Why A Membership in the Association?

Dear Ethiopia Adoptive Family,

We are excited to invite you to the launch of the most comprehensive association for Ethiopia adoptive families. This association was founded by Duni Zenaye (www.EthioStork.com) and Caleb and Rebecca David (www.onechildcampaign.com). Based on the premise that together we can do much greater things, we are locking arms to serve Ethiopia adoptive families and the country of their children's origin. As an adoptive family and adoption professional we would love to hear from you on how you desire to support the Ethiopian people and give you a voice! We cordially invite you to become a member of this community of ambassadors by going to our website - www.ethiopiaadoptivefamilies.org - and printing off your membership forms and starting your membership subscription right away.

Sincerely,

Duni Zenaye

Caleb and Rebecca David

Background: 

The number of children being adopted from Ethiopia by American families has more than doubled in the last four years. With this increased number the need for an association that represents families both in the states as well as within Ethiopia has become necessary.   For almost all adoptive families their source of information as well as their bridge to their child’s birth country remains to be their placing agency.  This proves to be unsatisfactory as well as an unrealistic expectation. Agencies’ main responsibility is placement and is usually unable to meet the various needs of adoptive families such as tracing birth families, linking adoptive families to cultural and other resources adoptive families find necessary as their children grow up. The association will work to advocate for adoptive families to ensure their interest is considered in Ethiopia and to build positive image of adoption in Ethiopia.

Most adoptive families want to somehow remain connected to their child’s birth country. This may be difficult to accomplish as an individual but can be accomplished through setting up a society that gives back to Ethiopia in various ways.

Mission Statement and Vision:

To engage and activate adoptive families of Ethiopian children to affect long term, sustainable orphan care in Ethiopia through domestic Ethiopian adoption/foster care awareness, family-based care and charitable giving projects in Ethiopia through membership in this association.  While families are giving back to their children’s birth country in various ways, our mission is to also provide services, awareness and updates to US families to support the family and learn more about their child’s heritage and background. This association will also give adoptive families more voice in the formation of future adoption policies.

Purpose of the Association:

1.     Create positive Image:  Most Ethiopian adoption policies or regulations that affect adoption negatively are created because of the bad perception the general public in Ethiopia has about intercountry adoption. This is due to the lack of awareness about intercountry adoption.  The association will work to increase knowledge among the public about adoption as well as respond to negative media that is not based on fact. It will work to inform the general public about what intercountry adoption is and also report on children who have been adopted through various media outlets. This will show the true side of adoption, changing the perception of the public and policy makers.

2.     Be a voice in Ethiopia on behalf of adoptive families in regards to any activities relating to adoption.

3.     Be a voice in the US on behalf of adoptive families in policies and activities relating to adoption

4.     Conduct background investigations and birth parent tracings for member adoptive families

5.     Give l consultation to member families in regards to their current or past adoption

6.     Arrange travel and other accommodations for adoptive families.

7.    On behalf of adoptive families, work with government and non government organizations to develop alternative care for orphan and vulnerable children.

8.     On behalf of adoptive families, provide annual aid and grants to development projects

9.     Provide newsletters to members and information that is relevant to adoptive families

10.   Provide training and seminars on post adoption, transracial adoption, culture etc.

11.  To identify practical needs of trustworthy NGO's in Ethiopia and raise awareness for their needs

12.  To provide multiple vision trips each year to Ethiopia

13.  To connect families and communities with capital projects and causes to champion

Membership:

In order to fulfill our mission, it takes not only passion and community, but also funding. There is a monthly membership due of $29/family for the resources, expertise and services available to your family. Families can also give yearly at a discounted amount of $339. These fees will help us reach our goals of giving back as an association of adoptive families, back to the nation of Ethiopia in practical, measurable ways. This membership will give you access to discounted services and resources of EthioStork (www.ethiostork.com) and the humanitarian outreach of One Child Campaign (www.onechildcampaign.com) In addition, being a member of EAFA, will not only bring a profound sense of community and support but also brings a unified voice from adoptive families all over the United States to the Ethiopia people and government that we are here for them. Together, we can make a significant difference!

For more information:

Please email us at membership@ethiopiaadoptivefamilies.org or find the Fan Page on Facebook "Ethiopia Adoptive Families Association" or even follow us on Twitter "AdoptEthiopia".