As we continue to pull-together and disseminate contacts and information collected at The Adoptee Rights Coalition booth, we would like to provide a synopsis of this year’s participation at the National Conference of State Legislatures’ (NCSL) Annual Summit.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the artistic skills of Dory Martin, the booth was constant eye-catcher for all who passed by. The large “DENIED” birth certificate in the center of the banner really caught the viewer’s attention. Thank you to the many adoptees that contributed pictures for the centerpiece display – the banner of faces representing the millions of adopted people across the United States that are denied access to their original birth certificates.
It was not surprising to discover at this convention, and the one in New Orleans (2008), how many legislators were not aware that a number of their constituents are not able to legally obtain a copy of their record of birth. To balance this, however, many legislators said they had received a letter; email or postcard prior to the Philadelphia convention, informing their office of the laws surrounding sealed birth certificates.
Many conversations took place, not only between legislators and Adoptee Rights experts, but also with various exhibitors that also expressed support for adopted persons’ unrestricted access to their original birth certificates. The NSCL is a very effective venue for building alliances and cultivating partnerships, which is extremely important when advocating for Adoptee Rights.
The Adoptee Rights Coalition is deeply indebted to the time and experience of former Maine Senator Paula Benoit, Executive Director of AdopteeCARE, who graciously staffed the booth inside the convention center. Senator Benoit has provided the following overview of her time inside the Exhibit Hall:
We were well received and Legislators were surprisingly interested in knowing more about adoptees not having access to their original birth certificates. If you can believe it possible, some didn’t know this was an issue for adult adoptees!
At least 80 Legislators and 10 staff members from AK, AL, AR, CA, CT, DC, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MD, MN, MO, MS, ND, NE, NM, OH, PA, SD, TX, UT, VA, VT and WI stopped by the information booth inside the conference hall. These are numbers from the lists of names collected at the booth.
I was fortunate to be able to stay in the booth the entire conference and work with Legislators, but that meant I was unable to march in the rally outside. Adoptees, birth mothers and fathers, and adoptive parents were generating energy and excitement within the adoption group and for people passing by the convention center. Many Legislators mentioned they noticed the signs and rally members on their way into the building. Some were impressed with the number of people participating and even more impressed when I told them that everyone working the booth, as well as outside in the rally, were all volunteers.
The response was overwhelmingly positive and I felt very encouraged when the conference concluded. We actually had some Legislators say they would look for us in Kentucky next year! All in all, I would say it was a huge success. We were able to connect with Legislators who can make the changes needed to allow adoptees access, generate excitement within the base of adoptee grassroots groups, email addresses and phone numbers were exchanged, and new friends were bonded for life.
A special thank you to all who donated money to the Philly Rally, please know it was spent wisely and frugally. I look forward to working in Kentucky next year and meanwhile I will be staying in touch with all the legislators we spoke with and continue planting seeds for access legislation. Every Legislator has been sent an email message thanking them for their time and for stopping by the booth (or hand written note if email not available) and a copy of Maine’s bill LD1084 – An Act to Provide Adult Adoptees Access to their Original Birth Certificates, plus a list of bullet points we used in Maine while lobbying for the bill’s passage. They have my email and phone number for follow up conversations.
Please consider joining us next year in Kentucky, everyone is welcome. The work is never done until every adult adoptee born in the United State s has access to their original birth certificate.
Onward!!
Paula Benoit
Executive Director
Adoptee Council for Adoption Reform Education
www.adopteecare.com
The Adoptee Rights Coalition and AdopteeCARE continue to contact legislators and promote uncompromised restored access for all Americans. We urge all supporters of Adoptee Rights to initiate and remain in contact with their local representatives, and encourage the initiation of state legislation that will restore unrestricted access to original birth certificates.
They’ve heard from us — now let them hear from you!
Tags: adoptee rights · Adoptee Rights Demonstration · Adoptee Rights Protest · philadelphia · philly · the adoptee rights demonstration
