There are a lot of ways that we can serve one another in the world of family history. I like direct service the best. Researching for one another, teaching others, and giving back to those who deserve to have their family repaired or at least explained is very important to me. In this episode, I discuss lookups, the most basic building block of genealogical trading cards. I talk a lot about my favorite thing in the world, Reparational Genealogy (researching and teaching for African-American researchers and students who have no experience and a deep hunger to understand their roots), which is service at a deep level. And, I talk about an idea I'm cooking up, Genealogists for Social Justice - a sort of Marvel superhero band of researchers who fact-check politicians who make shifty claims about themselves and their opponents and constituents. It's a mixed bag, but the through-line is clear: genealogy IS service.

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Have a great week, do your research, don't be a Jeffrey, commit an act of genealogical kindness, and above all, Expect Surprises!