[NancyAshe]

November is National Adoption Awareness Month. Many groups and organizations have already got their plans underway, but some do not and, if your family is like my family, we're running behind... as usual. Bringing adoption month into our homes and communities isn't hard. Here are some suggestions - and tips on how to get them done.

Remember that the purpose of National Adoption Awareness Month is to build awareness of the children in foster care who are eligible to be adopted and who are hoping for families where they will be loved and supported.

National Adoption Awareness Month Overview
National Adoption Month Discussion Forum

Advocating with Books: All it takes is a trip to the local library to talk with the librarians about gathering books about adoption for displays around the library during the month (and perhaps even offering to help). Donating one or more adoption-related books to the library is another great idea.

Observe the Month with Family and Friends: Our Adoption Month Calendar of 30 days' worth of events is a place to start, but your family might have creative ideas of their own. My granddaughter is contributing her piggy bank contents to a local fundraiser for holiday gifts for kids in an orphanage. A friend is planning an outing for adult family members to see the new film "Loggerheads."

Press Releases - PSAs
If you or your group is planning any kind of media event or issuing press releases, our Media Tool Kit might help you prepare your materials.

National Adoption Day
This year, National Adoption Day is November 19th. For the past six years, this day has seen courts across the country finalize a record number of adoptions of children from foster care. The day also focuses on the shared goals of Adoption Awareness Month: to build awareness of the 118,000 children in foster care who are legally eligible for adoption, to bring advocates - professionals and community - together, and to encourage families to adopt from foster care.

Join our National Adoption Month discussion forum to share ideas and suggestions!