Apr

26

Volunteers Needed!

Filed Under Adoptee Rights Activism, Adoptee Rights Protest | Leave a Comment 

Hi all,

I’m beginning to put together a list of volunteers for the Day for Adoptee Rights event. Please let me know if you can do any of the stuff listed below…

1. Transportation. Anyone driving to NOLA? We’ll need someone with a car or two to help us buying picket materials, bottled water, sunscreen, etc., and then the morning of the protest transporting everything to Lafayette Park.

2. Protest Monitors. Monitors will help with crowd control before and during the protest. Monitors will keep folks marching to the Morial Center from straying from the approved route, and once at the Convention Center will ensure that picketing is done legally. Monitor training and specific duties and instruction will be provided the night before the protest at the picket making party.

3. Clean up crew. I know, this is a shitty duty, but someone had to do it. Mainly making sure that Lafayette Park is clean after we leave. But a lot of it can be done by making sure that protesters dispose of their trash during the protest. House keeping announcements will be made during the protest.

4 Public Relations. Anyone with experience in dealing with the press or other media? Step on up, we can use you!

Ok that’s it for now. You can respond here on the site, by private message, or by email to me at bb_church@adopteerights.net

Thanks!

Ron

Apr

21

OHIO ACTION ALERT

Filed Under Adoptee, Adoptee Rights Activism, Adoption, Letter to Leggie, Task Force Mission | Leave a Comment 

BUCKEYES FOR EQUAL ACCESS:

OPEN RECORDS FOR ALL OHIO ADOPTEES

PLEASE DISTRIBUTE FREELY

OHIO ACTION ALERT

BUCKEYES FOR EQUAL ACCESS  SAYS:

OHIO ADOPTEES NEED YOUR HELP NOW!

SUB BILL ERASES BIRTH CERTIFICATE ACCESS

BeaOhio: beaohio@gmail.com http://www.myspace.com/beaohio

On April 16, 2008 a substitute bill for HB 7, an adoption/fostercare reform bill, which included original birth certificate access for all post-1963 adopted adults without restriction, was introduced in the Ohio House Health The sub bill, (also called LSC 127 0671-4), deletes all reference to obc access found in the original bill; thus, maintaining the current 3-tiered yes-no-maybe system that divides obc access by date of adoption/date of birth and first parent permission.*

BILL INFORMATION

Original HB 7:   http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=127_HB_7 (click on link at left)

Sub HB 7:   http://www.adoptionnetwork.org/filegallery.asp?f=270&linkId=1346 (2n square on right—pdf.)

HEARING

A hearing on Sub Bill 7 bill is scheduled for 4:00 PM, Wednesday, April 23 in Room 017 (basement) of the Statehouse Testimony requesting the reinstatement of unrestricted obc access can be given.  Bring 20 copies of your testimony for the committee.   If you can’t testify, then come to support.

If you plan to testify please call Kara Joseph in Rep. Tom Brinkman’s office at  614-644-6886.

We have been told that another hearing on Sub Bill 7 will probably be held on Wednesday, April 30 so save that date, too.  Please check with our MySpace page for updates.  http://www.myspace.com/beaohio

FULL ACCESS MUST BE RETURNED!

CONTACT

If you are an Ohio adoptee, birthparent, adoptive parent or currently live in Ohio or have an Ohio connection, please contact the Health Committee today and urge them to:

  • Support HB 7 as written. Reject Sub Bill 7 unless the exact unrestricted access language from the original HB 7 is restored.
  • Support the addition of a contact preference form, if presented.
  • Reject all attempts to restrict obc access to any adopted adult for any reason through disclosure vetoes or other methods.

TALKING POINTS—HB 7 as written

  • is inclusive.  It acknowledges a legally, morally, and ethically correct one-size-fits all standard of identity and records rights for all adopted persons. It treats the adopted the same as the non-adopted.
  • treats all Ohio adoptees equally. It abolishes the discriminatory 3-tiered access system based on date of birth, date of adoption availability, or birth parent permission.
  • does not open original birth certificates and other records to the public.
  • does not change adoption procedures
  • is pro-adoption. It is not controversial. It reflects best practice adoption standards.  Unrestricted access to the original birth certificate is a priority of every adoption reform organization in the US. Unrestricted access is supported by the majority adoption professionals.
  • is about rights not reunions.  It is about the relation of adoptees to the state.
  • is non-partisan.  In states where access has been restored, Republicans and Democrats sponsored the legislation and voted YES.

