| Since the advent of the personal computer and | | | | To keep reunion meetings from getting bogged |
| network technology genealogy research by family | | | | down with too much information and little time to |
| members has become an addictive pastime that | | | | follow up with delegated tasks make use of good |
| has contributed to many happy family reunions. | | | | scheduling, planning tools and action items lists. |
| But what if you were asked to organize the next | | | | For example, if there is a need to schedule a tour |
| event? Where would you start? When should you | | | | of a memorial site, order catering and have a |
| start? Should you hire a family reunion planner? | | | | professional on location photo shoot one needs to |
| The answers to these questions are three fold. | | | | know when to make calls, who to contact and |
| Since the advent of the personal computer and | | | | when to follow up with that person. To avoid |
| network technology genealogy research by family | | | | forgetting important tasks all that's needed is a |
| members has become an addictive pastime that | | | | good scheduler. Family reunion planner organizers |
| has contributed to many happy reunions while | | | | help to keep everyone on the same page. |
| others have discovered family members they | | | | Good Reunion Planning Tools |
| never knew they had the world over. | | | | A good planner organizer should contain a time line |
| If your reading this article you're probably one of | | | | preparation reminders, scheduling worksheets, |
| those family members who have a spot in your | | | | committees assignment sheets, reunion needs |
| heart for such reunions. But what if you were | | | | lists, meal planner checklists, as well as other |
| asked to organize the next event? Where would | | | | essentials for time and cost efficient family |
| you start? When should you start? Should you | | | | reunion planning. |
| hire a family reunion planner? The answers to | | | | Raising Reunion Event Funds |
| these questions are three fold. | | | | Collecting funds often becomes a major concern. |
| 1. Get Help Early In The Project | | | | Figuring out how to get family members to dig |
| Form a reunion committee comprised of at least | | | | deep into their pockets is always a challenge. The |
| one member per 25 attendees. Delegate all tasks. | | | | key is to plan a fun event early in the year that |
| Your task is to follow up with the progress of | | | | features activities the family will enjoy. Mid-way |
| each task and keep everyone on the same page. | | | | into the event, not at the end, schedule to have a |
| 2. Good Communication | | | | live or silent auction of several items highly valued |
| You've heard it said "if you build it they will | | | | by the family. |
| come?" Not if no one told them you build it. | | | | Another helpful fund raising activity is a rummage |
| 3. Provide Plenty of Time To Rally Support | | | | sale. Make certain the location for the sale is in a |
| Often good communication and plenty of time is | | | | high traffic public place. Be certain to have more |
| all that's needed to rally support. You want to let | | | | that enough items to sell. Don't turn anything |
| the family know that your planning a reunion well | | | | down so long as it's presentable. Tip: collect and |
| in advance. At the very least give them a date. | | | | sell DVD's and music cd's. Everyone loves |
| Details can follow later. Now they can schedule | | | | rummaging through movie and music collections. |
| time off or adjust their vacation plans to include | | | | With plenty of time set aside for planning, rallying |
| the reunion. | | | | support early in the project, a family reunion |
| To that end Mark recommends that the reunion | | | | committee to delegate tasks to and good follow |
| be planned at least one year in advance providing | | | | up using a family reunion planner the task of |
| plenty of time to foresee and execute action | | | | planning a fun and enriching family reunion can be |
| items. | | | | an enjoyable one for all. |