I am a searcher... I always was... and I still am... searching for the missing piece.

—Louise Bourgeois

2016 Adoptee Identity Workshops

This years Teen and Tween participants were guided through various activities that encouraged exploration and reflection of one’s multiple identities, to promote a sense of community with peers, and to focus on physical and psychological wellbeing . . . while having fun! Their native wisdom and resilience was galvanizing. In the words of one participant as he worked on a projective activity, “I’m writing between the lines while thinking outside the box”. 
By consensus we are considering a winter break one-day workshop for Tweens, so if your tween would like to join and will be in town, please email me HERE.

 

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“A kind word warms for three winters”

As we welcome the new year, this Chinese proverb reminds me of the power of kindness, and with our world, near and far, embroiled in suffering and turmoil, I am aware that we have choices; to stand by the sideline, or choose to promote loving kindness, equality and justice. In our field, we use our words, our ears, our mindsight and hearts to bear witness, support and educate. The Donaldson Adoption Institute continues its “Let’s Adopt Reform” initiative. Join in the conversation.… Read the rest ““A kind word warms for three winters””

Do justly, now.

   It’s difficult to make sense of the onslaught of domestic injustice and tragedies and global inhumanities that continue to unfold. How are we, young and old, internalizing these events? How do we explain these incomprehensible actions to children. I’ve had to pause and reflect, to regain my own equilibrium, to weigh my own ability to be an agent of healing and positive change. As we gather with our families next week to give thanks, knowing the world’s suffering, a quotation from the Talmud resonates:
Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.

We’re halfway through the eleventh month on the Gregorian calendar. Since 1995 November has also been National Adoption Month. For many in the adoption community, November is now known as National Adoption AWARENESS Month, and #FlipTheScript represents the hard fought strides to empower adoptee voices. From state legislation restoring the civil right for adoptees’ access to our original birth certificates, to initiatives focusing on improvements to policy and practice in child welfare (Adoption Initiative Conference 2016), to the increasing dialogue on race for transracially adoptive families, to federal legislation that will  ensure citizenship to all intercountry adoptees; adoptees and our allies’ voices are being heard! November is “not about us, without us (JaeRan Kim).”  Join the Donaldson Adoption Institute’s “Let’s Adopt Reform to strengthen all families by igniting a national conversation about adoption and foster care adoption in the 21st century.”

… Read the rest “Do justly, now.”