|
Korean American
Adoptee Adoptive Family Network |
News
October 14, 2009 |
Subscribe or Unsubscribe |
|
News About KAAN |
|
2010 KAAN Conference |
|
Mark your calendars for next summer’s KAAN conference, The Road Ahead, to be held in Hershey, PA on July 23-25, 2010. We will soon begin accepting proposals for conference sessions. Detailed information about how to submit these proposals will be released later this month. We look forward to gathering again as a community to listen, debate, learn, and share with one another. Invite your friends to be a part of this important event! |
|
KAAN 2010 Call for Session Proposals |
|
The 2010 KAAN Conference will be held in Hershey, PA from July 23-25, 2010. Our theme is The Road Ahead. This theme is relevant as Korea looks at closing international adoption, as racial discussions and perspectives continue to evolve in the United States, and as North Korea’s situation changes every day with questions of war, reunification, and human rights on the forefront. What wisdom can KAAN presenters and participants bring to these discussions? How can we listen and respond to each other and the world around us? How can we as a community support adoptees and adoptive parents of all ages? We are currently soliciting presentation and workshop proposals. All proposals are welcome, but of particular interest are those related to this year’s theme. You can find a proposal form at www.kaanconference.com. Click on 2010 Proposal Form in the right hand column. Proposals are due by December 1, 2009. |
A Euro-American on a Korean Tour at a Thai Restaurant in China : With
each chapter examining issues that interethnic adoptive families experience, Chris
Winston weaves her own perspective on her adoption experience with perspectives
related to her by her own children, adopted adults, other adoptive parents, birth
parents, Koreans, Korean Americans, and Asian Americans. While the book’s focus
is on experiences with Korean adoption, the experiences are transferable to inter-ethnic
adoptions from any country. Author's
speaking engagements... |
Pushing Up the Sky : This is the story of a remarkable family facing
incredible challenges of cancer while simultaneously figuring out how to weave their
adopted children's Korean heritage and racial ethnicity into their family. It is a story of
compromises and insights, profound joy, deep suffering, and terrific rewards. Parenting birth
and adopted children — is one theme of this book. Most of all, it is a story on the meaning
of family, and learning to let go of expectations and to forge a new identity. Author's
speaking engagements... |
| Proceeds from book sales support the KAAN Conference. Purchase your copy at www.kaanet.com/books/ | |
|
Mok Kyong-wha, with her son, said that she broke up with her boyfriend while she was pregnant and refused when he asked her to have an abortion. Read More: http://www.nytimes.com |
|
Slide show http://www.nytimes.com |
|
Kathleen English Cadmus, 64, of Columbus, adopted her daughter from South Korea in 1985. Read More: http://www.columbusdispatch.com |
|
The most advanced broadband connections are in South Korea, Japan, and Sweden study finds. Read More: http://www.nytimes.com |
|
Evelyn McCune, the author of "The Arts of Korea," has spent her whole life being an evangelist for Korean culture and arts. Read More: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr |
|
Choo Shin-soo of the Cleveland Indians on Sunday became the first Asian player in Major League Baseball to have a 20-20 season, meaning 20 home runs and 20 steals. Read More http://english.chosun.com |
|
To be Non-white in a Colour-Blind Society: Conversations with Adoptees and Adoptive Parents in Sweden on Everyday Racism This study is based on qualitative interviews with 20 adult international adoptees of colour and 8 adoptive parents with internationally adopted children in Sweden regarding their experiences of racialisation, ethnic identifications and coping strategies. The study finds that the non-white bodies of the adoptees are constantly made significant in their everyday lives in interactions with the white Swedish majority population, whether expressed as 'curious questions' concerning the ethnic origin of the adoptees or as outright aggressive racialisation. The study argues that race has to be taken into consideration by Swedish adoption research and the Swedish adoption community, in order to fully grasp the high occurrence of mental illness among adult adoptees as found by quantitative adoption research. |
|
This is the true story of my life. Every event is portrayed the way it remains in my memory. I have chosen to write it in English because, while I speak Korean fluently, my skills in Korean writing declined in over the four decades I have lived in America. I would not be able to write it in Korean in a way that would impact readers as I intended. I am saddened by this fact, but it is an element of the natural process of becoming a Korean-American and of becoming a half-ripened American. It is a loss but also an advantage of living in both cultures, languages but most of all, the souls of each world. Learn more and purchase the book at http://gracenotesthebook.com |
|
To enable Korean women to have sufficient resources and support to keep their babies if they choose, and thrive in Korean society, rather than feel compelled to give up their children for