If you are a birthparent tell the committee:

  • You were never promised anonymity nor did you ask for it.
  • You do not expect or need “special rights”

If you are an adoptive parent tell the committee:

  • Your son or daughter is not a second class citizen; he or she deserves the same right of identity and public records access as the not-adopted.
  • Adoption is a strong institution and can only be strengthened in Ohio by openness and truth.

*Current Ohio law:

  • Persons adopted before January 1, 1964:  unrestricted access
  • Persons adopted January 1, 1964-September 18, 1996:  access by court order
  • Persons adopted September 19, 1996-present:  unrestricted access at age of majority unless a birthparent has filed a disclosure veto with the state; then the adoptee is barred from receiving a copy of their original birth certificate—the public record of their own birth.

PLEASE E-MAIL, WRITE, CALL, or FAX THE MEMBERS OF OHIO HOUSE HEALTH COMMITTEE IMMEDIATELY. TELL THEM TO SUPPORT HB 7 AS WRITTEN AND THAT ANY RESTRICTION TO ACCESS IS UNACCEPTABLE TO OHIO ADOPTEES.  TELL THEM YOUR LIFE AND RIGHTS COUNT.

The most important members to contact, by phone even if you talk to their aides, are Representatives Matt Huffman (R-Lima), Robert Mecklenborg (R-Cincinnati), and Speaker of the House Jon Husted.

*Speaker Jon Husted

77 S. High St.

Columbus, OH 43215-6111

Telephone: (614) 466-5316

Fax:  (614) 719-3591

Email Address:  district37@odr.state.oh.us

HEALTH COMMITTEE:

Chair:
*Lynn Wachtmann (R)
District 75
77 S. High St
11th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 466-3760
Fax : (614) 719-3975
Email Address: district75@ohr.state.oh.us

Ranking Minority Member:
Brian G. Williams (D)
District 41
77 S. High St
10th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 644-5085
Fax : (614) 719-6941
Email Address: district41@ohr.state.oh.us

Members:
Barbara Boyd (D)
District 09
77 S. High St
10th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 644-5079
Fax : (614) 719-0009
Email Address: district09@ohr.state.oh.us

Edna Brown (D)
District 48
77 S. High St
10th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 466-1401
Fax : (614) 719-6948
Email Address: district48@ohr.state.oh.us

Michael DeBose (D)
District 12
77 S. High St
10th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 466-1408
Fax : (614) 719-3912
Email Address: district12@ohr.state.oh.us

Lorraine M. Fende (D)
District 62
77 S. High St
11th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 466-7251
Fax : (614) 719-3962
Email Address: district62@ohr.state.oh.us

Bruce W. Goodwin (R)
District 74
77 S. High St
13th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 644-5091
Fax : (614) 719-3974
Email Address: district74@ohr.state.oh.us

Jay Hottinger (R)
District 71
77 S. High St
13th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 466-1482
Fax : (614) 719-3971
Email Address: district71@ohr.state.oh.us

Matt Huffman (R)
District 04
77 S. High St
11th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 466-9624
Fax : (614) 719-0004
Email Address: district04@ohr.state.oh.us

Shannon Jones (R)
District 67
Assistant Majority Whip
77 S. High St
11th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 644-6027
Fax : (614) 719-3967
Email Address: district67@ohr.state.oh.us

Tom Letson (D)
District 64
77 S. High St
11th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 466-5358
Fax : (614) 719-3964
Email Address: district64@ohr.state.oh.us

*Robert Mecklenborg (R)
District 30
77 S. High St
14th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 466-8258, or in district
Fax : (614) 719-3584
Email Address: district30@ohr.state.oh.us

Robert J. Otterman (D)
District 45
77 S. High St
10th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 644-6037
Fax : (614) 719-6945
Email Address: district45@ohr.state.oh.us

W. Scott Oelslager (R)
District 51
77 S. High St
13th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 752-2438
Fax : (614) 719-6951
Email Address: district51@ohr.state.oh.us

Robert F. Hagan (D)
District 60
77 S. High St
11th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 466-9435
Fax : (614) 719-3960
Email Address: district60@ohr.state.oh.us

James T. Raussen (R)
District 28
77 S. High St
13th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 466-8120
Fax : (614) 719-3582
Email Address: district28@ohr.state.oh.us

Chris Redfern (D)
District 80
77 S. High St
10th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 644-6011
Fax : (614) 719-6980
Email Address: district80@ohr.state.oh.us

Carol-Ann Schindel (R)
District 63
77 S. High St
11th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 644-6074
Fax : (614) 719-3963
Email Address: district63@ohr.state.oh.us

