STICKY REUNION SITUATION

THE SITUATION:

Our planning committee likes the suggestions and tips we get from NFRI, however we're debating what exactly does "family reunions, more than a picnic" mean and how do we incorporate it into our reunion? It sounds simple but our committee is at odds about it. 

THE FIX:  DOUG HARRIS

My response to your situation is “Don’t overthink it.” It means exactly what it says. What are y’all at odds about? Nearly every family reunion started with a picnic, which meant food, fun, fellowship, flies, and lots of love. These basics continue even as family reunions now take place in a variety of venues. The “more than a picnic” comes in when you consider what takes place otherwise. 

To quote Dr. Ione Vargus, Mother of Family Reunions and founder of the National Family Reunion Institute, “They help align resources, efforts, and decisions to achieve bonds of success and togetherness. They validate that success is not a solo endeavor but the result of collaboration and a network of individuals supporting one another.” More than a Picnic. 

Family reunions are also an opportunity to honor elders and students, celebrate milestones, acknowledge achievements, award scholarships, have book fairs, hold an auction, include sporting activities and showcase family talents. More than a Picnic. 

They offer opportunities to engage in hospitality, tourism, and travel research (and negotiations) to provide valuable services to your family. These include lodging accommodations, local attractions, entertainment, food and beverage, travel services, transportation, and free materials from Convention and Visitors Bureaus. More than a picnic. 

Favors and keepsakes—such as t-shirts, banners, cups, caps, and key chains—help to foster family identity, unity, and memories. More than a picnic. 

Some families have included health screenings, and/or basic information on maintaining health and financial well-being as part of their reunions. More than a picnic. 

Family reunions are also an opportunity for families to be reminded of their common roots through family trees, stories, plays, and artifacts, or by visiting the family homestead. More than a picnic. 

You may not be able to do all these things at once, but adding at least one will make your reunion more than a picnic.