adoption or risk a life of poverty. Founded by Dr. Boas http://www.kumsn.org |
|
This blog is about experiences as a Korean adoptee teaching English in Korea. http://birthmotherland.blogspot.com |
|
The 2010 KAAN Conference will be held in Hershey, PA from July 23-25, 2010. Our theme is The Road Ahead. This theme is relevant as Korea looks at closing international adoption, as racial discussions and perspectives continue to evolve in the United States, and as North Korea’s situation changes every day with questions of war, reunification, and human rights on the forefront. What wisdom can KAAN presenters and participants bring to these discussions? How can we listen and respond to each other and the world around us? How can we as a community support adoptees and adoptive parents of all ages? We are currently soliciting presentation and workshop proposals. All proposals are welcome, but of particular interest are those related to this year’s theme. You can find a proposal form at www.kaanconference.com. Click on 2010 Proposal Form in the right hand column. Proposals are due by December 1, 2009. |
|
My name is Jennifer Stewart and I'm a senior studying at Linfield College, McMinnville, OR. I am currently working on an anthropological senior thesis exploring the development of identity in Korean-American adoptees. My research is centered around the idea that “returning home” to Korea can be a profound experience—an experience that may affect their concept of self identification. This work is influenced by the experience and observations gained in my recent study abroad participation in South Korea during spring 2009. I'm hoping that your network can connect me with Korean-American Adoptees who have recently traveled to Korea who I may interview via phone/Skype. These interviews would be completely voluntary
and confidential, and take only as much time as the participants want to give. I hope to present this work at the annual Pacific Sociological Association meeting that takes place from April 8-11, 2010 in Oakland, California. Again, the information will be completely confidential and no identifying information would be presented at this conference. I just hope to further research and knowledge on the development of Korean-American adoptee identity. Please contact Jennifer directly at jestewar@linfield.edu
Jennifer Stewart |
|
SCRIPPS COLLEGE CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA 91711 VISITING LECTURER IN ASIAN AMERICAN STUDIES SPRING SEMESTER 2010 Scripps College, a women's liberal arts college with a strong interdisciplinary tradition, invites applications for a part-time Visiting Lecturer for spring semester 2010 to teach one course in Asian American Labor. Applicants should be ABD or have a Ph.D. in ethnic studies, Asian American Studies, history, psychology, sociology, anthropology, or other disciplines or interdisciplinary studies appropriate to this subject. Teaching experience preferred. Please submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references to: Professor YouYoung Kang, Asian American Studies Search Committee Chair, Scripps College, 1030 Columbia Avenue, Box 4063, Claremont, CA 91711. Committee review of applications will start on October 1, 2009 and continue until the position is filled. For further information about the course, please contact Professor Kathleen S. Yep, Chair of Asian American Studies, via email at Kathleen_Yep@pitzer.edu. Scripps College is one of seven members of The Claremont Colleges cluster located 35 miles east of Los Angeles. In a continuing effort to enrich its academic environment and provide equal educational and employment opportunities, Scripps College actively encourages applications from women and members of historically underrepresented groups. Kathleen S. Yep, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Asian American Studies Affiliate: Sociology Pitzer College of the Claremont Colleges Chair, Intercollegiate Department of Asian American Studies Web: http://pzacad.pitzer.edu |
|
Hi Everyone! I work with Pacific Intercultural Exchange program and I'm trying to find a loving family who would be willing to host a 15 year old South Korean female exchange student. She has been in the USA since early September and is currently attending Rosemont High School. However, she needs a permanent host family for the remainder of her stay (until June). Her interests include: dancing, reading, music, swimming, and sports. She has her own health insurance and spending money. The host family is only responsible for room, board, and love and support. Please consider hosting this student and share your way of life with her. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn a new culture and show your own kids the world. As I said, she is already attending Rosemont and we'd like to find a family in that area, if possible. For more info, please call 1-877-868-6804 or visit www.pieusa.org . Thank you. Priscilla |
|
One of the many milestones in an adoptee’s life is the decision to visit his or her birth country. Dillon International’s birthland tour offers a complete tour package for all families, regardless of agency used for adoption placement, that allows participants to experience their birth country’s culture, heritage and people. This journey is a great emotional and financial commitment allowing adopted persons an opportunity to learn more about their origins.
