Just Vote!

I called my 87 year old mother this evening and the first thing she asked was, “Did you vote?”  

Voting for me started long before I turned 18.   I was four years old when my parents took me to the polls and explained what they were doing and why.  It seemed important to them, so it became important to me.

When I moved from California to Upstate New York, my maternal grandmother made me to accompany her to the polls.  I have to admit. I was impressed that “the old lady” walked several blocks to her polling place even when there was snow on the ground.

Auntie, mom’s sister, worked at the polls for years.  Earlier today, I watched as my Newsfeed on Facebook filled up with posts from siblings, cousins and friends with selfies of them returning from the polls with their 'I voted" sticker.  I am surrounded by men and women who take voting seriously.

It doesn’t matter to me whether you’re Republican, Independent, Democrat, Green, or something else (is there anything else?).  I hope you voted your conscious today. If you did, I believe we’ll be better off in the long run.

Notaries are "kind, smart, and important".

Last year at this time a small group of Birmingham Notaries were gearing up for a big celebratory event - National Notary Public Day, on November 7th.

Perhaps you saw us - racing through town to pick up our newly designed tee-shirts.  We may have passed you on Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd as we hurried downtown to the Birmingham Library to decorate.  Or, maybe you were one of the lucky ones who stopped by the Library on November 7th to take advantage of our free notary services.  It was a big deal. Elected Officials stopped by.  Proclamations were read. Speeches were made.  Signatures were notarized.

This year, our notary group, Notaries for Alabama, is gearing up once again to bring attention to the important role notaries play, not only in Birmingham, but all across Alabama.  It's a role that carries a lot of responsibility but rarely gets much recognition.

On Tuesday, November 4th, we will host a "Notary Clinic" for 25-30 small business owners, who are notaries or employ notaries. On Saturday, November 15th, Notaries for Alabama will provide a delicious lunch to the women and children of a local shelter. We want them to know that Alabama Notaries care about them.

Are there Notaries in your office?  If so, stop by their desk or office this week and let them know you appreciate them.  A "thank you" will suffice, but if you really want to make an impression, take a few minutes and ask them how they use their Notary Commission at work.  You just might be surprised by what you learn.

Are you a Notary?  Whether you reside in Alabama, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, New York, or somewhere else, there's a good chance there are events planned for you this week.  Just check with your local notary association, or Secretary of State office.

It isn't a Holiday.  There are no gifts to unwrap or turkey to carve.  But it is an important day that recognizes important men and women, who perform a very important role in our communities.  Tell a Notary that you care.

National Notary Public Day will be recognized across America on Friday, November 7, 2014.  Events will be held beginning today through the end of the month.

*Note:  In the above photo taken 7-November 2013 (from left to right): Michelle Riley, Founder, Notaries for Alabama; The Honorable Jim Bennett, Alabama Secretary of State; Willie Osborne, Notaries for Alabama; Mr. Charles Long, Birmingham Mayor's Office, State Representative Rod Scott (55th District); and Harriette Littleton, Charter Member, Notaries for Alabama. 

Daylight Savings - Is There Something Magical About That Extra Hour?

How did you spend your extra hour?

Last night (or early this morning), due to Daylight Savings, many Americans set their clocks back by one hour.  So what did you do with that extra sixty minutes?

Did you party longer Saturday night?  Did you sleep for an extra hour on Sunday morning?

I chose to use my extra hour finishing a project that had been lingering for weeks.  I don't know why it took so long, but it did.  You know what?  There might be something magical about this extra hour we lose in spring and recover in fall.  The editing changes that I'd been struggling to finish over the last six weeks came easily to me this morning.  I knew immediately what to cut and what to add.  There was no agonizing or second guessing on my part. The final document looks so much better now.  I guess I just needed that extra hour to figure it out.

Whatever you did with your extra hour, I hope it was performing an activity that mattered to you.  And yes, sleeping matters!

