First, make a list of people that you will invite. This can be a time-consuming part in planning, but it is top priority. Check with family members to see if they have a master contact list, or borrow their address book. Search for members using the Internet.
Second, set a date and time. Remember – you can’t please everybody. So conduct a survey and set a date based on when is best for the most individuals. Stick to the date. Remember, if you change the date for one person than you will have to change it for the next person, too. So when a date has been selected, make it final.
Third, share the work with others. Make a list of everything that needs to be accomplished. Talk with people who have strengths in areas that need effort and ask for help in those areas. Delegate responsibility to those folks.
Fourth, ask people that are doing the work for ideas on where to hold the family reunion. Take into consideration where most of the family members live, and consider the needs of the elderly and handicapped. If a conflict arises between the desire to hold the reunion at two different locations, propose to alternate sites – one site this year and one site next year.
Fifth, get the announcement of the reunion date and time out as early as possible so that people can plan their calendars for the coming event. There are several ways to communicate with people. Write people letters, email them through the Internet, call them by telephone, or ask others to telephone them (or speak with person when they see them).
Sixth, paying for the reunion can be handled in more than one way. If people bring their resources together than no upfront money may be needed. In the location, perhaps someone has a super large backyard they will offer. In terms of food, maybe a number of individuals could bring dishes, and include in the list of foods the other food-related products like plastic cutlery and paper products.
Finally, the reunion needs committee leaders: attendance committee, set-up committee, clean-up committee, food committee, travel arrangements for distance members committee, photo committee (if you wish to hire a photographer), etc.
Family Reunions are wonderful opportunities to re-connect with loved ones that have not seen one another in a long time -- especially if they are well-planned. Have a great time, and see you soon!
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