We usually hold a brainstorming session to select a reunion theme. We ask each person to state in plain language what they expect this reunion to accomplish and/or what they think its focus should be. We write all of the ideas on a flip chart where every one can see them. We get concepts like: we really don't know each other and would really like to get to know other family members; we want the generations to interact, etc.

When all of the suggestions have been made we then vote to see which ones are preferred by the group. The concept or concepts getting the most votes are then given to a couple of family members who are good with the language. They do some wordsmithing and bring back a theme that expresses the concepts that the group selected. Reunion activites and the logo for the reunion reflect the theme.

We often use adinkra symbols in the logo. In fact, there is usually an adinkra symbol that expresses almost any concept that one might have in mind. The Adrinkra Dictionary by W. Bruce Willis is an excellent resource. You can find adinkra symbols on the Internet at http://www.welltempered.net/adinkra

Some of the themes that we have used are:
Engaging the Generations: The Key to Our Family's Future
Learning from the Past to Build the Future
Family's in the House: Getting to Know Your Kinfolk
We Have a Story to Tell
Continuing the Legacy
Preserving the Legacy for the Future: 2000 and Beyond
Keeping the Bond Alive in ?95
Completing the Circle While Engaging the Generations
Gathering to Celebrate the Montague Family Quilt