Enjoy your day - all 25 hours of it!

Got A Complaint? Take A Message!

Last week, I received a call from a Notary wanting to file a formal complaint.  Not against me, or the notary group I founded nearly two years ago, Notaries for Alabama.  Someone who I'll call "Nancy" (not her real name) said she wanted to file a complaint against a fellow notary.  According to Nancy, she needed her signature notarized on one form and a notary wanted $15 to do it.

           Nancy:   "Michelle, isn't the notary fee in Alabama just $5?"

           Me:        "Yes, the fee increased to $5 in January 2012."

           Nancy:   "Well, I want someone to know that this notary is overcharging people."

I couldn't help but smile as I explained to Nancy, who by the way is also a notary,  that my organization is powerless in this situation.  I went on to tell her that it wasn't the first time a notary had overcharged someone.
In 2005, a state representative contacted then Alabama Attorney General, Troy King, and asked for an official Opinion in a matter concerning a notary who charged more than the state allowed.  In short, AG Troy King concluded:

                              "There are no criminal penalties in the [Alabama] Code for a                                notary who charges fees in excess of the statutory limitation".

And

                                "There are no procedures in the Code of Alabama for filing a                                  complaint against a notary for charging excessive fees".

Here's a link to that entire Opinion.  It can be found on the Alabama Secretary of State website, under the Notary Section.  I should add that the Opinion suggests that a person could take civil action against the notary.

Why the notary charged more than $5.00 is unclear.  Perhaps she included a travel fee.  Traveling, or mobile, notaries can legally charge for this added service, and to my knowledge, Alabama does not set limits on travel fees, although some states do (Maryland, for one).

Nancy didn't say whether or not she paid the $15 or found a different notary, but I'm glad she called. I added her to our mailing list when she said she'd like to become affiliated with our group.

As we near the end of another year, it's nice to know that word is getting out about Notaries for Alabama; and that notaries around the state can call us with their concerns.  Perhaps one day something can be done when a complaint about a notary is filed - assuming the complaint is legitimate.

If you're an Alabama Notary (or would like to become one), and are interested in learning more about Notaries for Alabama, visit our website.  You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.  To learn about our training classes, go to our meeting site at Meetup.

"To Whom Much Is Given, Much is Required" - Except for Alabama Notaries

As a rule, I try and keep religion and business separate. It was advice given to me years ago, and it's served me well so far.  Although the lines between religion and business are often blurred here in the Bible Belt, I tend to err on the side of caution and keep the two separate.  But today I feel a need to venture into grey matter and quote a familiar Bible text:  Luke 12:48, KJV.

"But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes,
shall be beaten with few stripes.
For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required:
and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more".

In my family, when the elders quoted this text, it served as a reminder that a three-year old cousin might be excused for throwing a tempter tantrum in church, but don't let a thirteen year old try it.   This text served another purpose.  Those of us with talents like singing, playing an instrument, or having keen memorization abilities, were expected to use our "God-given-gifts" at church, school and in the community.  To do otherwise would be considered dishonorable, and, yes, a sin.

So what does this have to do with notaries?  Hear me out.

Being a Notary in any state brings with it a lot of responsibility. A notary's signature and stamp on a piece of paper carries a lot of weight.  Depending on where you live, it's required to adopt a child and give up a child. Going on vacation?  If both parents aren't traveling and trip is to take Little Bobby outside the U.S.?  You need a notary.  Selling a car or a house?  Notary.  Wills, Affidavits, Power of Attorney. Dial 1-800-Notary. Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates all require a notary's stamp. I'm serious. Take a look at yours. And the list goes on.

So, how does the notary learn the proper steps to follow when executing his/her duties?  Well, in Alabama that's left entirely up to the Notary.  Alabama doesn't require any training.  Nope.  None. Nada.  No kidding.  Some notary's look for training online or locally.  Others ask other notaries what to do.  And a few just wing it. I'm not making this up.

