Did you know this is National Adoption Awareness month? Here's a little 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.
from Adoption.com
Here is a link to a calendar with lots of activities for families and individuals interested in celebrating adoption: Adoption Awareness Calendar 2011
National Adoption Day will be celebrated this year on November 19. Be sure to check to see about local events in your area.
National Adoption Awareness Month can be made meaningful and effective in promoting adoption in many ways, including
- support for adoption ministries and foundations
- contributing financially to help families who are adopting
- letters to the editor of your local newspaper about a positive adoption issue
- blog and Facebook posts that highlight the blessing of adoption
- honor your child's birthparent in a meaningful way
- encourage your library to do an adoption display and share adoption-related materials
- more ideas found here
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