Grassroots activism is hard at work! Right now, your humble Guatadopt Team is unable to be the organizers of anything. Quite frankly our regular jobs, families, and day-to-day upkeep of Guatadopt has us pushed beyond our limits.
We have received many different letters, ideas, etc - but everyone seems to want us to be the kingpins and that isn't going to happen right now (I have to get on a plane in a couple hours as it is). But what we can do is serve as a clearinghouse where files, ideas, contact info that YOU create can be posted and easily downloaded.
Updated 9/29: Sorry, I've been non-internet connected for a couple days so we're behind. As is in the comments numerous times, DOS has modified its website and is now stating that they are advocating for in-process cases to be allowed to be completed. In addition, there is a new, well organized campaign from JCICS added when you click on more.
Updated 10/1: Families Without Borders has added a new campaign.
Groundrules:
1.) Anything we post/publish should NOT be construed as Guatadopt officially endorsing it. We are just providing the portal. With that said, we reserve the right to refuse to post/publish anything we have major issues with.
2.) If you have put something together that you want added, please put it into a form where someone can easily download it and use it. In other words, make it genreric enough and without personal info (ie 'I accetped a referal Jan 12, 2007").
3.) E-mail files/links you'd like to see added to this to info@guatadopt.com
4.) Let's keep the comments on tis thread geared around action. Please don't post "I just sent the letters out" type things. This will make the comments easier for someone to look at and see what they need to do. In other words, make the comments specific calls to action or relevant info that others can act on.
I will do my best to keep this up to date. Please understand that I will not be on a computer consistently for the next few days.
Campaign Clearinghouse:
Families Without Borders has launched a campaign of its own. It includes: Their response to the DOS, a sample letter to send to DOS, a letter to your Senators and Rep., and a great analysis of the DOS position. Please visit their site for complete info: www.familieswithoutborders.com.
JCICS "Guatemala 5000" campaign: JCICS has launched a well-organized campaign, asking for specfic actions on specific dates. http://www.jcics.org/Guatemala5000.htm
On-Line Petition from Focus on Adoption: http://www.petitiononline.com/foafoa1/petition.html
Letter to DOS for In-Process families: Download file
Letter to DOS for Awaiting Referal Families: Download file
Letter to DOS for Friends and Others: Download file
Letter to Sen/Rep for In-Process Families: Download file
Letter to Sen/Rep for Awaiting Referal Families: Download file
Letter to Sen/Rep for Friends and Others: Download file
Fax to UNICEF: Download file
Any idea where to find contact information for who to send the DoS file to? Concern I have is if we send these all to the Guatemalan Embassy, that they will get bogged down in letters and take even LONGER to process cases. Anybody have any thoughts?
Posted by: Brian Wozniak at September 27, 2007 03:21 PMMy husband and I are in the dossier translation stage, waiting on the I-171. We don't know if we should change country now, since we haven't received a referral or paid the country fee or if we should stick it out. Having 3 kids already, financially its a huge risk to give Guatemala almost $25,000.00 and wind up back at square 1 and without the money we worked hard for and saved for so long to do this. In addition, the emotional toll it will take on everyone, especially my three children is a huge risk. I guess what I'm asking is, those of you in PGN and waiting for PINKS, if you were in our place, would you proceed? We were so excited to adopt from Guatemala and our agency believed that if we had everything in by the end of November, we would be fine. Now, however, I don't know if we should heed the gov't warnings and switch now or continue on our original path. You are so so knowledgeable and your insight would be greatly appreciated. I have a friend who is a reporter for the Christian Science Monitor and perhaps she will take this story on.
Posted by: Lisa at September 27, 2007 05:33 PMWe were advised by our agency to make our phone calls on October 8, 9 or 10 to:
(1) Unicef Guatemala
manuel Manrique
011-502-2327-6373
(2) UNICEF Headquarter
AnnVeneman
212-326-7000
(3) Dept. of State's Office
202-736-9130
Attach pictures to your letters. It makes it a little more personal and shows them that those of us in-process have "real" children in Guatemala. I imagine as an entity that is receiving these, looking at letters is one thing, but looking at pictures makes it that much more crucial we all do the right thing.
