“My experience in the system has made me more driven to make sure every child gets the love and support they deserve,” one young adult shares. It’s November 2022, and an audience of more than 1,000 people have gathered—virtually and in person—to celebrate National Adoption Month. The crowd looks on as a panel of young adults with lived experience in foster care shares their expertise and perspectives.
This is what is possible with a trained speakers bureau.
Now, the AdoptUSKids speakers bureau is recruiting new members.
If you know of a family or young adult who may be interested, please reach out to Melissa Otero, national campaign director, at (410) 636-7034 or motero@adoptuskids.org.
How can your work benefit from a speakers bureau?
Hearing compelling personal stories from people with experience in foster care and adoption can make potential adoptive parents think, “I could do this,” or “I know someone who would be interested in learning more!”
Here are other ways your state can benefit. A speakers bureau:
- Raises awareness of the need for foster and adoptive families
- Promotes the rewards of adoption from foster care
- Helps you meet your diligent recruitment goals
- Is a form of free support from AdoptUSKids
Who can participate?
- Parents who have adopted teens 13 and older
- Young adults who were adopted as teens
- We especially encourage recommendations for spokespeople of color and those who speak Spanish, as we seek to increase the diversity in our speakers bureau
Spokespeople can help you recruit more families during your local events, orientations, and information sessions. They can also speak at national events, such as National Adoption Month, during an annual campaign launch, and on a media tour, all of which are designed to recruit families for states. AdoptUSKids will train spokespeople for these events.
Find additional information on our website.
