Family stories matter. In fact, they are one of the most powerful learning tools for children and future generations. Yet, these stories, and distant memories of family members, are often at risk of being forgotten. That’s why sharing a family’s history, including individual family members’ journeys and passions, is vital for the vibrancy of current and future generations.
The Family Documented
At the core of the human condition is the family. Every family has its own stories: where the earliest family members came from, when, where and why they settled where they are today. Documenting the origins of the family businesses, and the successes and failures that got the family where they are today is more important now than ever before.
Creating a Family Legacy
Developing the family legacy and the methodology of advancing it is a complex process. By documenting the wishes of the matriarch and patriarch, using digital recordings and interviews, clarity for all family members of the vision for the future is communicated and the legacy of the family is preserved for generations to come.
Developing Philanthropy
Developing family members to be part of the philanthropic scheme is challenging. The pride of seeing the next generation carry on the important work can only be found by cultivating the talents and interests of family members so that it is effective, productive and successful. Conveying a message, with the use of a video documentary can clarify the values and wishes of the older generations to the next generation.
Avoiding Shirtsleeves to Shirtsleeves
Family issues are complex when dealing with family businesses that are passed down through generations. Studies have found that the theory of “shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves” occurs in three generations. This is the theory that the first generation builds the business and by the third generation, there’s nothing left.
