
Staff Reports.  http://www.times-herald.com/local/20121015WEBStateArchivesAccesss-MOS(Newnan, GA)
http://www.sos.ga.gov/pressrel/2012_releases/October/20121015Secretary of State Kemp Releases Plan on Archives Access.htm
Associated Press  http://www.thebrunswicknews.com/story/InState–10-16  (Last entry on 10/16/2012)
Judy G. Russell  http://legalgenealogist.com/blog/2012/10/16/georgia-archives-by-appointment-only/
Associated Press  http://www.11alive.com/news/article/260776/3/Archives-visitors-limited-to-2-hour-appointments
Vivian Price Saffold  http://georgiaarchivesmatters.org/
No byline  http://valdostadailytimes.com/todays-top-stories/x699438934/Archives-visitors-limited-to-2-hour-appointments
Associated Press  http://www.wsbtv.com/ap/ap/education/archives-visitors-limited-to-2-hour-appointments/nSdHX/
Valerie Craft  http://beginwithcraft.blogspot.com/2012/10/do-you-have-appointment.html
Sarah Roberts  http://miarchivists.wordpress.com/
*Link list courtesy of SGA member P.S., who wonderfully posts them to the SGA list!

Recent News from the Georgia Archives

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Today Secretary of State Brian Kemp released a statement explaining the new appointment system for the Georgia Archives.

This news was covered far and wide, and incorporated into a new AJC article about the immigration bill that Secretary Kemp has used as an example for the increase in services his office provides.

Kaye Minchew, of the Troup County Historical Society and the Coalition to Save Georgia Archives was interviewed in a WABE story on the new.

Chris Davidson, Director of the Georgia Archives, release the following information about the appointment system:

“The Archives began yesterday afternoon making appointments with researchers for November.  To make an appointment, contact me by phone or email and pick the type, day, and time of an appointment.  Researchers will be limited to one appointment per month.  For a list of appointment choices, go to:

http://www.sos.ga.gov/pressrel/2012_releases/October/20121015Secretary of State Kemp Releases Plan on Archives Access.htm“

Some additional links covering the story:

Charlie Harper  http://www.peachpundit.com/2012/10/15/secretary-kemp-outlines-archives-access-hours-less-than-mandated-by-georgia-law/
Kaye Collins  http://unionrecorder.com/local/x688426451/State-archives-victim-of-budget-cuts
Associated Press  http://www.gpb.org/news/2012/10/15/state-archives-visits-limited-after-nov-1
Associated Press  http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/2012-10-15/georgia-archives-visitors-be-restricted-2-hour-blocks?v=1350340379
Kristea Torres  http://www.ajc.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/georgia-archives-to-close-two-weeks-each-month/nSdSx/
Jake Wade  http://www.13wmaz.com/news/georgia/article/200456/52/Archives-Visitors-Limited-to-2-Hour-Appointments- 
Associated Press  http://www.myfoxdfw.com/story/19822961/archives-visitors-limited-to-2-hour-appointments  (Dallas-Fort Worth, TX)
Associated Press  http://www.wistv.com/story/19822640/archives-visitors-limited-to-2-hour-appointments  (Columbia, SC)
No byline  http://georgiaarchivists.blogspot.com/2012/10/update-on-georgia-archives-from-fogah.html
Associated Press  http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/story/19822961/archives-visitors-limited-to-2-hour-appointments
Associated Press  http://www2.wsav.com/news/2012/oct/15/georgia-archives-visitors-limited-2-hour-appointme-ar-4758256/  (Savannah, GA)
Associated Press  http://www.myfoxhouston.com/story/19822961/archives-visitors-limited-to-2-hour-appointments  (Houston, TX)
Associated Press  http://www.wtvm.com/story/19822640/archives-visitors-limited-to-2-hour-appointments  Columbus, GA)
Associated Press  http://www.myfoxchicago.com/story/19822961/archives-visitors-limited-to-2-hour-appointments 
Associated Press  http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/story/19822961/archives-visitors-limited-to-2-hour-appointments(Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN)
Associated Press  http://www2.wspa.com/news/2012/oct/15/archives-visitors-limited-to-2-hour-appointments-ar-4759476/  (Spartenburg, SC)
Associated Press  http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/19823740/archives-visitors-limited-to-2-hour-appointments  (Chattanooga, TN)
Assoicated Press  http://www.talk920.com/article.aspx?id=d106603a-de10-429b-af01-17dd04c27aa1&catid=-999(Atlanta, GA)
Associated Press  http://www.wsbtv.com/news/ap/education/archives-visitors-limited-to-2-hour-appointments/nSdHX/(Atlanta, GA)
Associated Press http://www.newschannel9.com/template/inews_wire/wires.regional.ga/2d4b4dc1-www.newschannel9.com.shtml(Chattanooga, TN)
Associated Press  http://www.enquirerherald.com/2012/10/15/2125974/archives-visitors-limited-to-2.html(Rock Hill/York County, SC)
Associated Press  http://www2.wrbl.com/news/2012/oct/15/archives-visitors-limited-to-2-hour-appointments-ar-4759476/  (Columbus, GA)

Update on the Georgia Archives from FOGAH

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After much deliberation and talking with many different people, on October 11, 2012, I signed, as President of the Friends of the Georgia Archives and History (FOGAH), a contract with the legislative affairs consulting firm Joe Tanner & Associates, Inc.  The contact is $3,000 a month for six months.