Fred Strahorn (D)
District 40
Assistant Minority Whip
77 S. High St
14th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 466-2960
Fax : (614) 719-6940
Email Address: district40@ohr.state.oh.us

Joseph W. Uecker (R)
District 66
77 S. High St
11th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 466-8134
Fax : (614) 719-3966
Email Address: district66@ohr.state.oh.us

Shawn N. Webster (R)
District 53
77 S. High St
13th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 644-5094
Fax : (614) 719-6953
Email Address: district53@ohr.state.oh.us

Kenny Yuko (D)
District 07
77 S. High St
11th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 466-8012
Fax : (614) 719-0007
Email Address: district07@ohr.state.oh.us

Cut and Paste NOTE:  addys have no names):

district41@ohr.state.oh.us, district09@ohr.state.oh.us
district48@ohr.state.oh.us, district12@ohr.state.oh.us
district62@ohr.state.oh.us,  district74@ohr.state.oh.us
district71@ohr.state.oh.us, district04@ohr.state.oh.us
district67@ohr.state.oh.us, district64@ohr.state.oh.us
district30@ohr.state.oh.us, district45@ohr.state.oh.us
district51@ohr.state.oh.us, district60@ohr.state.oh.us
district28@ohr.state.oh.us, district80@ohr.state.oh.us
district63@ohr.state.oh.us, district40@ohr.state.oh.us
district66@ohr.state.oh.us, district53@ohr.state.oh.us
district07@ohr.state.oh.us, district37@odr.state.oh.us,

district75@ohr.state.oh.us

Apr

21

Site down 9:00 pm PST

Filed Under thumbs up | Leave a Comment 

The site will be down from 9:00 pm PST to 12:00 am PST tonight, Monday April 21st 2008.

We are installing a new form to make registration for the protest much easier and smoother. As well as adding a couple of new features.

Thanks!

The Adoptee Rights Committee

Apr

19

Vital Records: The Debate on Adoptee Rights

Filed Under Adoptee, Adoptee Rights Activism | 3 Comments 

This is a 3 part series. So if you have about 30 minutes, sit back and watch what I feel is a good debate on Open Records and Adoptee Rights. For the emotional ( like myself ) grab some kleenex.

Apr

8

Exhibitors Booth #246!!!!

Filed Under Adoptee, Adoptee Rights Activism, Adoptee Rights Protest | 2 Comments 

jazzexhibitorsboothannoucement1.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

Our acceptance letter for our Exhibitors Booth at the Annual State Legislatures Convention in New Orleans arrived today!!!!!!!! I couldn’t be more thrilled!! Thank you to everyone who has contributed donations in the past year towards the Adoptee Rights Demonstration. Thank you so much to Bastard Nation for splitting the booth with us and accompanying us inside the Exhibitors Hall to discuss Unconditional Open Records for Adult Adoptees.

This Exhibitors Booth is going to put us into contact with all of the people who need to hear how right we are about unconditional open records for adult adoptees. We will be able to discuss our message with all of our state leaders, broaden our contacts with state officials, as well as teach us about important legislative issues we may be able to support in return.

To get an idea of whats going on during the entire week of the protest here is the operating schedule for the Exhibitors booth. We will be protesting Tuesday July 22, 2008 and will have representatives in the Exhibitors booth the entire time its open.

 

Exhibitors Booth floor plan w/ our booth highlighted!!!

 

There are over 900 available exhibitors booths and they appear to be filling up pretty fast! We have been assigned booth number #246 and going by the floor plan it appears that we’re in a pretty good location!

People from all walks of life will be attending the National Conference of State Legislatures, for a full list click on “Current Exhibitors List” at the bottom of this page.

 

I invite you all to check out the NCSL website and read their pages on the Exhibitors Booths to get the full report of exactly how much you have paid for here! I also just added an rss feed from their blog to the side bar:

<<<<<<<< over there.

If you don’t know what an “rss” feed is, it takes introductions from their posts, on their blog, and puts them on my sidebar so our viewers can read whats going on from their blog, on our blog. ( say that 10 times real fast!) In short, it shows you their latest updates via the NCSL blog.

I hope you are as stoked as I am, I know many of you have been anticipating this just as much as I have and I couldn’t be more exicited! To me this confirms that even if we didn’t get another thing for the Day for Adoptee Rights, it would still be fabulous!! It would still be worth it!!

These next 3 months are just icing on the cake! Stick around there is more to come soon…

Gershom

 

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