Posted by: Jaimee at September 27, 2007 06:30 PMYou can find your US Senators and Representatives at www.congress.org/congressorg/home/
You can write to DOS at: Main address:
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520
Main Switchboard:
202-647-4000
our agency instructed us to go to the following website....it gives pretty specific details of a coordinated effort...
www.jcics.org
Posted by: dg at September 27, 2007 09:53 PMDear Lisa,
I think you should pick another country and count yourself lucky you haven't already accepted a referral or shelled out the $25K.
The director of my agency told me she stopped making referrals this week in the wake of the DOS warning. She has two families paper-ready but won't make a referral because she doesn't want the liability. This seems prudent to me.
We are in PGN with one kick-out and pray we will get out by Jan. 1. Losing my baby girl would be a kick in the gut. Plus we would have gone into debt for nothing, AND we would have to explain the world and its cruelties to our 6-year-old, who is eagerly awaiting his little sister.
Good luck, Lisa.
Zoe's mom
Posted by: Zoe's mom at September 27, 2007 11:47 PMLisa,
I agree with Zoe. You can't imagine the worry I've experienced since reading the DOS statement. We got our referral back in October of 2006 but due to a poor attorney and other issues we are still in PGN. Our little girl turns one next month. The chances of you even getting into PGN before the end of the year are slim (you need to get DNA, Family Court, Embassy Pre-Approval before even entering PGN). If you proceed with Guatemala, you are taking a HUGE risk. Save yourself the stress, the possible heartache, and see if there is another country that appeals to you. Best of luck.
Lisa,
If it were my dime, I would heed the warning from DOS. We have been in this process for over two years now, and boy...has it been an emotional nightmare. The thought of losing our son after this long is just beyond comprehension. I would not risk it. I wish the best for you. Take care.
Just a thought on the mass phone call and email campaign that is slated for Oct 8, 9 and 10...the US Federal government is closed on the 8th for Columbus Day. Perhaps this has been mentioned before, but I thought it should be noted here.
Mary
Posted by: Mary K at September 28, 2007 12:21 PMdoes anyone know of any organized protest/marches that are planned??
Posted by: Linda at September 28, 2007 12:26 PMHere is the JCICS specific plan of action. Please send something similar to family and friends. We should be seeing media soon---if you have media contacts, now is the time to use them.
Dear Friends,
Guatemalan President Oscar Berger has announced plans to suspend all intercountry adoption with American families on January 1 2008. Joint Council strongly opposes such a suspension and asks for your support in our efforts to ensure that all children retain the right to permanency through Intercountry Adoption.
President Berger’s plans also call for the suspension of adoptions currently in-process. Such a suspension would be extremely detrimental to the children referred to adoptive parents. If President Berger’s plan is actually implemented, up to 5,000 will unnecessarily remain in foster care or orphanages indefinitely.
This situation represents a pending crisis for the adoptive families who have lovingly chosen to provide permanency, safety and love to a child in need and most importantly a crisis for 5,000 children of Guatemala .
What can you do? Make six simple phone calls and one email.
1.Call your U.S. Senator.
· You can find your Senators’ phone numbers at I go to www.visi.com/juan/congress/index.html
· Ask to speak with the Legislative Director or Chief of Staff--Visi.com has their names
2. Call your second U.S. Senator.
3. Call your representative to the U.S. House of Representative.
· You can find your representative at www.visi.com/juan/congress/index.html
· Ask to speak with the Legislative Director or Chief of Staff. Visi.com has their names.
4. Call or fax the Department of State’s Office of Children’s Issues
· Their number is 202-736-9130
·Their fax number is 202-736-9080
5. Call or fax UNICEF Headquarter
· Ask to speak with Ann Veneman, Executive Director
· Their number is 212-326-7000
· Their fax number is 212-326-7758
6.Call or fax UNICEF Guatemala
· Ask to speak with Manuel Manrique
· Their number is 011-502-2327-6373
· Their fax number is 011-502-2327.6366
7.Send and email supporting Intercountry Adoption to guatemala5000@jcics.org
· Write briefly or at length
· Joint Council will use the cumulative email petition in our advocacy for Intercountry Adoption
When should you call? Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday (October 8th, 9th 10th)
· For maximum affect, we are asking you to make these calls within a 72 hour window!
What should you say? Speak from your heart and give them the following information.
· The Guatemalan government has announced that all adoptions with the U.S. will be suspended on January 1 2008.
· Their announcement also indicated that there will be no ‘grandfathering’ of adoptions already in process.
· If children referred to families are not allowed to be adopted, they will languish in institutions or foster care.
