In This Issue:
- Message from Rachel Pratt
- News from the AEA Board of Directors
- Renew Your Membership in AEA
- Other E-Mail Newsletters
- AdoptUsKids is Looking for Nominations for Caseworker of the Month
In This Issue:
Message from Rachel Pratt
It was truly a pleasure to plan the 2009 AEA Conference for you. And it was even more of a pleasure to see so many members and friends in Chicago.
Many of you have given me, my staff, and the AEA Board of Directors terrific feedback about the event. You also told us that you would like to see similar conferences in the future and shared your ideas for future cities where you would like to see the AEA Conference.
If you have more to say, please send me an email at rpratt@adoptea.org. I would love to hear from you so that AEA’s next conference can be even better!
News from the AEA Board of Directors
There have been several changes in the AEA Board of Directors over recent weeks. Two members have left the Board, Pinkie Thomas and Linda Woodward. AEA owes a debt of gratitude to these individuals for their years of service. Thank you.
While remaining on the AEA Board of Directors, Carolyn Smith has stepped down as Secretary. Going through old files, I cannot find a time when Carolyn Smith did not serve AEA. I first came in contact with her when I was interviewing for the position of CEO. Working with Carolyn as a member of the Executive Committee the past two years has been truly a pleasure. Even though retired from her paid professional career with children and families, Carolyn has remained a steadfast supporter of the work we all do. I know that it was not an easy choice to take this step back from AEA, but I am sure that her husband, children, and grandchildren will appreciate more time with her! On behalf of myself and the entire AEA Board of Directors, I want to express to Carolyn tremendous gratitude for the many years she has been the organization’s Secretary.
At the last Board meeting, Jacqueline Wilson was elected to replace Carolyn Smith as Secretary. Thanks to Jackie for agreeing to serve AEA in this way.
Finally, following an election among the membership, AEA has several Board members just beginning new four-year terms. Congratulations to those who were re-elected and those who are entirely new to the Board. And thanks to the many AEA members who participated in the election.
Re-Elected
Colleen Ellingson (Wisconsin)
Ernesto Loperena (New York)
Marilyn Panichi (Illinois)
Barbara Pearson (Washington)
Maria Quintanilla (California)
Jackie Wilson (Pennsylvania)Newly Elected
Bob Rooks (Florida)
Renew Your Membership in AEA
In this conference year, many new members have joined the Adoption Exchange Association. Join or renew now and you will be in terrific company!
Why should your organization become a member of the Adoption Exchange Association? As a member, YOU are the Adoption Exchange Association and have a voice in shaping the organization and how it serves you. All membership levels include features and assistance to help you run your organizations and get more children adopted.
Individual and Organization Membership
- Monthly electronic AEA newsletter sent to your home or office (printed version available if preferred)
- One copy of all new AEA and AdoptUsKids publications (new members receive copies of past publications as well)
- Your organization’s link on the membership page of the AEA website
- Discount registration for all AEA Conferences
- Opportunities to get out the word about your organizations through articles in the AEA newsletter
- The chance to participate in the planning of the AEA conference.
Premier Membership
All of the above plus:
- Your organization’s link on the home page of the AEA website
- The opportunity to enroll first in new organizational support features as they are developed, including shared purchasing and discount subscriptions—coming soon a new AEA website and an interactive ning.com site!
Other E-Mail Newsletters
There are a host of e-mail newsletters in our field. To subscribe to some of the national adoption-related newsletters, follow the links below.
Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute
http://www.adoptioninstitute.org/mail.phpAnnie E. Casey Foundation
http://www.aecf.org/Newsroom/NewsletterSubscribe.aspxABA Child Law Practice OnLine (fee charged for subscription, but you can join the listserv for free)
http://www.abanet.org/child/clp/subscribe.htmlChildren’s Rights
https://secure2.convio.net/cr/site/ConsProfileUser?JServSessionIdr009=s36etk7v19.app5aNational Foster Care Coalition (policy alerts)
http://nationalfostercare.org/policy/policyalerts.phpFor AdoptUsKids Monday Morning Memo, simply send an email to kledesma@adoptuskids.org, asking to be put on the list to receive this weekly update.
If you have other on-line newsletters that you like and want to share, please send the links to Rachel Pratt at rpratt@adoptea.org
AdoptUsKids is Looking for Nominations for Caseworker of the Month
AdoptUsKids highlights the great work of caseworkers across the country, from a variety of agencies, backgrounds, and experience levels. Caseworkers are featured on www.adoptuskids.org and www.adopte1.org and a press release is sent to the local media in the caseworker’s own community. AdoptUsKids also provides a framed certificate to the awardee. If you know of caseworkers that are deserving of this award, please send the nomination (including the caseworker’s workers name, email address, agency affiliation) to Kate Kirkpatrick at kkirkpatrick@adoptuskids.org.
Because all children need families, the Adoption Exchange Association serves its members by stimulating innovative solutions, eliminating barriers, advocating, educating, and sharing excellent practice. Our central goal is to assist and encourage our members nationwide as they find adoptive families for all children and youth who wait in foster care.
Member News
MARE, the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange, began an online fundraising auction on June 1st, 2009. New items are posted every day. To learn more, become a sponsor, donate an item, or bid on one of the fabulous offerings before the auction closes —visit www.MARE.auction.cmarket.com.
On May 30th, The Adoption Exchange held a 5K Run/Walk out of its Utah office, to benefit waiting children.
NACAC will hold its 35th Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio from August 13-15, 2009. the theme of this year’s conference is Family Connections: Roots of Success. To find out more, www.nacac.org.
Adoption Rhode Island has moved from Pawtucket to Providence. Their new offices are at Two Bradford Street, Providence, RI 02903. ARI is also celebrating 25 years of serving the children and families of Rhode Island. You can email your congratulations to adoptionri@adoptionri.org.
It was a busy spring for Maryland’s Adoptions Together as they held two conferences—the 14th Annual Kids Connection Conference on March 29th and an Attachment Conference for Parents on April 25th. For more information about these or upcoming events, visit www.adoptionstogether.org/events.
In November 2008, the Latino Family Institute launched its new newsletter, La Gaviota. In Spanish and English, this glossy publication is full of events and articles of interest to families and professionals alike. To be placed on the mailing list, call 626-472-0123.
On March 14th, the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange partnered with the Lansing area adoption agencies and local Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiters on a matching fair with a science theme. At the Science Fair Challenge, families conducted experiments and picnics were provided. For more information about this event, contact MARE at 800-589-MARE.
The Adoption Exchange held its 21st Annual Fantasy Ball benefit on November 28, 2008 in Denver. The Western themed event—more than 450 guest dressed in Western attire and a Texas Swing band —raised more than $265,000 to benefit Colorado’s waiting children. Congratulations to The Adoption Exchange on this successful event!
Make sure AEA is on your mailing list so that all members can hear about your
upcoming events, promising practices, and successes.
Adoption Exchange Association | 8015 Corporate Drive, Suite C | Baltimore, MD 21236 | 410.933.5700 | www.adoptea.org
