The most important thing parents can give their children are Roots and Wings

The most important thing parents can give their children are Roots and Wings!
Make decision to have a Reunion	WHEN will it be held? WHERE will it be held? HOW long will It be? WHO will be invited? COMPILE mailing list (database of family members) SEND "Save The Date" Notice
Establish Committees Involve members from each branch of the family; get input from, and involve, the young family members. Set a timeline for completing tasks or assignments Committees meet as needed Establish back-up or contingency plans	Host Family, Coordinator Financial - Select the Treasurer Program [Theme, Reunion Colors, Schedule of Activities, Banquet Program/Speakers/Script, Picnic, Church Service, Tours, other activities based on your family’s interests and for all age groups] Lodging/Hospitality Registration [name badges, goodie bags] Decorations, Flowers Food - Meals, Refreshments [Catered? Pot Luck?] T-shirts, Other Keepsakes Reunion Booklet, Family Directory Family History - Information & Exhibits/Displays Other (Video, Photography, Banner, Prizes) Clean-up
Communication	First, an immediate mailing should be the "Save the Date" notice. Thereafter, send out information updates periodically Include due dates for response, as well as a return mailing address Include tidbits of information about family ancestors Give clear instructions on how to order reunion items When making arrangements with service providers, confirm everything in writing. Be specific!
Finances	Set a budget and registration fee schedule Include copy of budget in an early mailing Request bank to open a free, temporary checking account in the name of your reunion Keep reunion funds separate from personal funds Can also consider a permanent account if you decide to establish a family association
Schedule of Activities	Contact the local Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as the local Chambers of Commerce for information regarding sightseeing tours and other activities, printed information, and hopefully, promotional giveaways. The first activity sets the tone for the reunion. Make it festive. Have get acquainted games. Assign committee members to act as greeters Allow for "free" time, especially for a first reunion. This allows folks to just talk and get acquainted or reacquainted and allows for informal sharing of family stories. In other words, don’t have something scheduled for every minute of every day. At appropriate point, re-emphasize the times for various activities Provide written directions to activity locations Tap into family talent pool
Lodging	Contact local hotels and request a block of rooms be held in the name of the reunion Negotiate group rate
Goodie Bags	Request promotional giveaways and printed information from local Convention and Visitors Bureau, Chambers of Commerce, or local businesses Download information from internet
T-shirts	Design - reflect reunion’s theme and colors Prepaid? Pre-delivered, or pick up at reunion? Possible fundraising activity
Reunion Booklet	Cover designs Welcome Outline of activities Banquet program Welcome letter from local officials "In Memoriam" section Family history Family directory Family business cards (support our own) Acknowledgments Family photos Other
Photography	Formal photos: family elders, group photo, other
Video	Recommend professional videographer Include on-camera testimonials from attendees
Speakers	Invite local officials - formal welcome Banquet keynote speaker
Publicity	Pre-reunion press release, and/or Post-reunion newspaper article Internet postings Family newsletter Other
Name Badges	Color-coded by family branch Have backup materials on-site
Record Keeping	Devise organized method for recording and maintaining registrations, keepsake orders, correspondence, confirmations, and other reunion Information
Family Business Meeting	Decide particulars for next reunion Discuss/decide other family business
Ideas For Family Projects	Repair of ancestral grave sites; headstones Establish family Youth Scholarship Fund Create family Investment Club Make a family Heirloom Quilt
Reunion Prizes	Person who traveled the farthest Oldest attending Youngest attending First to register Most grandchildren
Reunion Wrap-up	Pay all outstanding bills Send final communication Include final Financial Report