Writing the Column
by Joan Clark, Executive Director, ACONE
What do you expect in a newsletter column?
How can a column reflect an organization and the times?
Writers and editors of newsletters have always been faced with the question of what to include in an upcoming edition. What is timely? What is necessary? Does the edition let people know what the organization is about?
I have been a part of the writing and production of this newsletter for more years than I wish to acknowledge. I have seen it grow from newspaper format to the desktop publishing format, and the numbers of pages expand to allow for the sharing of more information.
Over the years there been have certain themes prevalent for certain editions. For instance, February is the Annual Conference edition, with a picture of the keynote speaker. If you have been involved with a newsletter, whether for a school, house of worship or workplace, you know what I am talking about. A good newsletter reflects its roots or organizational backers while addressing current issues.
The front page of this edition of News was in outline form months ago. It was to have the last minute Adoption Awareness information article, the waiting child photo with information and a second article. That other article cannot be written, because the event that was to have been covered never took place. It was the Congressional Coalition for Adoption Awards Dinner scheduled for Tuesday evening, September 11, 2001 in Washington, DC.
Since the original idea for this section of the newsletter was no longer viable, what should go here? Should it be another statement of support for the families so tragically affected by the terrorists' attacks? Should it be regular adoption information? What would fit the criteria of timely, necessary and reflective of our organization?
I have decided to hopefully give some insight into how the tragic events of September 11th have and have not changed the challenges in the adoption community.
The children in foster care and orphanages on September 10th still need permanent families. The adoptees and birth families in the process of search and reunion still need to continue their journeys. The women considering an adoption plan for their unborn child still need counseling and support. People wanting to adopt still need help in their process.
What has changed already is the projection for funding for special needs adoption services. Not surprisingly, I have received information about bills whose original level of funding is now in question. Also, for those wanting to adopt from another country, or from another part of this country, the travel requirement may now present a barrier. Those deciding to travel, anyway, are already receiving additional comments about their decisions.
As members of the adoption triad, each of us has experienced some loss to get to this point. If we believe in the saying that "what doesn't break us makes us stronger", then we as the adoption community, a minority within our country, should be among the stronger members of our society. We should be able to balance the call for sympathy and support for the grieving families and loved ones with our commitment to the needs of waiting children and other triad members.
The adoption community should continue to move forward to identify the needs of waiting children. It should also continue to support all members of the triad in their personal journeys.
As a community as well as individual members of the triad, our thoughts and prayers remain with those most affected by the tragic events of September 11, 2201 - the victims, their families and relief workers.
