A few weeks back I was invited to participate in the “Meet the Bloggers” session at the Adoption Ethics and Accountability conference, but will be unable to attend. One of the most disappointing things about not going is that I won’t be able to finally meet some pretty incredible people like Linh Song, Indigo Willing and our very own Jae Ran from Harlow’s Monkey.
During the Reception on Monday evening, October 15th, you will have the opportunity to “Meet the Bloggers”. For those unfamiliar with blogs, they are a form of internet social networking, i.e., digital communities. Some blogs provide commentary or news on different subjects such as food, politics, or local news; others function more as personal online diaries. Blogs are interactive; readers are able to leave comments, which then generates online discussion. The bloggers participating in this session will also cover the conference on their blogs, sharing observations and interviews with the online community. Be sure to check out their sites before, during, and after the conference.
In this casual session we have an exciting opportunity for conference attendees to meet bloggers who are making waves in the adoption community. The blogosphere has become the new platform for adoption activists and a way to inform the community, allowing triad members and professionals to organize and build upon the adoption experience. Join us as we meetthe people behind the blogs and learn how they’ve revitalized the community. Bloggers from all perspectives – adoptees, first parents, adoptive parents, and activists – have been invited. The following bloggers have confirmed – check back to see the list grow.
David Kruchkow-The Adoption Agency Checklist
David’s website paved the way for bloggers seeking information on how to assess adoption agencies and avoid adoption fraud. His personal experience, subsequent community organizing, and continued advocacy for transparency brings thousands of visitors to his website.
Desiree and David Smolin-Fleas Biting
The Smolin family’s blog details adoption fraud, corruption, and other unethical practices and has proven to be a vital resource for prospective adoptive families. A critical voice, the blog advocates that there is no room for injustice in international adoption.
Jennifer Hemsley-Great Wall China Adoption Nightmare
Jennifer is an adoptive mother with a painful experience of attempting to adopt a child from China . Her story has motivated her to inform the community of the intricacies and possible pitfalls in international adoption.
Elizabeth Case-Beware of bbas.org
Elizabeth ’s site pre-dated blogs but inspired other families to share their experiences with adoption fraud as well as help families navigate the structure of international adoption.
Margie Perscheid-Third Mom
Margie is the adoptive mother of two Korean teens and co-founder of Korean Focus. She thinks out loud on her blog about intercountry adoptive parenting, adoptive parent responsibilities toward their children and the adoption community, and truth in adoption.
Claudia Corrigan D’Arcy-Musings of the Lame
Claudia is a domestic first mother who has lent her writing and community organization talents to her blog as well as Origins USA. She has rallied the triad against injustices against vulnerable parents as well as covered issues on open records and informed consent.
Sorry to hear you won’t be able to attend the event – but it’s a great sign for the blogging community that you were asked to be there for that session.
Thanks, Vk.
Yeah, I agree. It is a great sign and hopefully we’ll see more of these kinds of sessions at other conferences. I hope someone takes along a video camera. It would be great to be able to peek in on some of the discussions!
Here is an interesting link regarding one of the ap bloggers:
http://emmabug.typepad.com/emmabug/2007/08/johnny-visit-a.html
Well Kathy, if all of that is true, then hopefully she’s learned a few things since then. If not, then it shouldn’t take long for it to become apparent and there will be some competent people there who I know will call her on it.
Aw, I wish you could have gone. And I wish people would budget to bring in really great speakers at totally exhorbitant, almost extortionary fees to these things. But maybe next year.