The Adoptee Rights Demonstration

While the protest happens outside the convention center each year, there’s work going on inside the building as well. With all the attention the demonstration itself gets, we wanted to take a moment to highlight the hard work going on inside the exhibit hall at the NCSL Annual Legislative Summit.

What is the NCSL?

From their website: “The National Conference of State Legislatures is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the nation’s 50 states, its commonwealths and territories. NCSL provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues. NCSL is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of state governments before Congress and federal agencies.”

What is the NCSL Legislative Summit?

The Summit is the largest convention of the NCSL. Over 5,000 legislators, legislative staff, government officials, business representatives, union members, foundation representatives and others interested in public policy are in attendance.

Why a booth at the Summit?

The National Conference of State Legislatures is the largest group of its kind, the national organization of state lawmakers, the people who decide whether you may access your birth certificate … OR NOT. The Adoptee Rights Coalition believes maintaining a presence both protesting outside the convention center, while staffing a booth inside the exhibit hall, sends a message to our elected officials that we, their voting constituents, take this matter very seriously. We believe that networking with other exhibitors raises awareness in organizations that may be a benefit to adoptee rights advocates.

The Exhibit Hall is open for three days during the convention, during which time the booth is staffed by those with legislative experience in their home states. Our handout materials focus on restoring unconditional access to original birth certificates as a basic right. During our time in the booth, we collect contact information to provide follow up correspondence with legislators, staff and other attendees during the year. Our state legislators are able to meet with us in a relaxed, casual atmosphere, and have the opportunity to learn about the discrimination faced by their own constituents in a venue conducive to education. The legislators remember us from year to year, and often mention correspondence they received during our letter writing campaigns.

The Adoptee Rights Coalition is proud to be an NCSL Exhibitor, and believe this is an effective means of raising awareness in those who control access to our birth certificates. We are very grateful to those who take time away from their families and employers to work the booth, and to those whose generous contributions offset our expense of renting this exhibit space each year.