As you know the Archives budget has been severely cut for the past several years.  Although the Coalition to Save the Archives has worked tirelessly to restore some or all of the funding, we have had very limited success.  The latest cut which resulted in the decision to close the Archives to the public made us realize that a more organized approach must be taken.  The legislative and budget process is very complex and requires very specialized expertise and the ability to contact the appropriate legislators and budget officials.  The FOGAH Board of Directors believes Joe Tanner & Associates, Inc.  is the perfect firm to assist us.

Very shortly, we will share the entire work plan with all of you because all of you will be asked to assist.  One of the first tasks is to identify individuals who live in each house and senate district in Georgia.  We will be asking those individuals to make contact with each legislator after specialized training and talking points have been given to you by Joe Tanner & Associates, Inc.  Our goal is to work with the Governor and the General Assembly to put the Georgia Archives on more stable financial footing for years to come. 

You can also assist by making a donation to FOGAH that is designated to the “Consultant Fund”.   This $3,000 a month is an expense that was not anticipated and is not covered by our current budget.  You can make the donation by sending a check to FOGAH, 5800 Jonesboro Road, Morrow GA 30260 or by using PayPal on the FOGAH web site, www.fogah.org. 

Thank you in advance for your assistance in saving our Archives.

Dianne Cannestra

Georgia Archives support continues with 2 rallies in October

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Despite promises from Governor Deal to keep the Georgia Archives open, there is no plan in place for such action. The 7 staff laid off last week received confirmation this week, and planned hours are still restricted to “by appointment only.”

The Friends of Georgia Archives and History continue to take the lead on educating the public on this issue and gathering support. Two rallies are planned for October, one at the Georgia Capitol and one at the Georgia Archives building.

Capitol Rally
Save the Date: Wed., Oct. 3, noon-1 p.m.
Location: Capitol South Wing (inside)
Archives Rally
Date: TBD
Location: Georgia Archives, Morrow, GA

Next Steps: A Message from the SGA President

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From President Marie Force via the SGA list serve:

Quite a day at the Capitol! Almost 100 supporters came out!  I think Glenda Anderson wins the prize for longest drive – all the way from Savannah. We were limited to about 20 in the governor’s office for the photo, but thank you everyone for packing his waiting room – and he knew all of you were there.
Photos with Governor Deal are now online: http://photos.gov.georgia.gov/GovernorNathanDeal/September-2012/91912-Photo-ops/25462286_Rd6q4M#!i=2097213021&k=sqjcMFJ
Let me know if you have personal photos of the event we can share on SGA’s Flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/23288207@N04/
Kaye Minchew did a great job for us as she asked the Governor for his support in keeping the Archives open! We handed over your letters of support and the 10,000 petition signatures. We were very pleased the AJC and Clayton County reporters were able to be the governor’s office with us to confirm that he said he will keep the Archives open:
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/deal-pledges-to-keep-georgia-archives-open/nSFhZ/
http://www.news-daily.com/news/2012/sep/19/governor-georgia-archives-will-stay-open/
What does the governor mean by “open”?? We need to tell him “open” means public hours and professional archival staff! The governor and your legislators have to hear from their constituents in Georgia that “open” does not mean appointments only with 3 full-time staff to handle the entire state archives operations.
Keep making noise! People are paying attention. To locate your representatives, see http://soga.org/involvement/legislative
Thank you,
Marie Force
SGA President

Call for Nominations: 2012 SGA President’s Award

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The Society of Georgia Archivists President is currently accepting nominations for the 2012 President’s Award.

Nominations accepted until July 16, 2012.
Award presented in November 2012 during SGA Annual Meeting Reception.
The SGA President’s Award recognizes an individual, organization, or institution outsidethe archival profession that makes significant contributions to the archival profession. Contributions may take the form of advocacy, publicity, legislation, financial support, or a similar action that fosters archival work or raises public consciousness of the importance of archival work. Contributions should have broad, long-term impact at the state level or beyond. 
Nominations should include full contact information including address, email and telephone numbers, as well as a brief narrative justification (less than 250 words) about why you are nominating the particular individual, institution, or organization. 
Send nominations by e-mail, fax or mail to:
Marie Force
Delta Air Transport Heritage Museum
P.O. Box 20585
Dept. 914
Atlanta, GA 30320-2585
404-714-2371 (tel)
404-715-2037 (fax)
marie.force@delta.com