And how do Alabama Residents know for sure whether the notary they go to knows what he/she is doing? Most won't know until it's time to execute the form, and sometimes that's too late.  How do I know all of this?  Because not only am I an Alabama Notary, but I also need my signature notarized on documents from time to time.  I cringe when a Notary fails to place me under oath even though the form requires it.  More than once I've had to tell the notary what information should be printed by him/her on the blank lines of the notary certificate.  Talk about awkward. Why give a person's position so much authority and not require training is beyond me.

Christ is speaking in Luke 12:48 and He suggests mercy will be shown to the sinner who unknowingly errs.  I hope when a notary's mistake comes to light, the Alabama's judicial system will be equally merciful.

Two years ago, The Alabama Code - Notary Section was amended (SB54, enacted in January 2012 ). Among other things, it increased the notary fee from fifty cents to five dollars. A step in the right direction, right?  But, wait.  SB 54 also did away with the requirement to have notaries maintain a record/journal of documents they notarize, and the name of the person(s) signing the form.  One step forward and two steps back. SMH.

Apparently, the wheels of Alabama's justice system seem to be turning quite nicely despite the lack of notary training.  I have not heard of any major problems in the News.  Have you?  So maybe I'm making a big deal for no reason. But if other states see the need to require training, or at least provide notaries with an instructional handbook, why not Alabama?  I'm just saying.

To whom much is given, much is required?  Ummm...I don't know.  Maybe.  But when it comes to notaries, I guess it depends on which state you reside.

Report Card or Self-Assessment - It's Time to Check Yourself (or your Business)!

Two weeks ago, I received an email from HR at work informing me it was time to complete my mid-year self assessment.  Perhaps you received a similar email from your employer.  A Mid-year Review is when you and your supervisor discuss your job performance in relation to the goals that were set earlier in the year.  If a mid-year "check-in" makes sense for me as an employee, seems it would make sense for organizations, and small groups to do the same.  Here's how Notaries for Alabama is tracking:

Goal:    Membership

Rating:  Very Good

Last December, we announced we'd require members to pay a $20 Annual Membership Fee.  This would cover the expenses associated with conducting Group Meetings at the Homewood Public Library (room rental, refreshments, supplies).  The financial goal was to grow membership to twenty (20) notaries by 12/31/2014.  As of July 1st, we had twelve (12) Members with paid memberships.  While we haven't reached our goal yet, we are well on our way

Goal:  Notary Training

Rating:  Excellent

Notaries for Alabama conducted its first class, "Notary Basics - Training for Alabama Notaries," on February 28, 2014.  Fifteen people registered for the class.  Feedback from students was very positive.  A second Notary Basics class was held last month on June 27th.  Fourteen men and women attended.  A third Notary Basics class was just announced for Sunday, August 17th at the Comfort Inn-Homewood.  We hope by holding class on the weekend it will be more convenient for those who have difficulty requesting time off from work.  There are still plenty seats available for that class.

Goal:  Group/Member Meetings

Rating:  Average

In 2013, Group Meetings were held monthly at the Homewood Public Library and attendance was strong - on average, 10-12 Notaries.  In 2014, we changed the schedule from monthly to bi-monthly for two reasons:

1. We wanted to maintain the quality of the meetings by keeping topics timely, relevant & informative. This meant inviting guest speakers from the local and national community. As you can imagine it's a lot easier to book six guest speakers than twelve.
   
2. Cost.  Fewer meetings, lower expenses.

Attendance at Group Meetings has declined.  We now only average 6-8 Notaries.  Low turnout at member meetings is not uncommon for many groups and associations.  Yet and still, it would be prudent for our group to take a closer look at what, if anything, can be done to improve turnout.

