Celebrating National Adoption Awareness Month! (Part I)

7
Nov
24604_380662194419_152691439419_3581343_5510886_nEvery year the month of November is recognized as National Adoption Awareness Month. It’s a time to celebrate all types of adoption and raise awareness for the need for adoption in our world. It’s a time that government, communities, businesses and advocates celebrate adoption as a positive way to build a family. MLJ will be sharing 15 ways to celebrate adoption this month. Below you will find 5 ways to celebrate. We hope that you will join us in this celebration!

 

  1. Breaking Down Stereotypes: Take some time to share your adoption story with others. The best way to advocate is to dispel stereotypes that often accompany stories surrounding adoption. Write a blog and submit it to MLJ Adoptions, Inc., we would love to hear your story and share it with others during the month of November!
  2. Read an Adoption Related Book: There are so many great books out there with a variety of topics that relate to every part of the adoption process. If you are part of a monthly book club you may suggest reading adoption related books this month. Some books that have been recommended by our client families include:
    • Mamalita! by Jessica O’Dwyer
    • Orphanology by Tony Merida and Rick Morton
    • Post-Adoption Blues by Karen J. Foli, Ph.D. and John R. Thompson, M.D.
    • Secret Thoughts of An Adoptive Mother by Wolff Jana
    • My Family, A Symphony: A Memoir of Global Adoption by Aaron Eske
    • Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew by Sherrie Eldridge
  3. Talk to Your Place of worship: Your place of worship is a great place to network and spread the word about children in need of a home. Speak to your church leaders about spreading the message of hope for children waiting for a forever family. Please feel free to contact us if your church would like the assistance from MLJ.
  4. Staring a Tradition: Create a family tradition that recognizes the unique way that adoption touches your family. Doing anything as a family will work: Family Movie Night, Family Game Night, Family Journaling, etc. Adoption month is also a great time to re-tell your child their adoption story as part of your tradition. What child doesn’t love to hear about themselves!
  5. Talk to your Human Resource Department: Unfortunately employers do not often consider adoption as the same as giving birth, consequently families generally are not permitted to take the same amount of time off work as parents who have a biological child. Advocate for an adoption friendly workplace by speaking the Director of your Human Resources Department about ways they can fairly accommodate those choosing to build their families through adoption

 

Watch for the next 5 ideas in an upcoming blog!

MLJ Adoptions is a Non-Profit, Hague-Accredited adoption service provider located in Indianapolis, Indiana, working in Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Pacific Isles. We are passionate about serving children in need.