· Your office must get involved and sign the CCAI sponsored letters to the President of Guatemala and UNICEF. These letters ask that all adoptions in-process as of January 1 2008 be allowed to processed to completion under the existing notorial laws.
· Your office should contact the Office of Children’s Issues at the Department of State. Their number is 202-736-9130.
Can you explain the problem behind the pending crisis? Here is some additional information…
· Guatemalan President Oscar Berger has announced plans to effectively stop all adoptions into the United States including those children who have already been referred to adoptive parents
· Over 5,000 children have been referred
· The birthparents for these children have already relinquished their parental rights. As a result, they currently have no family and the Berger suspension will result in these children having no prospect for a permanent, safe and loving family
· The government of Guatemala currently does not have the finances or facilities to even provide housing for these 5,000 children
· The Berger plan is a crisis waiting to happen
Posted by: Ann at September 28, 2007 02:25 PM
Lisa,
I agree with Zoe's mom. If you don't have a referral yet, I would pass. After singing the praises to several friends of Guatemala adoptions for the past year, I am cautioning them against starting right now. Good luck!
Another one to add...
We have been advised to send an e-mail to guatemala5000@jcics.org as part JCICS' on line e-mail campaign.
Keep on fighting!
Posted by: Jill at September 29, 2007 12:05 AMThe Department of State has just launched its own blog. I have just posted a statement on the Guatemalan adoption situation. Others may want to as well. This could reach a different audience.
The address: http://blogs.state.gov/
Posted by: Cheryl at September 29, 2007 12:21 AMLisa, my husband and I are in PGN where we have been since June 22 with 1 kickout. If we don't have anymore KO's, we might be out of PGN in a couple of weeks and be OK as far as getting our little Reyna.
But if we have another kickout, our agency agreed with me, we probably won't get her. My advice to you would be to choose another country now and don't proceed with Guatemala. The only problem is, what country do you choose? Russia is a big hassle to adopt from, and so is China now that they have implemented all their new guidelines. It's heartbreaking enough to lose your child that you have come to love so much, but to have loss them and be so far in debt and nothing to show for it is a heartbreak. My husband and I even took funds out of our IRA and will have to pay the penalties for doing it and still may be childless when this is all said and done. I actually feel physically sick to my stomach and don't know what to do or where to turn. Nobody should have to go through this. I pray and pray and pray all day long that somehow these babies will come home.
Hi Lisa,
I know this doesn't answer your questions but we are in the same spot as you are, waiting on a I-171 and having most of our dossier complete. We haven't talked to our agency case manager but there is an agency recommendation to wait 30-45 days before deciding and advocate per Focus on Adoption's instructions. We decided to hold tight and advocate along with family and friends. My heart breaks for the kids and families in process who must deal with the uncertainty. I pray continually for their perseverence and peace until they are brought together.
Take care and good luck.
Hi, I just thought of another thing we can do--
Hit Unicef in the pocketbook!
the Holiday season is almost upon us and that is when UNICEF makes thousands of dollars from those cute little holiday cards that they sell. I used to buy them every year! They are charming, designed by children and lots of folks buy them thinking they are "helping" children by doing so.
Maybe we could lauch a major campaign among all IA parents ( Guate, Russia, Korea, China etc..)and their families and friends, to boycott the UNICEF holiday cards. The cards are sold by Hallmark stores and we could ask Hallmark not to carry them until UNICEF supports ICA and specifically, supports ICA in Guatemala. And to add to that: we could boycott all Hallmark stores and suggest that no one buy products made by or sold at Hallmark stores. We could also inform all of the national adoption organizations and groups. I think we should reach out to parents of kids from other countries--we would be more powerful..IMO, what's going on now is really a threat to all international adoptions..
Unicef also has a Trick or Treat for Unicef program that a lot of schools, churchs, etc, participate in..and we could boycott that.
This could also be a very effective viral marketing campaign--like an email chain letter--informing people of the UNICEF stance on adoption, asking people not to buy the cards or donate to UNICEF and asking people to send it on via email chain...
what do you all think?
for reference please see this press release from the Hallmark website:
BEGIN COPIED TEXT FROM HALLMARK WEBSITE:
"UNICEF Announces
Pioneering Alliance With Hallmark
To Market Greeting Cards"
UNICEF has selected Hallmark Cards, Inc. as the exclusive supplier for all UNICEF greeting cards sold in the United States. The leading children's organization in the world, UNICEF was founded in 1946 to save, protect and improve the lives of children and their families.
