Monkey Butter's blog: "awareness"

if it wasnt for the wonderful parents that adopted me no telling what ki8nd of life i might have had. but, because of adoption i was given every opportunity in life and more. i have the best mom in the world! thank you mom. i love you. http://national-adoption-month.adoption.com/ National Adoption Month Observing Adoption Awareness Month Each year, November is recognized as National Adoption Awareness Month. While all adoption-related issues are important, the particular focus of this month is the adoption of children currently in foster care. Activities and celebrations are kicked off with a Presidential Proclamation, and while efforts made at the national level certainly help build awareness of adoption, participation in local programs, events, and activities by those of us with a direct connection to adoption can often be the most effective way to promote positive perceptions, debunk the myths, and draw attention to the tens of thousands of children in foster care who wait and hope for permanent families. Our photolisting is the Internet's largest one-source listing of waiting children. 30 Days of Ideas Celebrate National Adoption Awareness Month with a new activity every day. Our National Adoption Awareness Calendar features ideas and activities thats fun for the whole family. Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Adoption Month History The first major effort to promote awareness of the need for adoptive families for children in the foster care system occurred in Massachusetts. In 1976, then-Governor Mike Dukakis proclaimed Adoption Week and the idea grew in popularity and spread throughout the nation. President Gerald Ford made the first National Adoption Week proclamation, and in 1990, the week was expanded to a month due to the number of states participating and the number of events. During the month, states, communities, public and private organizations, businesses, families, and individuals celebrate adoption as a positive way to build families. Across the nation, activities and observances such as recognition dinners, public awareness and recruitment campaigns, and special events spotlight the needs of children who need permanent families. It also includes National Adoption Day, traditionally a Saturday, which is observed in courthouses across the nation as thousands of adoptions are finalized simultaneously. Get Involved & Plan Ahead Promoting awareness can be done through planned events and campaigns, gatherings and celebrations, and simple everyday activities. These are all opportunities to educate ourselves and others about adoption and about issues surrounding adoption. With a little advance planning, our efforts can work wonders. Even one family for one child is a success. Plan Activities Use the Free Materials in our Tool Kit Involve Elected Officials and Candidates Even in non-election years, elected officials at all levels are supportive of efforts to build adoption awareness. Both current officials and candidates should be receptive to invitations to participate in events with family appeal. Don't be surprised if your invitations to speak, appear at, or host an Adoption Awareness event are readily accepted. And don't forget to suggest that public figures issue proclamations of their own! Get an Early Start Make your plans well in advance if you want to involve politicians. Talk to the Press Before contacting the media with announcements and press releases, do your homework. Talk to your local social services department or your State Adoption Specialist to make sure you have numbers, contact information for your organization and state social welfare offices to give media representatives, and a plan for handling information requests. A Positive look at adoption from the founder of Adoption.com Co-founder and President of Adoption Media, LLC Dale Gwilliam was a featured guest on The James Gang of Fox News Radio 600 KCOL. In recognition of National Adoption Awareness month the radio station is featuring guests who are making a difference in the adoption world by sharing their experiences and valuable information. Radio talk show host and interviewer Scott James and his wife Julie are the proud parents of an adopted child. Click here to enjoy the live broadcast. The podcast is titled The James Gang 11/02/07 6:00pm. More Resources & Ideas for National Adoption Awareness Month * Light a Candle - Make a dedication for those who have touched your life through adoption. * Share ideas and advocacy plans - on the National Adoption Awareness Month message board at AdoptionForums.com * Virtual Cards - Send a virtual card to people who have touched your life through adoption at E-cards.Adoption.com. * Use the Adoption.com Sample Letter to write letters to your local representatives Talking to Children, Relatives, and Friends about Adoption Articles: Answers to Children’s Questions About Adoption Gracious Answers to Awkward Questions About Our Adopted Kids Questions Come With the Territory Talking with Children About Adoption Unsolicited Comments Books: How I Was Adopted Be My Baby: Parents and Children Talk about Adoption Talking With Young Children About Adoption Adoption is a Family Affair: What Relatives and Friends Must Know Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew More: Internet Adoption Observing Adoption Awareness Month Don't Spread Peanut Butter on the Dog Precious Cargo Adoption Relationships