We offer three trips for adoptees and their families in the summer of 2010:
Visit Korea Family Tour – June 8-19, 2010 – for adoptees of all ages and their families
Visit Korea Adult Adoptee Tour – June 22-July 1, 2009 – for adopted adults, their families and friends
Sharing Heart Mission Trip: Korea – November 20-27, 2010 – for adoptees and their friends and family, adoptive families, those with a heart to serve in Korea (Focus is on serving children and adults in Korea.)
Trips Include: ¨ Small travel groups for individualized service ¨ International airfare from port of exit to Seoul, Korea ¨ Accommodations based on double occupancy ¨ Admission Fees to all scheduled events ¨ 2-3 meals per day ¨ Transportation during scheduled events ¨ Visits to adoption agencies ¨ Hands-on cultural experiences (limited during the Mission Trip where our focus is serving) ¨ Professional, English-speaking guides ¨ Staff of social workers, adopted adults and/or adoptive parents ¨ Counseling support ¨ Pre-trip orientation and resources to assist you in preparing for your journey ¨ Two decades of experience leading birthland tours to Korea
For specific information regarding itinerary, price and more, please visit our website at http://www.dillonadopt.com or contact Tours@dillonadopt.com .
|
|
Gifts purchased at The Ties Shoppe make a difference in the life of a child. All proceeds are donated to orphanages, maternity homes and humanitarian organizations as Ties families
travel. http://www.adoptivefamilytravel.com |
|
Tour Schedule: October 14: Smithsonian Institution/George Washington University, Meyer Auditorium at 7:30pm (Washington, DC) October 16: Towson University, Stephens Hall Theatre at 8:00pm (Towson, MD) For more information, please contact Jennifer Kim at The Korea Society at (212) 759-7525, ext.309 |
|
The Nectar of Enlightenment: Cost: Free tickets required |
|
Korean United Methodist Church of Greater Washington Invites you to a Fall Bazaar Saturday, October 17, 2009 9:00am -2:00pm Come , Enjoy Food and Shopping! Food, craft, clothes and many more ... Food: Bulgogi , Rice, Kimchi, Dumpling, Pancakes, Sushi rolls, Pork Bulgogi, and many different kinds of side dishes and Korean seasonings. Also we have cakes and cookies, coffee, smoothie and other drinks. Crafts: Beads accessories, jewelry, bag, etc. Others: Clothes, prom dress, shoes, toys, accessories, tools Raffle tickets will be sold. Korean United Methodist Church of Greater Washington 1219 Swinks Mill Road, McLean, VA 22102 Tel: 703-448-1131 http://www.kumcgw.org Don't miss this great opportunity to see our friends at KUMCGW this fall! |
|
Crossing the Bridge: From Infertility to Adoption:
Date: October 17, 2009 This workshop is for you if you are just considering adoption or if you are waiting to adopt. You may also want to bring family members who you would like to get a better understanding of adoption. Adoption Counselors, Adoptive parents, Birth Parents and Adults who were adopted will share their perspectives on adoption with you. In this workshop you will learn: To register go to: http://iaccenter.com |
|
The Lifelong Impact of Adoption Lecture & discussion by Marlou Russell, Ph.D. 1pm -4pm $35 per person Marlou Russell, Ph.D. is a psychologist, adoptee in reunion, and the author of Adoption Wisdom: A Guide to the Issues and Feelings of Adoption. This class is for adult adoptees, birth parents, adoptive parents, those considering adoption, therapists, attorneys, the media, and anyone interested in the emotional and psychological aspects of adoption. To register online go to http://commed.smc.edu For more information contact: Website: www.marlourussellphd.com
|
|
EVENT:
The Colloquium will explore the topic of “Representing Korea’s Culture and Heritage” and defining identity through the exhibition of aesthetic qualities of Korean art. This event is organized in cooperation with the Korea Society and Smithsonian’s Freer and Sackler Art Galleries presenting “The Sound of Ecstasy and Nectar of Enlightenment: Buddhist Ritual Song and Dance from Korea” by Young San Preservation Group (Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m., Meyer Auditorium, Freer Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institution) and in conjunction with the permanent exhibition, The Korea Gallery, opened in June 2007 by the Asian Cultural History Program of the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution. A Korean lunch will be served. WHEN:Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009; 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. WHERE:The George Washington University This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required. RSVP with your name, affiliation, and e-mail to kimrenau@gwu.edu.