Under this new partnership, Hallmark will create, manufacture and distribute the cards within the United States, helping UNICEF improve upon fundraising returns. In 2006, the cards will be sold through participating stores in the Hallmark Gold Crown® network nationwide.
“Greeting cards are one of UNICEF’s greatest assets, beloved by generations of Americans,” said Charles J. Lyons, President of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. “Through Hallmark’s capabilities, the cards will be available nationally starting in June 2006, every day of the year, helping us to protect and enhance the lives of many more children.”
The full partnership will position the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to greatly increase UNICEF card sales, and extend outreach and appeal of the brand amongst a broader and potentially younger buying au dience.
“More revenue means more young lives saved,” said Mr. Lyons. “It’s that simple because we are very efficient at putting funds to work helping children who need it most.”
“UNICEF embodies Hallmark’s commitment to enriching lives, and our customers have told us they are eager to have the opportunity to purchase outstanding merchandise, with an added benefit of helping children in need,” said Homer Kay, Vice President of the Hallmark Greetings Subsidiary division. “We are delighted to partner with an organization of UNICEF’s caliber that is dedicated to the health and welfare of children around the world.”
The cards will continue to carry the UNICEF logo and will be available for purchase at participating Hallmark Gold Crown stores beginning June 2006. Additionally, holiday boxed cards will continue to be available via UNICEF’s existing retail c hannels such as Pier 1 and Ikea. The boxed cards and the Business Collection of personalized cards will also be sold through direct mail and online at www.unicefusa.org.
About UNICEF Greeting Cards
UNICEF has been raising funds from the sale of greeting cards since 1949. To date, over 4 billion cards have been sold.
UNICEF’s first greeting card was a painting by seven-year-old Jitka Samkova, whose village in Czechoslovakia received UNICEF emergency assistance in the form of food and medicine following World War II. Jitka’s painting of the sun shining on a group of children dancing around a maypole – done in her art class in 1947 – was a way of thanking UNICEF. The cards’ popularity inspired the sales operation, which earned UNICEF $4,20 0 from 131,000 cards sold in 1950.
Between 1950 and the 1970s, accomplished artists were invited to create artwork specifically for reproduction by UNICEF as greeting cards. Raoul Dufy’s watercolor painting of the United Nations building in New York City was the first, followed by works by Henri Matisse, Marc Chagall, Salvador Dali, among many others. Joining the list of accomplished artists in the 1980s were some of the biggest names in music, entertainment and fashion, including Julio Iglesias, Luciano Pavarotti, Audrey Hepburn, Paloma Picasso, Sonia Rykiel and Hanae Mori. The collection was also expanded to include a number of non-Western artists, plus decorative art works and cultural artifacts. In the 1990s, world-recognized celebrities and artists including Paul McCartney, Robert Rauschenberg, Maya Lin, Pipilotti Rist, Susan Rothenberg and Sherin Neshat contributed images and reproduction rights.
About The U.S. Fund for UNICEF
Since 1947, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF has supported the work of the United Nations Children’s Fund by raising support for its programs and increasing public awareness of the challenges facing the world’s children. The U.S. Fund is part of a global effort to advance humanity with health, education, equality and protection for every child.
UNICEF’s lifesaving programs are funded entirely by voluntary contributions and make a difference in the lives of children in 157 countries and territories. Staff and volunteers at the U.S. Fund raise money for those programs through donations, sales of UNICEF greeting cards and gifts, joint projects with non-governmental and corporate partners, and youth action campaigns such as Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF.
END OF COPIED TEXT FROM HALLMARK WEBSITE
Lisa,
It is such a personal and difficult decision. If I was in your position right now, I would wait and in the process research other programs. I was in the Russian program and got lied to about accrediation -- now with another firm. I went into Guatemala with eyes wide open and totally aware of what the risks were and are. Yet, I felt a real conviction to proceed. I am in week 5 of PGN and praying the Grace of God each and every day. If money is not an issue and you have the stomach for the roller coaster ride of your life, if you feel a God-given conviction to proceed with Guatemala right now -- go for it. IF not, wait. I believe that there is a child/ren out there for those who long in their hearts to parent. Your time may not be at this very moment but it will come. Wait.
Posted by: Alberticos Mom at September 30, 2007 10:46 AMHitting UNICEF at their Trick or Treat and Holiday Cards is a great idea.
does anyone know how to do this effectively?
