National Adoption Day is a nationwide celebration of adoption. Each year since 2000, National Adoption Day has been recognized and observed by individuals, families and organizations across the country. Through collective efforts and initiatives by all involved, this day is meant to raise awareness of the more than 100,000 children in foster care who are waiting for permanent families through adoption. It is also a time to raise awareness of all types of adoption and the people who are impacted by adoption.
National Adoption Day is always celebrated on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. In 2018, that is November 17. On this day, adoption will be celebrated in so many different ways. You can find local organizations to support on National Adoption Day, or you can join in with some of the largest adoption advocacy groups in the country on the national level. There are many great ways to raise awareness of adoption and support the children this day advocates for.
It may not feel like you’re doing much when you support National Adoption Day, but what you do matters. Your involvement is important. As awareness of adoption grows around the country, cultural attitudes become more supportive of the birth parents, adoptive parents and children involved in this process. You are doing good by spreading awareness, so don’t sit this National Adoption Day out. Join in and celebrate adoption!
What Organizations Are Doing
Organizations of all sizes are participating in different initiatives around the country on National Adoption Day. We can’t cover them all here, and you should absolutely look into what’s happening in your community to celebrate adoption. On a national level, there are three organizations in particular that present opportunities to be a part of National Adoption Day. Each of these organizations is a major sponsor of the day. They play large roles in advocating for adoption, and each one is a great option to support for National Adoption Day.
- Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption: The Dave Thomas Foundation was one of the founding members of National Adoption Day. Since the first National Adoption Day in 2000, this organization has been vital to its growth. Originally, there were Adoption Day events scheduled in seven participating cities. Now, there are more than 400 events in all 50 states. If you are able, a donation to the Dave Thomas Foundation on National Adoption Day will help the continued growth of awareness for adoption.
- Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI): CCAI advocates for adoption on Capitol Hill. It is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with lawmakers to introduce pro-adoption legislation impacting foster care, domestic adoption and international adoption. On National Adoption Day, you can join with CCAI and write to your senator about adoption. Tell them why adoption matters to you, and why it should be on their legislative agenda as your representative.
- The Alliance for Children’s Rights: This organization helps protect the rights of impoverished, abused and neglected youth. The Alliance for Children’s Rights provides free legal support and other vital services to children who are in foster care. On National Adoption Day, they hold an event in Los Angeles, which you can attend if you are in that area.
What Judges Are Doing
Along with raising awareness of adoption, National Adoption Day is a massive push to find permanency for children through adoption into a safe, loving family. Hundreds of judges across the country open their courtrooms on this Saturday, specifically to finalize as many adoptions as they can. On National Adoption Day 2017, more than 5,000 adoptions were finalized in one day. In total, more than 70,000 children have come home to their families on National Adoption Day since it began.
What You Can Do
You can join in this year’s National Adoption Day. Along with supporting one of the organizations listed above, there are other ways to raise awareness of adoption. Every individual action can make a difference, no matter how seemingly small it may be.
Be a part of National Adoption Day by doing something like…
- Creating an event in your area. This can be a fundraiser, an adoption awareness picnic or any other type of event you come up with. Be creative, and have fun with it!
- Becoming an adoption advocate. The official National Adoption Day website provides an advocate toolkit to get you started. Take a stand for adoption on National Adoption Day.
- Looking for volunteer opportunities. There are National Adoption Day events scheduled all over the country. Many of these events could use your help as a volunteer. Find an event in your area and sign up!
- Sharing with your friends on social media. If you’re active on social media, you can reach thousands of people with a few buttons. One share is all it takes to spread awareness and encourage others to do the same.
These aren’t the only things you can do. If you’ve got your own idea, go for it. You can make the most of National Adoption Day 2018 and spread awareness in your community.
