Feel Good Feeling Indexing the 1940 Census

We all like to have that “feel good feeling” for doing something worthwhile and helpful. Mothers get that feeling when they cook a wonderful meal for their family, help a child do a school project and take their daughter to buy that perfect prom dress. Fathers get that feeling as they pitch ball with their sons, go fishing with their kids and work hard at their job so their family can live comfortably. Employees get that feeling when they train a new person and share tips, bring snacks to share or get a promotion for a job well done.

During our life, we are given many moments where we can have that “feel good feeling”, and help others at the same time. Now is one of those times where YOU can participate in a great project that will make you feel good knowing you are helping others, and maybe even yourself. The 1940 Census will be released on April 2, 2012. There is a great need for volunteers to help index the 1940 census. But, you do not have to wait until April 2 to prepare.

There is a 1940 Census contest that you can join to practice your indexing skills!  All you need to do is download the FamilySearch Indexing software and complete a practice batch that will simulate what indexing the 1940 U.S. Census will be like. To make it more exciting, one entrant will be chosen at random to win a $100 Visa gift card and two entrants will be chosen to win $50 Visa gift cards. Talk about getting that “feel good feeling”!!!

Once the 1940 Census has been indexed, all those who have participated can look back at the finished project and take pride that they were a part of such a great endeavor. Genealogists are known for helping others, but this call to volunteer reaches beyond researchers. Please invite your friends and family; let them know about the contest and get them motivated! Share this “feel good feeling” with everyone you know at church, work and with your neighbors.

“As part of the1940census.com ambassador program this blog post enters me into a drawing for an Amazon Kindle Fire.”