The HMS Colloquium series provides a forum for academic discussion of Korean humanities in the context of East Asia and the world. The series was created by an endowment established by the estate of Hahn Moo-Sook, one of Korea’s most honored writers, to uphold her spirit of openness, curiosity and commitment to education. The 17th Colloquium is co-sponsored by GW’s Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Sigur Center for Asian Studies and Institute for Ethnographic Research. |
|
Friends of Korea families, Come as we celebrate Chusak and learn to make traditional rice cakes called "Songphyun" with our Korean American Teachers Denise Park and Young Seo. The families will be taking them home to steam and enjoy. We will also have some fun activities for the kids. Event: Chusak Celebration Date: Sunday, October 18th, 2009 (note date change from original calendar) Time: 3:15 - 5:00 PM Location: The Korean School of Sacramento 3641 South Port Drive Sacramento, CA 95826 Cost: $10.00 per family, at arrival RSVP: By Tuesday, Oct 13th to dawfamdoc@aol. com or by phone to Michele Worley, (916) 772-7818 or Monica Wilson (530)889-0446 We look forward to seeing as many families as possible at this event. |
|
Film Screening: The Korean Wedding Chest (Die koreanische Hochzeitstruhe) Sunday, October 18, 2009 7 PM Harvard Film Archive Cinematheque Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts 24 Quincy Street, Cambridge * * * * * * Special Event Tickets $12 The Korean Wedding Chest (Die koreanische Hochzeitstruhe) Directed by Ulrike Ottinger, Appearing in Person With Kim KeumHwa, Boseong, Kim Minja Germany/South Korea 2009, 35mm, color, 82 min. English and Korean with English subtitles Ottinger's fascinating documentary portrait of wedding customs in contemporary Seoul centers around the eponymous chest, its contents, and the important ceremonial role it continues to play in South Korean weddings. Ottinger's visually striking film, which was commissioned by the Women's Film Festival in Seoul, carefully locates the contemporary wedding industry at the very heart of the intersection of tradition and modernity in Korean culture. For more information: http://hcl.harvard.edu Tickets for all regular screenings are available 45 minutes before show time at the Cinematheque on the lower level of the Carpenter Center. This screening is co-presented by the Harvard Film Archive, the Academy of Korean Studies, Korea, and the Korea Institute, Harvard University. -- Korea Institute, Harvard University CGIS South Building, Room S228 1730 Cambridge Street Cambridge, MA 02138 Tel: (617) 496-2141 Fax: (617) 496-1144 |
|
Ta-ri Chusok Celebration-Harrisburg-October 10 HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College Harrisburg Campus, Cooper Student Center One HACC Drive, Harrisburg, PA Celebrate This Major Korean Holiday with us ... Performances-Activities-Food for Sale-and More! This festival (our fourth annual!) fuses holiday activities with others that highlight Korean-American culture and community. Purchase dinner from the Korean-American Wives' Club food stand, enjoy drumming group Do-Re and other area musicians and dancers, and watch a Korean martial arts demonstration by Min's Karate of Camp Hill. Several short classes will be offered as well as a chopsticks competition and other just-for-fun activities. Admission is free with donations gladly accepted. To volunteer, perform, advertise in our program, or share an idea, contact us at info@ta-ri.org. |
|
Korean Thanksgiving Event “Chusok” on October 24, 2009 (Saturday 4-6 p.m.) in Arlington, VA |
|
