The media makes it all sound so easy. Just post a Facebook page and whammo, you'll be matched! Believe me, it's not that easy. Here are just some of the things we've done to get the word out since our home study was approved:
- Told all of our family and friends
- Joined an adoption network
- Listed with an agency, and created an adoption profile so they can share with potential birth moms
- Let attorneys know that we are eligible for domestic adoption
- Joined three Yahoo networking groups
- Made adoption cards and flyers that we post on every community bulletin board we see
- Placed ads in newspapers, both in print and online
- Sent cards and letters to various locations where birth mothers might come for pregnancy tests or information about pregnancy choices
- Started an adoption blog (you're reading it here!) and joined Blogher to spread the word
- Started a Facebook page
- Joined Parent Profiles
We were told it's a part-time job looking for a match and I have to admit, it is. Not one day goes by that I don't do something to get the word out that we are trying to adopt. Plus, I update our blog, Parent Profiles and our Facebook page almost every day. We are also going to invest in a few other avenues over the coming months to get even more exposure. It just takes one phone call. It almost feels like dating. You put yourself out there and can't predict what might happen. You might me the person of your dreams - or you might just become an expert at marketing.
You are doing all the right things! More than we are able to do. We can't advertise in our state or put up flyers! You'll get a match. It's only a matter of 'when' now, not 'if.' Good luck to you!! And you are right, it's a part time job for us too!
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