Goal:    Notary Supplies

Rating:  Very Good

The last thing I wanted for Notaries for Alabama was for it to sell supplies.  To be honest, this wasn't on the original list of goals for 2014.  But after reviewing feedback from Notary Basics students, it was clear they expected to be able to purchase notary supplies at our training sites.  This caused me to reconsider my earlier decision.  Something, by the way, we all should do from time-to-time.  When I learned that Notary Warehouse, an online site I'd been using for years to purchase my own supplies was willing to partner with our group and make supplies available, I jumped on it.  The supplies are high quality and competitively priced.  We are able to offer special discounts to Members and to those attending our training class.  

Goal:    Annual Community Service Project

Rating:  Below Average

This is the goal I'm most concerned about.  Our group has yet to finalize plans for our Community Service Project.  Last year, for National Notary Public Day (November 7th) we offered free notary services in Birmingham.  We're still looking for ideas and, more importantly, volunteers.  Any suggestions?

All-In-All, Notaries for Alabama is tracking well in relation to its goals.  Not bad for an organization that is just a little more than one year old.

How does your individual or business performance rate?  Do you need to tweak anything?  If so, now's the time to do it.  Setting goals at the beginning of the year is easy.  Making good on those goals throughout the year is something altogether different.  Go ahead!  I challenge you to take a few minutes and conduct your own Self Assessment.

If you'd like to learn more about Notary Basics, or become a member of Notaries for Alabama, visit our website.  You can also call us at (205) 626-9399.  Here's a link to our training site.

Phoenix, Arizona: Here Come The Notaries!

     Hundreds of Notaries across the U.S. are packing their bags as they prepare for the National Notary Association's annual Notary Conference (#NNA2014) from June 1 to June 4th.  This year Phoenix, Arizona is hosting the gala at the Hyatt Regency.  If you're a Notary and a NNA Conference Newbie, we have the following tips for you to consider to help Conference a more rewarding experience.

1. Leave your shyness at home.  We know not everyone has a Type A personality or has the gift of gab.  But in order for you to make the most of the conference experience you must get out of your comfort zone and meet other people. If you're traveling alone, make sure you don't eat alone.  If you see a table of with people around it,  with at least one vacant chair, walk up with a smile and ask "Is this seat taken"?  If it isn't, follow it up with "Well, I hope you won't mind if I join you.  My name is [  ] from [State]".  Trust me, it really is as easy as that easy.
   
   
2. Create Must-Do Goals.  Write down two "Must-Do's" on an index card or piece of paper. A "Must-Do" is something that is valuable or important to you or to your notary business.  It is something or some things that if you don't do it you'll be disappointed.  It might be making a connection with a new title company so that you can conduct signings for them in your state.  Perhaps you want to pitch a workshop idea to NNA Conference organizers for next year. Or, maybe you're looking for a mentor.  Whatever it is write it down on a card or piece of paper and put it with the rest of your important travel documents.  When it's time for you to register for workshops or visit vendor tables, pull out your "Must Do's" and select workshops and vendors accordingly.  Before going to bed each night, review the Goals again.  Hopefully you can cross off at least one by Tuesday. If not, you know that Wednesday morning may be your last opportunity to make the right connections.  For you over-achievers, if you want to list more than two goals, have at it.  But be careful that you don't spread yourself too thin.

     By writing down your goals and taking proactive steps to meet others you are no longer longer being a passive conference attendee.  You're doing more than just showing up.  You are more likely to realize your goals.

     Notaries for Alabama is 1 Year Old.  One of the things on my Must Do List is to meet other notary group leaders who can give me advice and insight on matters related to growing membership, hosting local events, and establishing a brand.   So, when I register for my workshops on Sunday, I plan on making sure that I'm front-row-and-center for the Keynote Speaker's, Marcus Sheridan, presentation on growing your business and content marketing.

     Another workshop that is in line with my own Must-Do Goal would be attending the General Session where the topic will be "Trends in Notary Laws, Rules & Standards".  I'm bound to learn something that I can bring back home to my local notary group.  This is how one makes strategic, planned decisions to hopefully turn goals into accomplishments.

