International Adoption
Together, we can make a difference
Many of the families who become parents through adoption call Adoption Associates to express their great joy in becoming a family. Inevitably, they say “Let me know what I can do to help promote adoption and help others understand the beauty of it.” Well, for those who wonder how they can be a part of “spreading the news,” this article is for you!
Cultural awareness meal
Part of the fun of being a family is sharing and playing with other families. There are many families who are multi-racial or multi-cultural. Why not hold a “cultural awareness” lunch or dinner? Each family could bring a dish, reflecting their child’s place of origin. Not only would your child be interacting with other children, but the couples often form lasting friendships, too. And another highlight of the event is, of course, food!
Pre-school party
As your child begins preschool or kindergarten, there may be questions about adoption by their classmates. What better way to give children an educated view of adoption than by educating? Ask to hold a “pre-school party” and invite the parents. Or ask to read an adoption book to the students at the school library and spend some time with the children, discussing adoption. Their questions will no doubt be entertaining!
Visit the web site
Many people will have questions about Adoption Associates and the process of adoption after a child comes home. Periodically, going to the Adoption Associates Web site for updated information is a wonderful way to keep abreast of agency news, new programs, fee reductions, etc. Sharing this information with your Yahoo! group or adoptive family support group members is a helpful way to spread the word about your agency.
Request a presentation
Do you belong to a business group, a mom’s club or other community or church group? Adoption Associates staff is always willing to do a presentation on the international programs. Our presentations can fit into any schedule or event.
Belong to a church community?
The church community is a wonderful resource for sharing the joys of parenting through adoption. Why not hold an information meeting at your church, where you can share your personal adoption experience and perhaps discuss the possibility of a mission trip through our mission trip programs? Or how about suggesting sponsoring a child through our Room For One More program? Not only will you get to share your personal message, but perhaps you will touch another couple to move forward toward their own adoption journey. Check with your church office to see if there is an Adoption Associates church packet. In this packet, entitled “Adoption: God’s pattern, our mission,” is a wealth of information for congregation members who are facing infertility, an unplanned pregnancy, or are being drawn to making room in the home for another child. Adoption Associates also has posters to hang on church bulletin boards for birth mothers and those couples who would like to adopt.
This month, National Adoption Awareness month bulletin or mailbox inserts are also available to churches at no cost and can be requested online at www.AdoptionMonth.org.
Share your story with a newspaper
Local newspapers are always eager for inspirational, human-interest stories. Why not call your local paper and encourage them to periodically publish an adoption story?
Flyers and posters
Adoption Associates has a variety of posters and flyers available for distribution. Each month, all of our offices have information meetings. Why not request a small supply from your local office and help distribute them in your area? Or perhaps request birth mother flyers for distribution at your local laundromats, movie theaters and libraries. Even employers are eager to get on the adoption wagon. Ask to hang flyers in your employee lounge or your place of business.
Together, we can make a difference!
The ideas are limitless, yet the need to promote adoption is great. And Adoption Associates needs your help. We hope you will make a commitment to help support not only this agency, but also the wonderful way in which our families were made. Together, we can make a difference in finding forever homes for children.
