Transracial Adoption Workshop on November 15
We strongly recommend that all families who are adopting a child attend the Transracial Adoption Workshop: Living in Two Worlds! This workshop is offered by Adoption Associates on Friday, November 15, 2019, from 9:30am-3:30pm. It will be held at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbott Rd, East Lansing, 48823. Presenters include acclaimed author, Rhonda Roorda, and AAI staff member, Kathy Yates. Our program will include a presentation by our speakers as well as interactive panel discussions with adoptees and adoptive parents.
The cost of $50 will include your lunch, and Social Work CEU’s are available for an additional $20. Please contact Alivia Gerrits to register or to ask questions about the workshop. Contact Alivia at 616-667-0677 or agerrits@adoptionassociates.net. Please join us for a valuable day.
*Adoptive Families: Don’t forget to log into www.myadoptionportal.com after you have read the newsletter to complete a summary in the Domestic Education section. This month we are learning about a very specific idea related to transracial adoption – Tranracialization.
*If you are not currently in the adoption process, and would like to learn more, click HERE!
What is transracialization?
Regardless of the type of adoption you are seeking, it’s likely that all of AAI’s waiting families have heard the term “transracial adoption” during their home study process. But, have you ever heard the term “transracialization?” This is an important concept that has value for all people, and not just those adopting outside of their race. So, please keep reading even if this doesn’t apply directly to your adoption!
The idea of transracialization was developed by Dr. John Raible. He was conducting a research project with white people who grew up in transracial adoptive families, particularly the non-adopted white siblings of transracial adoptees. Consequently, what Dr. Raible found was that many (but not all) of the siblings developed a unique way of thinking about the world around them. They began to transform their thinking about race and racism, as well as their white identity. That does not always happen in a home where all or most of the family members are white.
This new way of looking at the world happened because the siblings had experienced long-term, caring relationships with people of another race, namely their siblings. So, these siblings moved from a color-blind attitude and became aware of the racial dynamics in society. Many were even moved to become strong allies to their siblings and other people of color.
Becoming Transracialized
The goal for all of us is to become transracialized! Whether you are part of a multiracial family or not, it will enhance your life and open up your world. Below are a few ideas that can get you started:
- Recognize that in addition to adopting a child of color, you are adopting the communities and cultures from which they come.
- Examine your life and make a note of how diverse it is. Be intentional about developing relationships with adults of color. The best way to do this is to strategically place yourself in situations where this happens naturally. Get involved in your neighborhood, schools, and church, etc.
- Familiarize yourself with the term ‘White Privilege’ and how it impacts you and others: https://www.tolerance.org/magazine/fall-2018/what-is-white-privilege-really
- Read and share books that celebrate people of color. Follow this link for some of the newest options available: https://www.readbrightly.com/new-authors-of-color-writing-for-kids/?ref=PRH12A5DE2109&aid=randohouseinc35846-20&linkid=PRH12A5DE2109
- For many more ideas, also go to www.raceconscious.org
Transracial Adoption Resources
John Raible is a teacher, writer, and researcher in the field of multicultural education. He is a biracial person adopted into a white family, as well as a parent by adoption to two boys.
In a recent episode of Adoption Focus Podcast, we were given the opportunity to hear about transracial adoption from the viewpoint of the adoptee. Click on the link below to listen to Christian music artist, Jared Coad. Jared discusses the struggles he encountered as a young child, as well as his current perspective on transracial adoption. He shares what he believes is most important for African-American children being raised in Caucasian homes, and he talks about how adoption impacted his life. This is a powerful story of one man’s experience growing up African-American in a Caucasian world.
From Challenges to Achievements: A story of transracial adoption
Adoptive parents as well as adoption agencies continue to engage in important education and ongoing meaningful conversations about transracial adoption. Jared welcomes questions and comments at: jaredwcoad@gmail.com
#transracialadoption #adoption
Be sure to check out these additional resources:
Raising Race Conscious Children http://www.raceconscious.org/
This is a resource to support adults who are trying to talk about race with young children. The goals of these conversations are to dismantle the color-blind framework, and prepare young people to work toward racial justice.
Pact, an adoption alliance https://www.pactadopt.org/resources/resource-library.html
The site contains rticles, essays, reviews, and information sheets on a broad range of topics related to adoption, parenting, and race.
EmbraceRace: Raising a brave generation https://www.embracerace.org/
EmbraceRace is a multiracial community of parents, teachers, experts, and other caring adults who support each other to meet the challenges that race poses to our children, families, and communities.
Book Suggestions:
https://creatingafamily.org/adoption/adoptionsuggestedbooks/transracial-adoption/
