Activism in Adoption: Race, Relationships & Resilience 2021 Series
PRESENTED VIA ZOOM Throughout 2021, On Your Feet Foundation will be hosting a monthly speaker series for all sides of the triad that continues to expand on key topics explored in our first 4 session in October 2020: Race, Resilience and Relationships in adoption. The series is being presented in 4 chapters with each chapter covering the three topics with renowned speakers.
Our first chapter launches with Hope Baker, Isaac Etter and Billy Kaplan. Chapter 2 follows with a screening of Found in Korea, and discussion with writer and producer, Nam Holtz, an adaptation of our critical training program on supporting expectant mothers considering adoption during their hospital stay, while, in June, we will focus on birthfathers. Sessions are 90 minutes long and most feature a panel represented by members of the adoption triad where participants will have the opportunity to ask questions. Families hoping to adopt are encouraged to attend this unique series and will receive one hour and thirty minutes of Adoption Education Hours per session attended. Attendees who request Adoption Education Credits will receive certificates to show attendance and a session outline can be provided to agencies.
On Your Feet Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization and registration fees for this event will directly benefit the birthparents we serve. Please contact Allison Jones for more information.
RACE
In Activism in Adoption, speakers and panelists will engage attendees in unpacking self-identity within the framework of adoption. International adoption, becoming a multi-racial family, combating bias and systemic racism, and honoring birthparent and adoptee perspectives in transracial adoptions will be cornerstones of this topic.
RELATIONSHIPS
While all adoptions have unique structures, they consistently involve navigating and understanding relationships. In Activism in Adoption, we go deeper into understanding trauma and how trauma-informed parenting can impact all sides of the adoption triad. By engaging all perspectives in this training, we are equipping ourselves with the tools to move forward. As a community, we will focus on strategies for communication, healing, and advocacy.
RESILIENCE
We take challenges and overcome them on a daily basis. But, adoption presents opportunities for strength and struggle in a unique landscape. In this topic, our experts have both wisdom and life experience to share and inspire our audience. Attendees will be given opportunities to seek answers to their own questions about tools for building resilience in themselves or others.
Panelists will discuss ways to be an activist for yourself and your child. Together, we will learn how to address and talk about sensitive topics with your family, children, and community.
Chapter 1 :: About Our Speakers
SESSION DATES (all sessions take place on Sundays at 2PM CST):
January 17th: Hope Baker
February 21st: Isaac Etter
March 21st: Billy Kaplan, LCSW
April 18th: Nam Holtz, writer and producer of Found in Korea
May 16th: Hope Baker & Nam Holtz on improving birthparent and adoptee experiences at birth
June 13th: Birthfathers
July 18th: TBA