Family reunion

Often an annual event, a family reunion takes place on a specified day each year for the purpose of keeping an extended family closer together. Some reunions may be held less often.

A typical family reunion will assemble the survivors of grandparents, great-grandparents and up for a meal, some recreation and discussion. The older attendees are generally parents, siblings or first cousins while the youngest could be second, third or fourth cousins.

Family Reunion Programs

Family reunion programs are sponsored by Red Cross organizations. See the List of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) leads the international movement and which has special responsibilities under international humanitarian law.

Adoption Reunion Movements

Many adults using an adoption reunion registry are able to locate parents and siblings. Adoption Reunion groups offer search and support guidance for birth parents and adoptees. Adoption Reunion oganizations help to uphold adoptee rights and support adoption reform. The Washington Adoption Reunion Movement is a non-profit organization providing search, reunion and educational resources and support to the adult adoption community. Orphan memorials are dedicated to adoptees and birthparents who died before being reunited. The memorials often included stories and memorials.

National and International Family History Societies

Many reunions are made possible by Family history societies. The Federation of Family History Societies (FFHS) is an international organisation based in the UK which represents, advises and supports over 220 family history societies. The Federation of East European Family History Societies (FEEFHS) was organized in 1992 as an umbrella organization that promotes family research. The Canadian Federation of Genealogical (CanFed) and Family History Societies work with Canadian born families.

International Family Reunification

Family reunification for third-country nationals remains a politically charged issue. The ICCPR (Art. 12.4) states openly the right of each person to enter in the country of her nationality. This statement has been open to variety of interpretation. Family reunification has become a controversial humanitarian and human rights issue as well as a much debated immigration policy issue.

Genealogy Societies

The purpose of genealogical societies is to form a community of researchers and help it's members create a library of family history resources. FGS was founded in 1976 and represents the members of more than 500 genealogical societies. Organizations like the African American Genealogical Society of Northern California assist family members connect the branches of the family tree using genealogy and Internet resources.

Traditional Family Reunion Activities

Traditional family reunion activities include an afternoon luncheon or early evening dinner and program featuring music, song, poetry reading, history recitals, honorary recognition of elders, community contributions and educational achievements.

Historic SkitsReenactments that highlight pivotal points in a family’s history. Participants are introduced to the art of developing a timeline as well as period research with a focus on costume design, customs, dialogue and social, economic and technological developments.

Story TellingA fascinating art that brings to life tales of ancestors and their accomplishments. Along with stories of legends of the past, life lessons are taught. The meaning behind family traditions are shared while relaying important family history factoids and the ties that bind.

Genealogy ToursTakes the family on an exciting tour of important genealogical hot spots including the family homestead, the towns in which the family settled, the jobs they held, machines they worked, markets they traded and streets they walked as well as social activities they immersed themselves into.

Genealogy PresentationsA Presentation of historic documents and vintage artifacts that identify timelines, economic status, historic events and locations of ancestors.

Annual Family Reunion Related Proclamations and Observances

Family Reunion MonthA Proclamation in 1985 To raise awareness of a growing trend of runaway children and newly formed organizations to help reunite families of runaways the Congress, by House Joint Resolution 64, has designated the period between Mother's Day, May 12, and Father's Day, June 16, 1985, as "Family Reunion Month" and authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this period.

National Family Reunion MonthWhile some commercial enterprises have dubbed August as National Family Reunion Month many social groups including churches observe National Family Reunion Month in the month of July.

Family Reunion Planning MonthA family awareness group with a focus on genealogy and traditional family reunion planning established in 2005 named November as "Family Reunion Planning Month".Askew, Mark A. Founder, Legendary Heritage Heirlooms, "Family Reunion Planning Month." (November 2007)

In recognition of National Picnic and Recreation Month, GenealogyForum.org named July 2004, Family Reunion Planning Month.

Family Reunion Planning WeekA family values awareness group with a focus on genealogy and traditional family reunion planning established in 2005 suggests November 21-24 as "Family Reunion Planning Week".Askew, Mark A. Founder, Legendary Heritage Heirlooms, "Family Reunion Planning Month." (November 2007)

References

Thomas, Willa J. "May: Family Reunion Month." Reference Services Review 14, 3 (Fall 1986): 64-67

External links

* [http://www.familyreuniondirector.com Family Reunion Help]
* [http://www.genealogyforum.org/monthlytopic/july/julyreunions.php Genealogy Forums]
* [http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1985/61485e.htm Proclamation 5351, President of the United States of America]
* [http://www.ffhs.org.uk/ The Federation of Family History Societies (FFHS)]
* [http://www.ihr.com.au/societies.html Internet History Resource]

ee also

* [http://www.familyreuniondirector.com Reunion Help]
*Family
*Class reunion