I am a firm believer that adoptive parents have an obligation to find ways to give back to "something". Adoptive parents are often portrayed as being selfish and uncaring about the challenges and issues existing in this world that make orphans available in the first place. Transracial adoptive parents are often accused by critics of transracial adoption of not really caring about their children's country and/or culture of birth.

While our priority as transracial adoptive parents must be raising the wonderful and incredible children that we have been entrusted with to the very best of our abilities, I also believe that that includes giving back in some way. I think that if we just swoop in to a country and bring our child home and never give a second thought to the issues that made our child an orphan in the first place, that we are living up to what the critics think of us. I have said this before, but I can't help but think what could be accomplished if every adoptive parent did some act of charity, big or small.

So, enough preaching. :) Here are some ways you can find a way to get involved, and some tips. If you have a thought or idea, please leave a comment.

- Find an established organization. While I write a lot about AHOPE because that is what I am involved in and what I am passionate about, there are many other worthy causes to support. Another great organization is Love Without Borders, and I have mentioned several others in my "Gifts with Meaning" posts. Established organization are usually ready and waiting for help and support, and can provide ways big or small for you to do something for a cause you feel passionate about. There are programs to help orphans, programs to help families living in poverty, programs to help people with diseases, programs to help prevent people from getting diseases, programs to support young, unwed mothers and countless others. Find what appeals to you and dive in!

- Don't feel pressure to think "big". Most families are already overwhelmed with the obligations of family life and obviously your family is your top priority. Even small things can make big differences.

- Ask your adoption agency what you can do. Often adoption agencies have supply needs, sponsorship programs for children left behind or other things that adoptive families can do to be involved.

- Sponsor a child. This is just a simple, easy way to make a real difference in the life of one child. Every child and every life counts.

- Do a drive for an orphanage or an adoption agency and gather needed items and supplies. Many adoptive families do this instead of having a baby shower (or in addition to) and they are very successful.

- Hold a fundraiser for a worthy cause.

- Volunteer your time and expertise to something. We often think of charitable acts as giving money in some way, but often our time and talents are just as valuable resources.

- Just as I recommend you research adoption agencies very carefully, always research organizations before sending any money.

- Just do it. If you wait until you feel you have the time or the money or whatever to help, you will never do it.

- Choose something you are passionate about, as that will make it much more likely that you will stay involved.

If you have anything to add, please leave a comment.


*If you have not yet participated, make sure you visit this post and enter the fun giveaway for National Adoption Month thanks to Curls.