     If you see me in Phoenix, please stop and introduce yourself (if I don't beat you to it).  Let me know that you read my blog and if it helped.  And ask ME how I'm doing with realizing my Must-Do Goals.

     I pray that everyone will have safe travel to and from Phoenix, and that #NNA2014 will prove to be one of the best conferences ever.

     If you're reading this blog post and you're an Alabama Notary Public, or would like to learn more about becoming a notary, I'd love to meet you.  You can connect with our group by going to our website at www.notariesforalabama.com; or check us out on Meetup.

Michelle
Alabama Notary Public
Founder, Notaries for Alabama
2014 Notary of the Year Honoree

To Journal or Not To Journal? That Is The Question.

At least that's the question every Alabama Notary must answer for him and herself.  Why?  You think the answer is obvious, right?  Well, it isn't in the State of Alabama.  You see, in Alabama, the Notary's role and responsibilities are outlined in the Code of Alabama.  And it doesn't matter whether you read the Code from ten years ago, or the Code as it is today after several changes, you won't find any mention of a Notary Journal being a requirement.  Whether this is an oversight on lawmakers' part, or not, many Notaries interpret this to mean that keeping a journal of their acts isn't require, or optional, at best.

When looking to notary laws in states like California, Maryland, New York, it's clear that a Journal is required.  Even our notary neighbors in Mississippi have rules that address journal keeping.  So you see, it isn't another one of those North vs. South things at all.  Mind you, Alabama isn't the only state that doesn't require its notaries to record their activities.  Lawmakers in the State of Florida have been considering making journals a requirement (HB 0407).  As of two weeks ago, it was announced that HB 0407 died before reaching the senate floor.  Ask Florida Notaries how they feel about the matter, and they seemed to be split - some for the requirement and others against it for different reasons.

For members of Notaries for Alabama, maintaining an official record of our actions makes good sense.  It is considered to be an industry best practice by the nation's largest notary association, the National Notary Association (NNA).  In their booklet, 12 Steps to a Flawless Notarization, the NNA writes, "A detailed journal of notarial acts is the Notary's best defense against lawsuits, because it can prove that Notary used reasonable care" (Page 34).

If this were a research paper I would need to go into explaining what reasonable care is...yada, yada.  But it isn't.  This is a blog and I've written way more than I had intended to write already.  Personally, on two separate occasions, I believe my Journal kept me from having to testify in court when documents notarized by me were later contested by the signer's family members.  My journal reminded me of the date, time, document, notarial act, and signer identification info.  For one entry, I had even included notes of comments made by the signer that reassured me, at the time, that he knew full well what he was doing.  Once I shared this information with the attorneys, in writing and verbally, it was decided there was no need for me to appear in person for any other part of the hearings.

Maintaining a Journal causes the notary to slow down and record information each time he/she applies the seal to a document.  It prompts or reminds the notary to examine the signer's identification and record the the ID #. The journal prompts notaries to indicate whether the act he/she is performing is a Jurat or Acknowledgement - which in turn serves as a reminder (when appropriate) to place the signer under Oath. Trust me, I had no desire to spend time at a courthouse, sitting in a witness chair answering questions about an appointment that happened nearly a year earlier.

A Journal is one of the first things that the Notary's insurance company will ask about when it receives a claim naming the Notary in a lawsuit.  Members of Notaries for Alabama will learn more about this on September 18th when a representative from an Alabama insurance agency will speak to the group on "Notary Bond and Error and Omissions Insurance:  What Every Notary Should Know, But Doesn't".

For me, the decision is an easy one.  I've never been one to gamble and my luck so far has been mediocre.  I will continue to maintain a Journal whether the State of Alabama requires it or not.  Notaries for Alabama considers journalkeeping to be a wise decision and it is strongly encouraged.  This is what we teach in our training classes (Notary Basics:  Training for Alabama Notaries).  This is what we promote each and every time we have the opportunity to do so.  What's your decision?

