Sixth Biennial
Alliance for the Study of Adoption and Cultures Conference
Building Communities, Changing Discourses
October 27 – 29 Crown Plaza Minneapolis, Northstar Downtown Hotel
Full Program HERE

If you are interested in exploring adoption though scholarship and other humanistic disciplines, have a look at the 6th Biennial ASAC conference. I am honored to be participating in a Roundtable Discussion of China’s Hidden Children (2016), that will include the author, Kay Johnson.

ASAC seeks to promote understanding of the experience and institution of adoption in relation to literature, history, philosophy, anthropology, law, political theory, cultural studies, and other humanistic disciplines, and to provide a forum for the presentation and discussion of artistic creation dealing with adoption and related issues in poetry, fiction, memoir, film and other disciplines. Read the Presenter Abstracts HERE.… Read the rest “Alliance for the Study of Adoption and Cultures Conference”

Sunday December 18, 2016
2:30 to 6:00pm
For ages 10 – 15

The Winter Refresher Workshop seeks to continue a safe and engaging dialogue on adoption and identity development for kids 9 to 15. With facilitation by our multi-generational adoptee facilitators including myself, Robyn Shultz, MA and Mardet Homans, BA, we will embrace ongoing themes of identities, birth families, adoptive families, peers and school at A Place to Create in Atwater Village.

The Winter Refresher Workshop seeks to continue a safe and engaging dialogue on adoption and identity development for kids 9 to 15. With facilitation by our multi-generational adoptee facilitators including myself, Robyn Shultz, MA and Mardet Homans, BA, we will embrace ongoing themes of identities, birth families, adoptive families, peers and school.

Our participants have shown us that they are eager to participate in creative, experiential and musical activities that address issues they care about. Sharing their ideas with peers is a powerful experience. Our activities are geared toward helping your child to further identify and conceptualize his/her own narrative.

Age-appropriate themes we will cover in the workshop include social skills & challenges, transracial family concerns, physical development and body image, grief and loss, managing the digital world, and stress management.

Registration is limited to provide personalized attention. Chronologically we are geared toward 10 and 15 year olds. However, you may have a 9-year old who is already thinking about these themes, or you may have a 15-year old who is considering these ideas. It’s transformative for kids to both share their thoughts and feelings about adoption, and to hear perspectives from their peers.… Read the rest “Winter Adoptees Workshop”