Calling High School Students: Youth Ancestral Project in Berkeley

You are invited to participate in a special series of classes that are part of the Youth Ancestral Project, a program that teaches East Bay youth how to use research and storytelling techniques to gain a deeper understanding of their own ancestral roots. Initiated by Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson with the help of the Oakland Family History Center and the African American Genealogical Society, the project reached more than 50 youth in 2011. This year, a professional genealogist from the San Francisco Bay Area Jewish Genealogical Society will bring the class to Congregation Netivot Shalom in Berkeley. We hope you can join us!  Please see below for a class description and schedule. The classes are free and open to all youth in grades 9-12. 

Please register by Monday, February 27, 2012. 

Click here to register 

Click here for the flyer

Who do you think you are?

You may have heard stories about what life was like when your parents or caregivers were little. You may know the names of your grandparents and great aunts and uncles. But imagine if you had the tools to research your family history and discover what life was really like for your ancestors before they came here to the United States. This spring, join other East Bay youth for a genealogical, social and cultural exploration of your family roots. 

Topics we will cover:

• How do you define family?
• Sharing family stories
• Introduction to genealogical research and online resources
• History of your ancestral homeland
• Interviewing techniques
• Recording your story (audio, video and web)

Why you should take this class:

• Learn research skills that will be useful in college or work
• Gain a deeper understanding of what life was like for your ancestors
• Connect with other East Bay youth who have similar interests

Who can participate:

• Youth in grades 9-12
• Residents of Alameda County
• All are welcome, regardless of religious background or family status

Meeting Dates:

Sunday, March 4
Sunday, March 11
Sunday, March 18
Sunday, March 25 

All classes will meet from 1:30—3:30 pm at 

Congregation Netivot Shalom

1316 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA

Click here to register:

http://youthancestryproject-netivotshalom.eventbrite.com    

Please register by Monday, February 27, 2012. 

Your teacher: Janice M. Sellers is a professional genealogist and Publicity Director for the San Francisco Bay Area Jewish Genealogical Society. She has helped numerous families research their genealogy.

For more Information, please visit http://www.keithcarson.org/ or contact Project Manager Nicka Smith at Smith at oande@aagsnc.org or 650-906-1145. Click here to read blogs and find links to coverage of the project in the media.

This year’s program partners are the San Francisco Bay Area Jewish Genealogical Society, the African American Genealogical Society of Northern California, Alternatives in Action, the California Genealogical Society and the Oakland Family History Center.