As many of you know, I serve on the Advisory Council for the Korean American Adoptee and Adoptive Family Network (KAAN). Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve had to cancel our annual conference this year, but you can still join us virtually. Today marked the first day of a week full of virtual events and discussions. Please join us for 2020 KAAN Connect! This is a FREE online event open to all adoptees and those connected to adoption. (View the Facebook event page and let us know if you plan on participating: here)
During the week of June 21-26, we will be hosting or releasing a virtual conversation, blog post, or other activity in the spirit of our mission to improve the lives of Korean-born adoptees. There is no cost to participate in KAAN Connect! Whether you’ve never heard of KAAN before or you’ve attended our conferences in the past, we welcome you! Events are open to the whole adoption community.
Though KAAN does not have any youth-specific activities this year, there is still an opportunity to connect with your Youth Program Mentors! Sejong Camp has gone virtual! August 10-13, they will have a curriculum and live meetings with camp counselors. You can find more information and register for this unique camp experience at www.sejongusa.org. We look forward to seeing our youth again next year!
All events are free of charge. Like what you read or experience during KAAN Connect? KAAN welcomes donations to continue our mission. (https://www.tfec.org/donation-formfund-namecovid19/?fund-name=kaan)
Full Schedule of Events:
6/21: Side by Side Film: Out of a South Korean Orphanage and Into the World — Available for online streaming 6/21-6/26. The opening of the documentary has a short narration. Upon following the film link, the transcript can be found at the bottom of the screen. Except for the beginning, the film has open captions. — Watch on your own and RSVP for a Community Conversation to share your reactions. — No RSVP required, video will be posted on Vimeo on 6/21 >> https://vimeo.com/268185895
6/22 4:00pm Eastern/3:00pm Central: K-Pop Family Dance Party with Midnite Martini — Who’s ready for a dance party?! We bounce, groove and sweat it out to our favorite K-pop songs. This class combines group fitness, dance and most of all fun! Sure to get any body, age or experience moving and will leave you feeling ready to hit that stage. — No RSVP required, join the YouTube link on 6/21 >> Youtube.com/c/movewithmidnite
6/22 8:00pm Eastern/7:00pm Central: Community Conversation (Adoptees Only) — Have you heard about KAAN, but want to learn more? What happens at a KAAN Conference, and are you questioning whether attending a conference is for you? Join Katie Naftzger to learn a little more about KAAN and what makes the KAAN community so special. ASL access available, requests must be made at least 24 hours before the event via registration. >> REGISTER: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIuf-yrrzorGtw3E7H90RkMqGgnOXPHaXp-
6/22 9:00pm Eastern/8:00pm Central: Community Conversation (Open to all) — Are you looking to expand your resources to support the adoptee in your life? Want to gain insight into the adoptee experience? Stop by this conversation to learn more about KAAN and how it’s resources, conference, and community can help you. Also, hear a little more about what to expect with KAAN Connect this week. Open to all. ASL access available, requests must be made at least 24 hours before the event via registration. >> REGISTER: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0odOmsrzIqG9N5RbRsSRhfLxk-pUY8YPPK
6/23 8:00pm Eastern/7:00pm Central: Community Conversation: Side by Side Film — Listen in on a conversation between filmmaker Glenn Morey and Hollee McGinnis about the film. Open to all. ASL interpreters available. Note: Participants are encouraged to submit questions to the filmmaker prior via registration link. >> REGISTER: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrf–spjoqH9Z6QIP4qTSgJ6tlroBxhGJk
6/24 8:00pm Eastern/7:00pm Central: Community Conversation: Side by Side Film | Group Discussion for Adoptees: From the Film and Into Our Lives — For adoptees only: Join this interactive conversation to discuss the meaning and importance of the film, and the importance of owning and articulating our own adoption story. Moderated by Hollee McGinnis and Glenn Morey with small group discussion. Note: Adoptees only (non-Korean adoptees welcome). Limited number of registrants. ASL interpreters available. >> REGISTER: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tf-iqrDooHN0xnCvBBPD13xygooCRfpM0
6/25: New Blog Post! — Check out the new blog post on KAAN’s website here: https://www.wearekaan.org/blog
6/26 8:00pm Eastern/7:00pm Central: Closing Community Conversation: Exploring Allyship in the KAAN Community: A Conversation on Becoming a Stronger Racial Ally
Join us for a conversation about the importance of allyship and how to become a better ally for racial justice. This session will be focused primarily on White allyship, but will also be a chance for everyone to share ideas and encourage each other to be stronger allies. Open to all. –ASL access available, requests must be made at least 24 hours prior to the event via registration. >> REGISTER: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEtcO-qpjgvGdaOqkOQOOjE9nI6l2UsYqR-
Red Thread Broken 