Passing the torch

By Lisa A. Alzo, M.F.A.

Therecomes a time when every longtime family reunion planner will ask: How do I engage the younger generations in reunion planning? For several years now, my family has been preparing our 3G (third generation) to take over many of the duties for organizing our ALAFFFA (Abbott, Lizanov, Alzo, Figlar, Figlar, Figlar, Augenstein) reunion. As we prepare for our 56th reunion in July, how to pass the torch is a major point of discussion for our family reunion committee. If you are in a similar position, let’s discuss ways to ensure continuity in reunion planning through the generations.

1. Assign tasks. Involve younger family members in the planning process by assigning tasks and giving them decision-making power. For example, have them plan the menu. A few years ago, our 3G members took over organizing the main meal for our reunion (lunch) by trying something new — a taco bar. It was a big hit and we are doing it again this year. Any budding photographers or videographers in your group? Put them in charge of a photo scanning project or taking photos and videos during the event.

2. Utilize technology. Let’s face it, most Generation Z (Gen Z) and Millennials use their devices and apps for chatting/messaging or social media. It is often a challenge to reach them by email or phone call. Make it a point to communicate with them in their preferred method to keep them updated on the planning process.

3. Ask them! Seek input and ideas for activities or events they would like to schedule at the reunion. Make sure to include activities and events that cater to different age groups, so everyone can participate and have fun. Games such as cornhole, bingo or cards, trivia contests, and karaoke are popular at our reunions.

4. Encourage leadership. Discuss how younger members can take on leadership roles to take ownership of reunion planning. Include them in Zoom meetings or conference calls throughout the year. For years, our family has found that designating a committee of a few folks who get together regularly to help organize each year’s event worked best. The committee is open to anyone who wishes to join, coming and going as availability allows. During the first planning meeting, the organizer reminds everyone who is interested to join. A special call is issued to 3G members recognizing that they have the talent needed to find new and creative ways to enjoy our annual family reunion going forward.

5. Build excitement. Make reunion planning fun, create a sense of anticipation and build excitement leading up to the event. Perhaps a series of appropriately spaced emails (3 months to reunion, 2 months, one month, two weeks, one week, etc.) with favorite reunion photos from previous years. Include teasers about what will be happening this year to help generate enthusiasm for both the planning committee and attendance.

6. Strengthen family bonds at the reunion and beyond. Provide opportunities at the reunion for younger members to bond with previous generations and create new memories. Perhaps schedule a story circle or have a younger member at each table where others, not from their immediate family, are sitting. Include photographs or a list of questions to get family members talking and ask permission to audio or video record the responses. Some sample questions include: “What are your earliest childhood memories,” or “Where is the farthest place you’ve traveled” or “Where was your favorite family vacation?” Get a free download “10 Conversation Starters for Your Family Reunion.”

7. Be patient. Keep in mind that younger generations may have different interests and priorities than older generations, so it’s important to be flexible and accommodating to their suggestions. It may take a reunion cycle or two to adjust to the changes. Be sure to include a feedback form at the end of the reunion or a follow up email after the reunion.

8. Show up and let go. Avoid the “We’ve always done it this way” attitude. Times change. Families change. Your venue, duration, and type of reunion may also need to evolve. But the one thing that should be constant is the “Why” of the reunion. In the end, what truly matters is time spent together. Let the next generation find their own stride. Be supportive by showing up and participating in the fun.

In the end, our ALAFFFA attendees recognize how wonderful it is to be a member of a special family that plans to get together every year. In the 55+ years we’ve been doing this, we’ve grown in number and now cover a wide range of ages and interests and ideas that are spanning several generations. Our goal is to continue to make our reunion the one event that everyone looks forward to every year and ensure attendees leave happy and proud to be a part of such a GREAT FAMILY. The way to ensure this is to pass the family reunion flame to the next generations.

About The Author

Lisa Alzo has been surrounded by family at their 55+ year running reunion and walks in her ancestors’ footsteps, literally and figuratively, as a genealogist, lecturer and writer. Author of 11 books and countless newspaper and magazine article, Lisa earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Creative Nonfiction Writing Program at the University of Pittsburgh. She works as a writing coach and online educator through her website Research Write Connect.

Quick Participation Ideas

These are a few ideas our younger family members are taking an active role in implementing for our 2023 reunions. Perhaps these can work for your family reunion as well.

Y Organize a group picture, early in the day after everyone arrives.

Y Create a general agenda for the day to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate in any planned activities.

Y Guide planned activities. One or two younger members can serve as hosts or guides to make sure there is time for the whole group to spend together eating a meal, playing a game, or recognizing special events tor milestones that happened throughout the year.

Y Spearhead creative ways to encourage more engagement and participation from everyone both in preparation and during the annual event.

Y Digitize family photographs and movies. For tips, see the article on “Turn a family reunion into a family history scanning party” in the June 2022 issue of Reunions magazine