this woman’s work

Open Adoption Support

Here’s what it’s supposed to be:
–A community-built resource (users can submit content and links);
–A place to find in-real-life people to start building local support groups (the forum — I used a weather map to organize states — is just for posting interest in a group in whatever town);

And the reason it’s not done is I put a bunch of content up just to have content up. I’m hoping that some of you who are interested in this project will help me out. I will have to give you special privileges to add content (anyone who registers can add links — it’s just the way this content management system works) but I’m happy to give it if you let me know you want it. (I will credit authors who are not me if you want — you just have to tell me. I’ll use your user name, a pseudonym or your real name.)

If you are especially interested in trying to create a support network in your town I will also give you a openadoptionsupport.com email address so that you can filter (if you want) or be slightly anonymous (if you want) just for kicks.

People will be able to email you through the system if you’re a member there (they have to be a member, too) but no one can access any email addresses through it so you can be cautious and maintain privacy.

This isn’t a site that will take a lot of hands-on attention because it’s not a blog (although it has a very shaky blog system) or a message board (although it uses a message board to make connections). I may, in the future if needs warrant it, create a community calendar so people can see when meetings happen and I’m hoping that eventually we’ll have an article that’s contact info for actual groups that are actually happening.

Some content I’d like to include:
–How to run a support group;
–How to vet the facilitator (a smart counselor or social worker would be ideal);
–How to FIND a facilitator;
–General advice on various open adoption topics;
–Great books people ought to be reading and lousy books they should skip.

Like I said, it’s still really really rough and now that I’m telling you about it I’m sure it’s just a terrible mess (and sometimes it is — joomla is funky across different browsers) but hopefully we can use it as a central resource anyway. So if you have info you’d like to share, please let me know ‘cuz I could use the help and also I’d like the site to benefit from many different experiences.

Possibly related posts

• Zowie! (0)
• You knew I’d have to blog it (0)
• You guys are awesome with the tips! (0)
• Yippee! (6)
• Yet another post (by request!) (3)