If you're an Alabama Notary and would like to attend our networking meetings in and around central Alabama, or learn more about proper notarization techniques through formal training, contact our group by visiting our websites, or by calling or emailing us:  (205) 626-9399 and Notaries4Alabama@Gmail.com. We'd love to connect with you.  You can also find us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.

Do you know an Alabama Notary who could benefit from training?  If so, Notary Basics:  Training for Alabama Notaries will be conducted on Friday, June 27th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Homewood Public Library.  The fee is $35.  For more information or to register, send us an email or check us out here.

Neither Rain, nor Sleet, nor Snow...the mail must go through.

More than three hundred Jefferson County notaries have heard about Notaries for Alabama since its inception one year ago.  Some received a postcard, others an email or personalized letter.  We've been reaching out to Alabama's Notaries in a variety of ways offering basic notary training, mentors, clinics and opportunities to meet and network with other notaries.

With more than twenty-two thousand commissioned notaries in the State of Alabama, we are a very long way from our goal of contacting each and every one.  The response so far has been mixed.  Most are thrilled to learn that there is finally a place to call or go to with general questions and inquiries.  Some have no interest in doing anything more.  A few can't wait to attend the next meeting or training session.

Two months ago, on Friday, February 28th, Notaries for Alabama conducted its first Notary Basics Training class.  Students learned how to notarize documents correctly in Alabama.  Sounds simple, right? Not necessarily.  Although it isn't rocket science, there are different notorial acts (Acknowledgement, Jurat, Certification, to name a few) and each one requires the notary to do something slightly different. Feedback from Notary Basics students was overwhelmingly positive.

If you hold an active notary commission, you don't have to wait to receive one of our letters or postcards.  In fact, you don't have to be a notary.  We offer training and mentoring classes, and will be hosting a community service event in November.  Our group's website is NotariesForAlabama.com. You can also reach us by phone at (205) 626-9399, on Facebook, Twitter and on Meetup.com.  Connect with us.  You'll be glad that you did.

The Right Message at the Right Time

When I announced that Notary Basics for Alabama Notaries - a notary training class - would use the National Notary Association's (NNA) "Twelve Steps to a Flawless Notarization" as its primary textbook, I was asked why.  My answer was simple:  Cost and Content.

For less than ten dollars, "Twelve Steps" provides the most amount of information for the least amount of money.  The NNA makes it plain in the Introduction:

                             "The purpose of this book is to explain the critical elements of proper
                               notarization and to help Notaries use reasonable care".  [Page 6]

In other words, the NNA made the decision to focus on what really matters - the basics.  And, in my opinion, they did an exceptional job.  By covering less information the author's were able to go "deeper" and in greater detail, while still leaving room for each state's requirements to be added without taking anything away from "Twelve Steps" and visa versa.  "Twelve Steps" is a soft-back book - light enough and small enough to carry easily in a notary bag.  Not a bad idea for new notaries.

While "Twelve Steps" is perfect for covering the basics - we at Notaries for Alabama knew it was equally important for Notary Basics to include Alabama-specific requirements.  For that, we turned to "A Manual for Notaries Public in the State of Alabama" - a document few Notaries know anything about.  It was published by The Young Lawyers' Section of The Alabama State Bar.  The last copyright date was 2007. Although some information is out of date (i.e., it refers to a $10,000 bond requirement, when it was increased to $25,000 two years ago); it has timely information concerning Oaths, Journal Keeping and Notary Liability.  As the Lead Trainer for Notary Basics for Alabama Notaries, I feel confident that students will leave the class with more knowledge and skills than they had when they arrived.

Notary Basics training will be held on Friday, February 28, 2014 from 9:30 am - 4:30 pm at the Homewood Public Library, in Homewood, Alabama.  The cost is $35.

If you're a first-time Notary Public, or a commissioned Notary who never received formal training, Notary Basics may be right for you.  For more information, call (205) 626-9399.  You can also register online at Meetup.com.

