STEP V: INITIAL FAMILY RETREAT
The initial Family Retreat is a special family event that implements your family governance structure, broadens the family leadership base, strengthens family commitments, and passes on family values and traditions. This event can last one day, a weekend, or an entire week. It can be held at your home, your vacation home, a hotel, or a resort. Each family’s arrangements are unique to it.

The purpose of the initial Family Retreat is the formal establishment of the Family Council, which is authorized through the Family Charter and conducted according to the Family Council By-Laws. These were created along with the Vision Statement in Step III.

The Family Council is a family forum where all family members participate in activities, events, and experiences to promote family unity, family values, and family traditions. However, there are levels of eligibility and participation, which are determined by the by-laws. Every family experiencing Family Legacy Planning will have its own custom-designed by-laws and charter.

Regarding the preparation and execution of the initial Family Retreat, there are twelve steps involved. You and your family members are carefully coached and guided along each step of the way. The highlight of your coaching and guidance is probably the discovery and assessment of each member’s strengths. As a result of defining their strengths, each can make maximum contribution to their family’s team. Your goal of having the various generations of your family working together as a high performance team during your life, not infighting and backbiting, is achievable. What better way is there to prepare them to receive your full inheritance, both financial and emotional?

› Step Six