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Archiver > APG > 2006-04 > 1144083922


From:
Subject: An ethical question
Date: Mon, 3 Apr 2006 13:05:22 EDT





I have what I guess is an ethical dilemma. For those of you APGers who are
members of the DAR or SAR, how do you handle requests for research from
members and potential members?

I am the Volunteer Genie for my DAR chapter. I have always told my group
that I would do research for potential members for our chapter for free(charging
only for copies and postage type expenses), but that members would have to
pay. However, I have charged members who have hired me a reduced rate. I do
answer questions for any of them that take no research, such as where to find
some piece of information, for free. But so many members are doing
supplementals, I am afraid if I also worked for free for them, I would never have time
for my paying clients.

At our last chapter meeting, our state lineage research chairman spoke and
announced that Volunteer Genies were supposed to be doing research for members
for free. Several members looked over at me when she said it and after the
meeting the regent took me aside and said we needed to talk.

I have no doubt that although my chapter isn't huge, there are a
considerable number who would take advantage of my services if they didn't have to pay.
So I am trying to figure out what to tell the regent when I meet with her.
The only options I see are -
1. Resign and not help anyone for free.
2. Do free research for everyone - members and potential members.
3. Stick with helping get the new members in and figure the DAR and its
members will just have to accept my terms.

What do you do?

Judy Jacobson





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