Families with Children from China of Greater New York - Westchester Chapter presents ADOPTED, The Movie - SCREENING and DISCUSSION Saturday, October 24, 2009 the Theater in the Ossining Public Library 53 Croton Avenue Ossining , New York, 10562 (914) 941-2416 Registration opens at 1:15pm, Film starts promptly at 1:30PM $10 per ticket REGISTER online at www.fccny.org Come join us for a screening of the movie Adopted. A question and answer session afterward with the Producer Nancy Kim Parsons and Director Barb Lee, will be facilitated by Dr. Amanda Baden. A short viewing of the companion film, We Can Do Better will also be shown. DVDs will be for sale after the film. This film is appropriate for teens and older. There are issues related to families, adoption and ethnicity that might be challenging for some. This film will likely lead to some important and powerful discussions within families, so parents should expect to talk about it afterward. See the Journal of FCC, Volume 1, Issue 1, for an interview about the film with Nancy Kim Parsons (pg 4) and adoptive parents reviews (pg 8) About ADOPTED: We've seen them in grocery stores, playgrounds and at our children's schools - little Asian girls with their loving white parents. Of the 1.5 million adopted children in the United States, international adoptees are the fastest growing segment, of which most are Asian girls. While many of their stories are heartwarming and reflect our image of American compassion and generosity, the realities are much more complex. ADOPTED reveals the grit rather than the glamor of transracial adoption. First-time director Barb Lee goes deep into the intimate lives of two well-meaning families and shows us the subtle challenges they face. One family is just beginning the process of adopting a baby from China and is filled with hope and possibility. The other family's adopted Korean daughter is now 32 years old. Prompted by her adoptive mother's terminal illness, she tries to create the bond they never had. The results are riveting, unpredictable and telling. While the two families are at opposite ends of the journey, their stories converge to show us that love isn't always enough. Producer/Director Barb Lee and her Co-Producer Nancy Kim Parsons always wanted to tell the story of international adoption in America, an issue they know particularly well as Korean adoptees. With this deeply personal understanding, they set out to create a documentary that revealed the complexities of transracial adoption without making judgments or telling the viewer what to think. Instead, they decided to explore the many layers of transracial adoption and they began by expanding their understanding beyond their personal experiences. For more information about this film visit www.adoptedthemovie.com See the Journal of FCC, Volume 1, Issue 1, for an interview about the film with Nancy Kim Parsons (pg 4) and adoptive parents reviews (pg 8) Questions? Want to help? Contact Leigh McArthur Giusti at leighmcarthurgiusti@gmail.com or 914-762-8797 The Ossining Public Library is located at 53 Croton Avenue, Ossining New York, 10562. The library is a short cab ride from the Ossining Train Station on the Harlem Line from Grand Central Station. Directions- Ossining Public Library |
|
Xpress Yourself Adopted and Foster Teen Girls Center for Family Connections Date: Six Weeks beginning on Monday, October 26, 2009. Contact Samantha Pankow to register samanthap@kinnect.org or call 617-547-0909 |
|
A wonderful opportunity for your child/children to participate in a FUN group of, creating art (talking stick, family trees, mosaics…) while engaging in dialogues about adoption. Adoption Mosaic's Youth Activity Group in SE Portland begins on Wednesday, October 28th (Parent Orientation: Saturday, October 24)!! Space is limited so please register early.