Notaries, Do You Know Where YOUR Stamp or Embosser Is?

It's been over twenty years since I heard the famous Public Service Announcement that aired on American televisions around 10 pm at night, "Do you know where your children are?"  It was was an attempt on the part of a New York news station to bring attention to youth violence and hold parents accountable for their kid's activities and whereabouts.  Did it make a difference? Perhaps.  It definitely made an impact and was frequently quoted.

Which is why I pose a similar question to Notaries Public.  "Do you know where your notary stamp or embosser is...right this minute?"  Is it in an unlocked desk drawer at work, unattended?  Is it in the glove compartment of you unlocked vehicle?  Did you leave it somewhere and you purchased a replacement?

People, including Notaries, underestimate the power of the notary stamp/embosser.  Once applied to signed documents, the stamp/embosser can change the legal ownership of property, authorize a person to have control over your bank accounts, permit an adult (other than a parent) to take a minor child out of the country.  The stamp/embosser is a force to reckon with.

Which is why it's so important for Notaries to secure their equipment each and everyday.  An honest and responsible Notary Public will do everything in his or her power to make it difficult for fraudsters to steal the notary's identity and/or notary tools.  Notaries:  Don't be careless.  Don't use poor judgement.

Today I learned about an investigation of a notary public and others in Kansas City, MO.  I hope authorities in that state investigate the allegations and get to the bottom of what really happened, and prosecute accordingly.  Here's a link to the new story, and an interesting video.  I hope the link works.  If not, try copying it (KSHB.com)

   http://www.kshb.com/dpp/news/local_news/investigations/investigation-of-apparent-real-estate-fraud-scheme-questions-if-notary-signatures-were-forged

Notary Basics: Training for Alabama Notaries

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest".

- Benjamin Franklin

In just a few weeks, Alabama Notaries will have an opportunity to test Franklin’s assertions. Notary Basics for the Alabama Notary Public is a six (6) hour, classroom-based, live training that will be held at Homewood's Public Library, in Birmingham, Alabama, on Friday, February 28, 2014 from 9:30 - 4:30 pm.

Notary Basics is ideal for first-time notaries, or commissioned notaries who have never received training. Students will leave the class with reference material and knowledge of how to complete accurate notarizations in accordance with Alabama requirements.  The cost is: $35.  Registration is required in advance of the training class.

To register, send an email to Notaries4Alabama@Gmail.com.  Make sure you include:
1.  Your first and last name
2.  Phone Number
3.  Email Address
4.  Home/Resident County in Alabama (for Commission requirementgs)

To learn more or register online, go to http://www.meetup.com/Alabama-Notary-Training/.  You can also call (205) 626-9399.

Looking Back But Moving Forward

November 7 has come and gone.  Birmingham, Alabama celebrated its first National Notary Public Day thanks to the dedication and hard work of the members and 2013 Leadership Team of Notaries for Alabama.

We were fortunate to have the support of several community leaders.  The Honorable Jim Bennett, Alabama's Secretary of State, and State Representative Rod Scott (55th District) were both in attendance, as well as a representative from Mayor Bell's office.  Birmingham's Mayor William Bell, issued a special Proclamation recognizing Notary Day in Birmingham.  Notaries for Alabama also received a letter of support from State Senator Tammy Irons (1st District).

Our event was held at the Birmingham Public Library, located downtown.  The staff at the Library were generous and gracious by accommodating us free-of-charge.  Notaries for Alabama offered free notary services for eight hours.  Turnout, unfortunately, was light.  At last count we notarized documents for ten individuals from the surrounding area.  We were happy when several notaries from the community dropped by and expressed an interest in joining the group. Two of them have become active members.

National Notary Public Day on November 7th will continue to be an important date for Notaries for Alabama.  In a just few months, plans will be underway again to plan a community service project for 2014. We hope you're join us!