Today, everyone’s life is so busy. It becomes extremely tough to keep in touch with our families locally and it can be even more difficult to maintain close ties with distant relatives. A family reunion allows you to rekindle those relationships with relatives who you may have not connected with in years.

Whether you’re planning a smaller family gathering or a reunion with hundreds of relatives, having a meaningful, memorable and fun family reunion is a challenge that’s worth the effort. It will take time, deep commitment, organizational skills and a sense of humor. Here are 10 steps that will help make your reunion a success—and decrease your stress in the process.

1. Twelve to eighteen months in advance, form a planning committee of about five to seven people that includes young people.

2. Put together some preliminary ideas including who might come, where and when it might be held and any thoughts about activities you will do. Also, consider how many days it will it be.

3. Compile a list of relatives with names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses. Send communication via email, mail and/or via phone calls that a family reunion is being planned. Include a survey to ask for any preferences regarding accommodations, dates and costs.

4. Assign responsibilities to different members of the committee to attend to the hotel or site, program development, registration, communications, transportation, catering and food options, memorabilia or souvenirs, special activities including some for youth family members, fundraising, and who will present your family heritage.

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