This is Us: Early Interventions Work!
KAAN’s 20th annual conference (Korean American Adoptive Family Network) was my first, and filled with every emotion, from robust laughter to tears. Attendees and presenters brought expertise and authentic testimony to the complexities of our community. Glen and Julie Morey’s documentary project, SidexSide is but one example.
Robyn Joy Park and I presented a session to illustrate how the Adoptee Identity Development Workshops provide an energetic and safe space to empower emerging adoptee identities. We described the workshops’ use of creative arts, movement, and interactive activities to encourage child and adolescent adoptees to identify their thoughts and feelings about relevant themes, within the greater context of their unique experience as adoptees.
Indeed, it was thought-provoking to listen as adoptee scholars, advocates and activists discussed the current status of transnational and transracial adoption, the future work for these communities, and to imagine the emergence of the new voice of the adoption diaspora, Chinese transnational adoptees. The discussants expressed support and solidarity for all families experiencing separation, including the experience of adoption. I am excited to imagine the pursuit of solidarity with other communities of adoption as KAAN moves into its third decade.