Event Toolkit

Our Family Tree Has Many Branches

Theme Purpose:

To celebrate the richness of everyone’s cultural roots — whether through heritage, adoption, immigration, marriage, or community ties — and explore how these diverse “branches” shape the shared values we practice today.

This activity encourages people of all backgrounds to see how their stories connect, and how Asian Americans, like many others, contribute to a deeper sense of belonging and community in the U.S. as we approach America’s 250th year.

Group Size

4–20 people.

Time Needed

60–90 minutes.

Materials

  • Large sheet of poster board or paper (draw a tree outline beforehand) or a corkboard with a printed tree

  • Tape, pins, or clips

  • Markers, colored pens, stickers for decorating

  • Photos, symbolic objects, or drawings participants bring from each side of their heritage (copies of photos recommended)

  • Index cards for writing short captions or stories

Step-by-Step Program

1. Welcome & Purpose (5 minutes)

Host Script:

“Welcome to ‘Our Family Tree Has Many Branches.’ Each of us carries stories from different places — sometimes many cultures, sometimes one, sometimes cultures we’ve joined by choice. Today we celebrate all the roots that shape who we are, and how those roots come together in the communities we share.

This gathering is part of DOI250AA — an Asian American–led initiative committed to bringing people together and honoring the stories that strengthen American life as our nation approaches 250 years.”

2. Prepare the Tree Display (5 minutes)

  • Place the large tree outline on a wall or table.
  • Explain that each branch or leaf represents a culture or heritage in the group.

3. Add Your Branches (20–25 minutes)

  • Each participant tapes or pins their photos or symbolic items onto a branch.
  • On index cards, write a short note:

1. The heritage or culture it represents.

2. A value or tradition they appreciate from it.

  • Place the cards next to the item on the tree.

4. Sharing Circle (20–25 minutes)

Invite each participant to share:

  • What their object/photo represents.
  • One value or tradition from that heritage they hope to carry forward.
  • How having more than one culture has shaped their outlook.

5. Reflection (5–10 minutes)

  • Discuss how blending cultures can create new traditions and understanding.
  • Each person writes a short reflection for the DOI250AA website on how their mixed heritage or family connections contribute to being a good citizen and community member.
Share Event Reflections

6. Closing (5 minutes)

Host Closing Script:

“Our tree is stronger because of its many branches. No matter where our roots began, they meet here, in a shared commitment to a better future together.”

Optional Add-ons

  • Take a photo of the completed tree for display online or in a local library/school.

  • Add a “Future Branches” section where participants write hopes for the next generation.

  • Use fabric leaves or paper leaves for participants to take home as keepsakes.

Share Event Reflections

Connect With DOI250AA

We’d love to hear from you—community members, sponsors, partners, cultural enthusiasts, educators, and friends. Your insight and support help us bridge cultures, generations, and regions. Use the contact form or email us at support@doi250aa.net. For mail: 5831 Forward Ave, Unit #918, Pittsburgh, PA 15217

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