Check the ACPA's listing of cemeteries under the Counties Saving Graves button on the left to see if your cemetery is listed and if it has already been adopted or if there is a designated point of contact. If there is a group or individual listed, please contact them and offer your assistance. If not, you have work to do.

Form a Cemetery Association; it may take the form of a trust, a nonprofit corporation or an unincorporated nonprofit association in accordance with Alabama laws (Sections 10-3A and 10-3B of the Code of Alabama 1975). Incorporate your goals (plan) into your mission, bylaws, charter, articles of association and/or incorporation papers. Seek members, keep them involved, and encourage the education and enlistment of new members. If your group is not self-sustaining, the goal will end when your membership dies.

When establishing your group, look to similar organizations for ideas. Other associations will usually be pleased to provide copies of their bylaws for your use in writing your own. Ask other cemetery associations, genealogical or historical societies, and other groups you feel run smoothly.

Choose a document such as Robert's Rules of Order or various Guidelines for Forming Non-Profit Associations as your chosen reference and follow directions for organizational meetings, writing mission and bylaws, filing incorporation papers, running meetings, etc. Keep in mind that bylaws should not include basic operating procedures that might change frequently. A separate document can be created to address your procedures as well as rules for your cemetery.

Find additional guidelines and details on establishing a nonprofit cemetery association under the Preservation Planning button on the left.

No one will tell you that adopting a cemetery or participating in the adoption of a cemetery as a family, or as part of an organizational or community project, will be an easy task. You WILL meet new and interesting people, find cousins you never knew you had, sense a rise in community self-esteem, help "preserve, restore and venerate" a local landmark, and possibly work off a few extra pounds in the process. Your job will be thankless at times, but in the end, what a contribution you will be making to untold numbers of descendents and friends of those buried in your cemetery in the years to come. Both old and new generations can come and pay their respects to their ancestors in a setting left better, due in no small part, to your efforts. What a legacy to leave! You, your group - "WE"- together can and must make a difference.