Media Tool Kit

"National Adoption Awareness Month is a time for adoptees, adoptive parents, professionals, and advocates to celebrate adoption and remind others that
many children are still waiting for a permanent, loving family of their own."
Source: North American Council on Adoptable Children

National Adoption Month Proclamation

Every year since President Bush has been in office, he has issued Adoption Month proclamations in November. Local and state officials are usually more than willing to issue their own proclamations. Here's a sample proclamation as a guideline that you can give to your officials to use as a template.

Working with the Media

Decide what messages you or your group wants to convey - about adoption and yourselves - and which communicate method has the best chance of reaching your audience.

Use clear and simply stated messages that educate and inform about the issues and your group.
Select communication techniques suitable to the messages and your audience(s).
Make sure your messages are consistent, and use a variety of outreach methods.
Work with local officials to gain best exposure.
Provide follow-up.

If you have the resources, invite local media representatives - editors, reporters, other story planners - to a luncheon - food is almost always a good draw. During the luncheon, adoption professionals can present information about adoption and waiting children. A discussion period can follow.

Other Media

Other than large city media, don't overlook the many small neighborhood papers that publish calendars of events. School newspapers are also a great way for school-age and college kids to participate.