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What can you do to help?
This question faces us all about so many issues today. And yet adoptee access legislation is an area where voices matter – and can make a difference.
If you have been touched by adoption – or by the stories of people who are dealing with lifelong secrecy as a result of statutes which sealed records – consider becoming involved in the debate on this issue.
Become involved in legislation in your own state. For information about what’s happening in ‘your neck of the woods’ click on the “ADOPTION POLICIES STATE-BY-STATE” button and find out what policies exist in your state.
Learn about why records were sealed in the first place and what research shows about the need for adult adoptees to have access by clicking on the “HISTORY OF SEALED RECORDS” button. There you’ll find two wonderful reports and two excellent books which are great resources for understanding ‘how we got here and where should we go’.
Click on the “HOW YOU CAN HELP” button to learn just a few simple things that you can personally do to make a difference. Sign up on the centralized email alert list to the right. Share your story with others and submit it here on the ‘ABOUT’ page or share it on the film’s Facebook page (the icon’s on the bottom of the HOME page). Join local and/or national organizations. Host a screening of “ADOPTED: for the life of me” in your hometown.
Free “screeners” (special dvd’s for community screenings only) are available for organizations and groups who are interested in providing a framework for their audience and for feedback on the ensuing discussion. Visit the Tools Page and click on the “Host a Screening” button. There’s a free guide full of ideas for you to use for outreach within your community, as well as posters, a “Take Action” handout, and other tools.
A call to action from Jon Strauss:
When I married Jean, adoption issues were admittedly not the attraction… But I’ve witnessed first hand how being denied information about her own past affected her – and the transformation that followed when she was able to know her story. It took nothing away from her mom Betty – but it enhanced Jean’s sense of herself. Because of that, I understand why making this film about the detrimental impact of secrets in adoption is important to her. She’s only trying to provide for others what she was able to win for herself – the first chapter of her own life.
I encourage everyone, whether you’re adopted or not, to be a part of the dialogue on adoption reform. May we all have such opportunities to support each other about things that have such profound meanings to our individual lives.
Help support the production of our third feature film on adoptee access which will focus on the 37 year effort in New Jersey. Every dollar donated goes directly to support equipment, travel, and outreach. No funds are used for salary or overhead. You can join our effort today by clicking on the ‘Donate’ button below.