Birth Parent Panel

Facilitator:  Astrid Dabbeni
Date:  New! April 28, 2012
Time:  10:00 am -12:00 pm
Where:  SE UpLift Building – 3534 SE Main Street, Portland, OR 97214
Cost:  $30 per person

Adoption begins with the birth parent’s stories, yet often their voices go unheard. Even in open adoption, the intimate experience of the birth parents may be unspoken. Though often difficult to hear, the birth parent experience is an integral part of gaining a better understanding of adoption and the impact relinquishment may have on all members of the mosaic. This is a unique opportunity to hear from local birth parents.

In addition to sharing their personal experiences of being birth parentss, the panel will also discuss why it’s important to know and understand these stories.

Topics that will be covered:

• Dispelling the birth mother or birth father myth
• Social, religious, and political views influencing the choice to relinquish
• Connection of the birth parent’s experience with the adoptee’s experience
• Past and current support and legal protection for birth mothers and fathers
• Ways to honor the birth parents

Cancellation policy

Common Threads – Adult Adoptee Group

Connect. Support. Create.

Facilitators: Astrid Dabbeni  and  Shelise Gieseke
When: TBA
Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: TBA
Cost: $180 per person (Full and partial scholarships are available; email info@adoptionmosaic.org for details)

Common Threads is an adult adoptee group open to adoptees over the age of 18. In this 6 week group we will:

• Share our common threads & experience a sense of community
• Explore how our identities can change over time
• Discuss frequently asked questions, such as “Is search & reunion right for me?” or “How do I integrate my birth culture into my life?”
• Inspire and empower the community of adopted adults in the Portland area
• Discover ways to tell our stories through the creative art of your choice (writing, art, music, etc.). No artistic talent is needed to participate.

Join us in building our adult adoptee community; to share and explore how adoption shapes who we are today.

Common Threads Flyer

Cancellation Policy