Dialogues
Through conversation we are able to learn from one another. Through dialogue our connections become deeper and our relationships richer
Adoption can be such a huge and complex subject, with so many different points of view and subject matters. Through our Movie Groups, the discussions at our workshops, and our Adoptee Panels, we have learned the tremendous value of dialogue in connecting, educating, and supporting the adoption constellation.
Our Adoption Dialogues are conversations between different members of the adoption constellation on a variety of different subjects. They are not scripted. They are not limited. Participants are free to take the conversation wherever they choose. The result is a rich discussion that you, the reader, are also able to experience.
Kelly and Shelise – Adoption Language
“…how can we create a language that speaks to all? How can power be shared? How can we start to topple some of the myths and fantasies so that we can hold onto more of the truth?…” -Kelly
“…somewhere along the way, people not involved in adoption were given license to assume and talk about adoption any way they like…” -Shelise
Kelly and Shelise – Fantasy and Adoption
“…Another fantasy we hold is that once a child is with their adoptive family, there will be no issues – especially if the child was placed as a baby…” -Shelise
“…As an adoptive parent, one thing I’ve seen in my family of origin is a situating of adoption as a rescue–comments about “how lucky” my daughter is, and how “good” we are to seek openness…” -Kelly
Melissa and Emily- Adoption Law (MEPA)
“…Our adopted boys are half Latino and we have to live in a way that will expose them to their culture. I can’t live in a community that has few if any Latino people and expect them to develop a positive attitude about their culture…” -Melissa
“… As adoption agencies we need to do a better job of educating our families so they are aware of issues that may arise…” -Emily
“…Ultimately there is no perfect family. Every family has flaws and struggles. These are the things that make it wholly unique, good and bad…” -Meg
Lilly and Meg- Personal Stories
“…Can you imagine being one of three “brown” people in the first eighteen years of your life?” -Lilly
Comment on these dialogues and other adoptionmosaic.org features at http://blog.adoptionmosaic.org
Views expressed in these dialogues are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of Adoption Mosaic