Since September of 2004, ASK has organized Monthly Forums on adoption-related issues. Past Forums have included guests speaking on Korean foster care, sex education, teenage pregnancy, global trends in intercountry adoption, and media portrayals of adoptees. In addition to learning more about the many issues related to intercountry/transracial adoption, we are committed to fostering relationships with individuals and organizations that are at the forefront of instigating social change in Korean society.

Name   ASK Subject   March 15, 2008 Saturday 330-530pm at KoRoot - Outsiders Within Discussion Outsiders Within Discussion Saturday, March 15 from 3:30-5:30pm at KoRoot The purpose of this discussion group is to create a space in which adoptees can discuss, critically, areas of adoption that are not often spoken of, and to bring adoptees together so that we can learn from one another in reference to the text. For this meeting, please read Chapters 6-8 and come prepared with questions, passages, or points that are interesting to you. Some things to think about while reading might be: race, gender, sexuality, class, and ability, while also keeping in mind the ways in which power and privilege intersect and influence these subjects. We will also have some prepared questions for discussion. Please note that this event is open to adoptees only. Discussion Group Information: Please read Chapters 6-8 before coming to the discussion. Contact: For questions about the group, please contact Joo Ae: [email protected] Date/Time: Sunday, March 15, from 3:30-5:30pm Location: KoRoot – Seminar room on the lower level Directions: Gyeongbokgung Station, Line 3, Exit 2. KoRoot is a 15-minute walk from the station. You can also take Bus #1711 from the station, getting off at Kyunggi Sanggo High School. Please visit http://www.koroot.org/eindex.html for more information and a map or call 02.3210.2451. ************************************************* New Articles on the ASK Website Our NEW and IMPROVED website has been up and running for the past few months. Check it out for new and ever-changing information and articles about ASK and intercountry adoption. **You can search for these and other articles by going to the ARCHIVE section of the ASK website, clicking ALL and doing a global search for the article title or keyword.** A History of Neglect / The New York Times Foster Children at Risk, and an Opportunity Lost 2007.11.05 City Slow to Act as Hope for Foster Children Fails 2007.11.06 In Foster Care Review, Vows of Help and Vigilance 2007.11.07 This three-part series is an in-depth report on New York City’s attempts to reform its foster care system and better serve black and Latino children. https://adopteesolidarity.org/indexH.html Fertility rate climbs, but it may be fleeting / JoongAng Daily / 2008.02.27 Birth rate rises, but upward trend may not last / The Hankyoreh / 2008.02.27 South Korea’s fertility rate went up last year for the second year in a row, but is still one of the lowest in the world at 1.26. The reason? More people got married and less people got divorced, there are more women of childbearing age, and the last two years were thought to be auspicious for having children. It remains to be seen, however, whether the trend will last. https://adopteesolidarity.org/indexH.html Big families make bank as fertility rate climbs / JoongAng Daily / 2008.03.10 Meanwhile, the JoongAng reports that new government policies are providing subsidies for couples with multiple children – in the form of partially subsidized housing and monthly cash payments. https://adopteesolidarity.org/indexH.html Baby buying concerns in Vietnam bring heartache for U.S. parents / The International Herald Tribune / 20088.02.11 U.S. State Department investigations into adoption irregularities in Vietnam have incited would-be adoptive parents to protest. From the article: The State Department, which issued a warning on adoptions in Vietnam last month, maintains that the lack of controls on "baby finders" and unregulated payments - the average adoption cost is about $25,000 per family - are fostering baby buying. https://adopteesolidarity.org/indexH.html Korean Adoptee Explores Identity in New Book / The Chosun Ilbo / 2008.02.22 Life as a Repast, Not Yet Complete / The New York Times / 2008.02.20 Both articles discuss adoptee Kim Sunée’s new book, “Trail of Crumbs: Hunger, Love and the Search for Home.” https://adopteesolidarity.org/indexH.html USFK Chief's Son Adopts Korean Baby / The Korea Times / 2008.03.02 USFK Commander Gets Korean Granddaughter / The Chosun Ilbo / 2008.03.03 The soon-to-be retired General Bell has a new addition to his family, via adoption of an 8-month-old child. https://adopteesolidarity.org/indexH.html ************************************************* ASK Membership Update Who is a member of ASK? How do I become a member? What does it mean to be a member of ASK? We have heard from people in our community that ASK's membership structure is confusing and unclear. We agree! We have redefined ASK membership so that it is easier to become a member of ASK. Please visit our website at www.adopteesolidarity.org for more information or email us at [email protected]. ************************************************* About ASK ASK’s mission is to address the problems associated with Korean overseas adoption. Through education and activism, we aim to raise awareness, advocate change, and support alternatives to intercountry adoption. To join or be removed from the mailing list, send an email to [email protected] ************************************************* DATE: 2008.03.10 - 12:57 LAST UPDATE: 2008.03.10 - 13:08   May 18 2-4pm: ASK-M.A.C.K. Forum -- Bring Your I.D.