[Courtney Frey]

I would appreciate all the input you have time to give on the following questions:

1.) If there were a birthmother magazine available, published quarterly, would you subsribe to it?

2.) What kind of content/resources/features would you expect to see in a magazine for birthmothers?

3.) How much would you pay for a subscription to a full color, 40 page, magazine exclusively for birthmothers?

Thank you!
Courtney

[Skye Hardwick]

Hello,

Of course I would.

I agree with the other poster - I wouldn't want to see adoption fluff ...nor "hoping to adopt" in there either. And I'd like to see bParents making a difference. And thought-provoking articles. It should touch both older bMoms and newer ones as well. Not play to one more than the other.

For four issues, I'd pay no more than $12.95. At least, I'd like to pay no more than that.

Skye

[Courtney Frey]

Thank you to all who have responded so far. This is something that could very well be a possibility and would be solely run and operated by a birthmother.

We need your support and investment in this endevour.

If you have experience/talent/desire in any of the following fields, please send a sample of your work to me as a Word Attachment. courtneyfrey@adelphia.net


Writing: Be specific on genre/topic and send three samples no longer than 600 words each.

Photography: Please send relevant portraits/still life photo's as samples. Sample photo's will not be used.

Researcher: The owner of this magazine would like someone with the ability to reseach acurately and extensively into topics such as but not limited to; search and reunion, counseling resources, support groups, adoption related books, education, and products and services of interest to birthmothers.

Researcher need not be a writer and would work with a writer in order to develop articles of interest.

Artwork/Poetry: Please send at least two samples.

As of now this is something just being birthed. Your contributions, support, and ideas are EXTREMELY necessary! You could get in on the ground floor of this amazing opportunity. All samples of any work will remain yours and will not be used for any purpose other than for the owner of this magazine to review your abilities. Positions are on a volunteer basis until further notice.

[Sweetie]

I think this is a wonderful idea. There are not enough resources for birthmothers and especially for people that do not have computers...

I would like to see other people's stories, like someone else said, skip the fluff...also I think contacts for support groups, conventions, etc... or any place birthmothers get together and support one another. I would also like to see a place where others write in to ask questions, there is so much about birthmothers that people just do not understand that I would love to see a place where people can ask questions in a non-threatening, honest environment....I could go on for ever...definitely a good idea.

I agree with Skye..(?) I think it was her....$12.95 for 4 issues..not bad at all.

[crayons]

Good ideas, you could even put aside a few pages for firstmoms searching and list their information and maybe it can bring about reunions. brandy

can I get in line now?

[My MNNM's]

I would LOVE to see this type of resource available to birth mothers. A wonderful idea! I would DEFINITELY subscribe. I would pay a reasonable price for the content and size of the magazine...anywhere up to $20 a year.
I would agree with all of the previous posters about what I would want in the magazine. I think it should be run and written by only bmoms too.
Let us know when we can sign up!!! Looking forward to it!
Gina

[JanetM]

LOVE the idea and my thoughts on the content echo all of those above. I too would pay up to $20.00 for a subscription. REally hope this is a go-can't wait for my first issue!



-Janet

[Courtney Frey]

This is exactly what we need to hear! Do any of you remember a thread a while back about how society views birthmothers and how upsetting/mythical the media is? THIS magazine can be the start of a major change.

Along with ALL of your wonderfully perfect ideas, here is a list that we've gathered so far of possible content per issue:

Search and Reunion Section:
Resources for searching (search angels, their stories, contact information, registries, etc.)
A list of Searchers (each month we spotlight ten people who are searching, a brief bio on them and any info they have)
Book Review (Top 3 search and reunion books)
Support Group List - where, when, and contact info.
Feature Story (Non-fiction story of someone in search, in reunion, or a story on their post-reunion experience)
Search and Reunion Expert Q&A

FirstMother Section:
Feature Story (One FirstMother who is making a difference, has a motivational/inspirational story)
Mental Health Section (a Q&A by a birthmother counselor (must be a bmom herself) each month : Also, articles on recovery and healing as well as a page of resources for therapists, counselors)
Birthmother Poetry and Art (poetry and artwork by birthmothers)
The System (True Stories/Facts on the history of adoption as well as personal stories throughout the 60's up to now; as well as information on laws, senators, congress, contacts and current campains to join)

Page of resources:
Conventions/seminars/meetings: Not just where they are and what they're for but also .. how to get involved in them.