Adopted youth share a unique experience. Adoption Mosaic’s Youth Activity Groups are designed and facilitated by adult adoptees to encourage the exploration and sharing of the adoption experience within a fun and structured environment. Through crafts and group activities, youth are encouraged to normalize and celebrate their experience. Registration is required. Go to www.adoptionmosaic.org for a registration form, or contact Shelise at info@adoptionmosaic.org |
|
National Adoption Month: Changing Views of Adoption Nov. 2, 2009, 7 to 9 p.m. An overview of adoption history, current issues, and trends in international and domestic adoption. Register Online at http://www.psbi.org |
|
Saturday, November 7, 2009
9:15am – 4:45pm
|
|
Sunday, November 8, 2009 10 a.m. Book signing by Dr. Sook Wilkinson Kukje market and restaurant Nearest Bart Station is 1.04 miles 500 John Daly Blvd. Daly City, CA 94014 Dr. Sook Wilkinson is a licensed clinical psychologist in Michigan. She has a private practice while consulting at the Center for Human Development of William Beaumont Hospital. Her clinical expertise includes child psychology, international adoption, cross cultural issues, and affective disorders. She is the author of Birth is More than Once: The Inner World of Adopted Korean Children (1985, Third Printing in 2007) and an editor of After the Morning Calm: Reflections of Korean Adoptees (2002), two outstanding books related to international adoption. Her next book project is an anthology about Asian Americans in Michigan. With America as her adopted country, her passion lies in giving back to the community to enhance the quality of life for all. Governor Jennifer Granholm of Michigan appointed her to chair the Governor's Advisory Council on Asian Pacific American Affairs in 2005. Under her leadership, the Advisory Council became a legislatively mandated Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission in 2009. Again, she was appointed to chair the new Commission by Governor Granholm. |
|
Adoption Mosaic is excited to announce the first Portland screening of “Adopted”, a film that takes an intimate look at two families whose stories, despite being at opposite ends of the adoption
journey, converge to show that love isn’t always enough. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to watch and discuss this documentary with others to gain a deeper understanding and prospective of the
broader adoption constellation (adoptees, professional, birth/first parents, adoptive parents…).
“The viewers and professionals gain keen insights into the years of inner struggles and turmoil experienced by adoptees rarely discussed, even in therapy.”
The film screening will be immediately followed by a facilitated discussion with Dr. Ally Burr-Harris and Astrid Dabbeni exploring issues of attachment, identity and adoption. “ Adopted should be seen by all contemplating adoption, adoptive parents, adoption workers, and clinicians.” Please join us for this exciting learning experience! CEU’s, pending approval When: Thursday, November 12, 2009 Time: 6-9pm Location: Portland, OR (OHSU) More info: email Shelise at info@adoptionmosaic.org |
|
The 33rd annual Phila Museum of Art Craft Show is a juried show and sale featuring the work of 195 of the best craft artists from across the US. Included in this year's show are also twenty-six guest artists from Korea. The show opens at 11:00AM Thursday November 12th and runs through 5:00PM Sunday November 15th. Tickets can be purchased online at a discount or in cash at the door. For more information, visit www.pmacraftshow.org or 215.684.7930. |
|
Talismans of Protection from Choson Korea: Antique Locks, Latches and Key Charms Shown for the first time in the United States, the collection features a rare collection of locks, latches and key charms, from the Choson Dynasty (1392-1910), beautifully designed metal and wood objects executed in myriad shapes.
October 8, 2009-January 29, 2010 |
|
Transracial Adoptive Family Issues
Time: Noon to 3 p.m.
Moderator: Jane Cramer, an IAC Center Counselor who works with adoptive parents and children pre and post adoption, which helps her to understand adoption issues from the perspective
of both the children and the parents. You will learn about:
Considering what it feels like for your child and examining how it is for you to be part of a transracial family is a process. This workshop would best be seen as a point in that journey. To register http://iaccenter.com |
|
Mar. 1, 2010, 7 to 9 p.m. To register go to http://www.psbi.org |
|
KAAN's MISSION is: To Support Networking And Build Understanding Among Adoptees,
Adoptive Families, Koreans And Korean Americans. Visit KAAN's website at http://www.kaanet.com/ . KAAN does not endorse or take responsibility for the opinions or programs presented in the newsletter. Please send us information about events in your area, articles, personal requests etc. so that we may share them with others. Send information about events, interesting articles or websites, personal requests and questions, as well as other items of interest to us at mailto:kaanet@aol.com |