All about National Adoption Month in Oklahoma
This November, we celebrate National Adoption Month! This month is a special time to not only celebrate families that have been through the adoption process, but also to raise awareness on the adoption process in Oklahoma, the benefits of adoption for birth mothers, and the need for children to find loving, supportive and caring homes.
At Adoption Choices of Oklahoma, we wish we could celebrate every part of the adoption process every day of the year. After all, we work year-round ensuring that adoptions across the state of Oklahoma work out to the best of their ability. However, the month of November is the most special because so many people want to learn all about National Adoption Month. Thus, we want to take this week to talk about National Adoption Month and how we can celebrate birth mothers, adoptees and adoptive families.
What is National Adoption Month?
While many people are aware that adoptions happen in the world, they might have negative views on the adoption process or have been listening to the stereotypes surrounding adoption as a whole. Whether it is bias against the birth mother, the child, or the adoptive family, it truly is unfair how much negative stigma surrounds the adoption world. This is why times like National Adoption Month are so special. This month is all about spreading awareness, and acknowledging those whose lives have been changed through the adoption process. It helps create a positive and loving visual of the adoption world. This is the change we are all working towards and seeing!
What is the History behind National Adoption Month?
For over two decades now, National Adoption Month has been celebrated across the country each November. So, what is the history behind it? It all started with Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis. In 1976, Dukakis announced an Adoption Week that was celebrated throughout Massachusetts. Adoption Week promoted the awareness of the need for adoption. It was not until 1984 (almost 10 years later) that President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Adoption Week. Then, in 1995, President Bill Clinton expanded the awareness week to an entire month in November.
All of these holidays were created as a way to promote awareness of the adoption world and show just how many children were in need of loving and caring homes. In 2000, a National Adoption Day was also created. It is celebrated annually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. On this day, thousands of adoption cases are finalized across the country.
How can I Celebrate National Adoption Month?
Depending on your family, there are so many different ways to celebrate National Adoption Month. While we have listed some of them below, feel free to be creative! There is no way we could make a list of all the different ways to celebrate adoption. However, here are a few we could think of:
- Tell Your Child Their Adoption Story
In the adoption process, it is very important for your child to know where they came from. A lot of times, children feel lost or left out of where they came from. However, in ensuring your child knows the story, it is helping them learn more about themselves. It could also be a good idea to cook food traditional to your child’s birth family, or try to attend an event that celebrates your birth child’s culture.
- Watch Positive Adoption-Related Content
From movies to TV shows to stories, there is plenty of content out there that shows adoption in a positive light. One way to raise adoption awareness is to watch positive adoption-related content with your family. Having a couple movie nights and great discussions afterward can help your family become more aware of the realities behind the adoption world.
- Write a “Thank You” Letter
The adoption process is a very long process, and chances are there are plenty of people you met along the way. There are adoption counselors, emotional support therapists, lawyers, and so many other people you probably met throughout the adoption process. Writing a thank you letter can show your appreciation for those who helped you through your journey. They would definitely appreciate it!
- Spread Awareness on Social Media
Another way to celebrate National Adoption Month is to spread awareness on social media. If you feel comfortable sharing your adoption story, people would love to hear it! Current birth mothers and adoptive parents want to hear your stories, and would love to hear advice from people who have been through the process. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing your story, just spread awareness. Helping people realize how life-changing adoption is can change the positive stigma surrounding adoption.
We are Here for You
National Adoption Month is a time to celebrate those that have been through the adoption process previously. However, we here at Adoption Choices of Oklahoma understand that this time might be easy for all. If you want someone to talk to, or want to learn more about the adoption process, please do not hesitate to contact us!
Adoption Choices of Oklahoma is a private adoption agency, licensed by the state of Oklahoma and leader in the adoption community. We have been assisting birth parents, children, and adoptive families in Oklahoma for over 19 years. Our staff members are committed to providing an ethical, empowering, and personalized adoption experience to all involved in the adoption process. If you are currently in the process of adopting a baby and have any questions https://adoptionchoicesofoklahoma.org/wp-admin/edit.phpor concerns, feel free to contact us.
You may visit our website here or call toll-free: 800-898-6028 | OKC Local: 405-755-1999 | Tulsa Local: 918-447-7777
or Text: 405-310-8790
Meet the Author: Hannah Carlsward is an aspiring journalist and photographer. She is currently a senior at Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL., where she studies journalism with minors in American Sign Language and Media Studies. Hannah loves connecting the world through her photography and stories, and loves showing people a new perspective on the world around them.
She aspires to continue in both writing and photography in the future, hopefully combining the two with the work she does. When she is not taking photos, she can always be found on some kind of adventure. She loves exploring the world and sharing it with others. You can see more of her work on her Instagram and her website.