Spotlight on Birthmothers in the circuit: Those bmoms who are currently speaking/assisting in conventions/seminars/meetings - interviews and photo's of them in action.

On My Mind: Editors Notes and Thoughts
On Your Mind: Readers responses to past issues and current trends/events
Health Section: Articles on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle

Know Your Facts: In each issue a specific part of the adoption process is highlighted in detail. Sidebars would include adoption lingo, time laws, differences in state laws, etc.

Inspiration: In each issue contributions will be welcome for inspirational stories/quotes

Giveaways/Sweepstakes: We hope to offer incentives to readers by having sponsor companies offer great deals.

2-3 other articles featuring current issues birthmothers face.

-------

Keep adding to the list!
Court

[Natalie2001]

I would want the TRUTH about post relinquishment
feelings. Not just the normal " you'll greive and mourn"
kinda crap. The REAL stuff, about how adoption
really effects the bmom's LIFE afterward, 1, 2, 5 ,
10 + years from now.

[Courtney Frey]

I don't want this thread to turn into an adoption bashing thread, as I need the value of everyone's continued idea's on what TO put IN the magazine instead of what NOT to put into it.

Over and over again throughout this thread I read from you that you don't want the "Fluff" of adoption - just the "truth" - the real stories. Got it! Let's move on and keep this going so that more great ideas come - instead of dwelling on negativity - if we want to create something good and powerful ... we have to focus on good and powerful ... not on all the bad crap.

Don't get me wrong - the bad exists - the reality is what you've described - "Fluff" is misconception and untruth - you're absolutely right - and no, we don't want any of that in a magazine! So ... what do you WANT in it?

To honor and explore the emotional truths and realities of a birthmothers life and the all encompassing effects of relinquishment while at the same time providing empowerment and unity through the truths, stories, healing, and successes of those joined supernaturally in this sisterhood of First Mothers.

To expunge myth while encouraging growth. To evoke courage and motivation while sustaining respect to our roles. To uncover the truths within our adoption system and those who abuse power and control while at the same time being the gentle encourager of change by leading as an example to others.

Courtney

[May]

I would definitely be interested in subscribing if this were to happen!

Here are my ideas:

I agree with everyone else - tell the truth about adoption, and have real stories about how it's affected people.

I would want both positive and negative stories. When you only include positive stories with happy fairy tale endings, it's misleading. But also, I hate seeing websites and such that only have terribly negative stories about birthmothers who have been tricked or lied to or forced into things. Not everyone has a bad experience, some are more good than bad!

Maybe a section including short letters from the readers would be good once it gets up and running. Many magazines do that, and it seems like a good way to get more people's opinions in the magazine without them having to write a whole article. They could respond to articles, or maybe there could even be a question each time that they could respond to for the next issue, and publish some people's answers.

Reviews of adoption related books might also be good.

[Skye Hardwick]

Court,

You can count me in to help, if you ever need it.

I don't know if this was mentioned ...but maybe something special for bMoms who are also parenting other children.

I love all the ideas you have so far ...like all the differnet columns and what not for the mag.

Take care,
Skye

[Skye Hardwick]

Oh, another idea ...

What about a special little section for women considering adoption? Do you think they'd be interested in the magazine before they've relinquished? Maybe adoption agencies can stock up on the mag and offer them at support groups and to expecting women?

Still thinking!

[crayons]

But would agencies really carry them, They usually try to make very sure that bmoms don't hear or see and thing that could change thier minds, they want to make sure they get the babies.
just an opinion.

[Skye Hardwick]

Crayons,

Good point. However, not agencies are like that.

Even if one page was dedicated to expectant and considering Moms ...that would be great. Maybe even the same info every issue. Like, what to bring to the hospital, a birthing plan for pbMoms, how to handle hospital staff ...uhm, something about leaving without the baby ...Oh, something about adoption entrustment cerimonies ...I could go on.

I know there is a Bethany Christian by me ..and they are great to pbMoms. I'd love to intern there for my social work degree.

You never know unless you try.

Skye