A family reunion is an opportunity for relatives to spend time together, reconnect and catch up on each other’s lives. Reunions can last a weekend or a week and involve dozens of family members depending on the size of the extended family. Family reunions are often sponsored by a family organization, genealogy society or single-surname association.
The first step in organizing a reunion is establishing a committee of people with a designated chairperson who will head several sub-committees headed by chairmen for each group, says Harris, who advises families to plan as much as two years ahead of the gathering. He suggests that the organizers start by finding out who wants to attend and create a spreadsheet with their names, addresses and relationships. A few days before the reunion, he says, they can use this list to send out an email reminder.
It’s also important to provide a variety of activities for different ages, experts say, because the younger generations tend to feel left out when they’re not included in the planning process. They can help with food preparation, games and other activities. And if they take photos of the event, it will help preserve the memories and pass on family stories and traditions.
Another benefit of family reunions, says Holloman, is that they can allow members to share health information such as a predisposition to certain illnesses. Oftentimes, she adds, medical conditions “run in the family.” Many families are helped by adoption reunion groups such as Orphan Voyage, TRIADOPTION, International Soundex Reunion Registry and CUB, which provide search and support guidance for birth parents and adoptees.
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