Ok everyone!! The educational conference is coming right up! It is March 8th, from 11am - 4pm, with a social afterward. If you haven't signed up yet, and want to come, please send an email to
malisasims@gmail.com ASAP! These classes are geared toward 'beginners', but everyone is welcome to attend! I have been attending these conferences for almost 5 years now, and I learn something new every time. It will be held at the Glenridge Building (behind the temple). This is a great opportunity to talk about adoption, get your questions answered, and connect with people who are going through or have gone through what you are experiencing.
Here is the list of classes to get you excited!
Welcome / Malisa Sims: The president of FSA will introduce LDSFS caseworkers, welcome statement.
Adult Adoptee / Eric Stidman : An adult adoptee will share his story of growing up adopted, and his perspective of adoption. There will be an opportunity for questions.
Transracial Adoption / Angela Drane: Discuss the joys and challenges of transracial adoption, and how to educate yourself to be prepared for starting a multi-cultural family.
Loss in Adoption / Vonae Tanner: How to recover emotionally from losses experienced in adoption, including infertility, failed adoptions, loss of biological connection and other difficult experiences.
Open adoption and birthparent relationships / Linzee Carroll: How to establish and navigate the sometimes complex relationship between birth family and adoptive family. Explanation of what open adoption means, and ideas for handling the blessings and challenges of an open adoption.
Birthmother Panel / LDSFS: A birthmother who has worked with LDSFS will share her experience of placing a baby for adoption, and give insight into another side of the adoption triad. There will an opportunity for questions.
Networking and Other Adoption Options / Shanna Witbeck: Review the ‘Someone’s Missing’ booklet, ideas will be given for networking and searching for adoption opportunities. Also briefly review using other agencies, international adoption and foster care.
Talking About Adoption / Brenda Alder: Tips on talking to your child about adoption, and how to answer questions they may have. How to deal with comments from friends and strangers, and promoting adoption friendly language.
Legal and Tax Issues / David Tanner: Discussion of the legal process of adopting, and the role of agency workers, adoptive and birth parents, and lawyers. Also includes a brief overview of the federal adoption tax credit.
Cool things about this conference:
***As far as I know, all 3 caseworkers from LDSFS are planning to be there! If you want to meet and get to know the caseworkers who are helping you find your baby, this is a great opportunity!
***Eric Stidman (our adult adoptee) is in the bishopbric of the Glenridge ward. He has a really great story, and it will be awesome to hear him speak!
***Angela Drane, our past FSA president, will have her
adorable new baby as a 'visual aid' for her transracial adoption class... I can't wait to kiss those cute cheeks!
***Birthmother panel- hands down, this is always my favorite part. Hannah has arranged for a birthmother to come and share her story. I don't think I will ever get tired of hearing different birthmothers talk about their experience!
***If you haven't yet met the FSA board, we will all be there! I can't wait to meet all of you, or reconnect with those I have already met.
***All that for only $10! LOL!
There are a lot of other cool things, but I will stop there! Please come, and if you have any ideas for us, please let us know! The contact information can be found at the bottom of the blog page.
Hope to see you there!
Shanna Witbeck, Education co-chair
Hi! We are working to get some FSA t-shirts! We are planning to have them for the fall conference (Aug.). But we need some HELP!! If you have an idea for a design to put on the shirt, please, please let us know! I am no help at all- really creatively challenged. So those of you who are creative, or those who really want a t-shirt, help us think of a design!