Also, at the same time we are appealing to UNICEF to help keep the pipeline open. Seem contradictory---on the contrary. We are "calling their bluff" as they publicly state that they are for REFORM of IA in Guatemala, they do not publicly state they are for CLOSURE. So, we are asking for their help.
Sample Fax below with contact information for UNICEF New York and UNICEF Guatemala.
1) Call/Fax Ann Veneman, Executive Director of UNICEF
Telephone .326.7000
Fax 212. 326.7758
Email: information@unicefusa.org
FAX
Ann Veneman, Executive Director
UNICEF Headquarters
New York, New York USA
Telephone: 212.326.7000
Fax: 212. 326.7758
Dear Ms. Veneman,
We respect your position on children’s rights and we are very familiar with your involvement with the Guatemalan government in getting adoption reforms put into place in that country. We support UNICEF’s position that; “in the first one to two years of life, young children need to feel emotionally close to at least one consistent and loving caregiver for their healthy development and, in fact, for their survival.”
We respectfully request for your direct intervention with the Guatemalan government on behalf of the babies whose adoptions are already in process. We are very concerned about the recent statement by the Department Of State that all cases will be stopped no matter where they are in the process, on December 31, 2007. We believe that you would agree that it is inappropriate for babies to languish in an indeterminate state. We are asking for your help in advocating for a “soft” transition for cases already in process. Guatemala plans to become Hague compliant on January 1, 2008. Cases initiated on or after that date should be held to Hague standards, as by that date the information will have been sufficiently announced and government offices will be ready to begin under the new standards. The birth mothers who have already relinquished under current Guatemalan laws have made a choice based on what was known to them at that time---if cases are abruptly stopped, not only will babies suffer, but women’s rights will be violated. The Guatemalan government will have taken their “choice” away.
I am a parent with waiting children. My husband and I entered into this process in June 2006 and in good faith. Our two children are currently almost 11 months old and are in desperate need of a permanent, loving family. We have spent seven weeks with our children and have a significant bond. For us, these children help make our family a “family.” We desperately need your help.
Thank you for your efforts to help remedy this situation. If you have further questions, I can be reached at....
your name here
Cc Consular General John Lowell, US Embassy in Guatemla 011-502-2326-4000
Julie Furuta-Toy, Director of Office of Children’s Issues 202-736-9133
Jenna Bush announced that the proceeds of her new book, Ana's Story, will go to Unicef. She met "Ana", a single HIV+ mother, while volunteering for Unicef in Panama.
Posted by: Elizabeth at September 30, 2007 07:33 PMI said this months ago. US agencies should have stopped giving referrals months ago but they continued to make the money. How many more families have they now put in to this position of getting attached to their child that they may never see. How many agenices never gave adoptive families the warnings of what was happening in Guatemala just to get their fees? It's very sad. There is plenty of blame to go around. It doesn't all belong to PGN, Guatemala President, UNICEF or Poor Guatemala attorneys. The US Government and US adoptions agencies should accept their share of this horror story too. I've lost one daughter already, now have another who will be one year old next month. In PGN, kicked out and waiting to get back in. It shouldn't be an issue with anyone deciding to accept a referral in Guatemala at this point, there shouldn't be any choice and if any agency is still referring, I'd watch out for that agency.
Everyone needs to contact our government officials as much as possible. Wonder how Guatemala's economy is going to do now. No more referrals means less people flying in to Guatemala airport, less people staying in their hotels, eating at their restaurants, shopping in their stores, taking their taxi rides, visiting their country and spending money. Seems like that's what everything always comes down to... money. It's a shame this isn't more about the babies.
Posted by: Pam at September 30, 2007 07:52 PMI just felt as though I had to write my peice. My wife and I are now a year deep in the adoption process. Our daughter was born on July 25th and before she was born my wife and I both spoke to our agency about the situation and they were always very positive saying that if there were any danger of the process not being completed they would not let us accept a referal. Now that we have the referal and are waiting on the DNA and family court system it is hard to think of not traveling to pick up Avah. She has become part of our family and our two boys are overjoyed with the idea of having a little sister. We are going to spend the next couple of months praying that we can travel before the end of the year so that we can avoid any potential problems. Our agency keeps telling us that there is nothing to worry about and that we are grandfathered into the system. I have a hard time ignoring the information put out by the state department and beleiving our agency. For anyone even thinking about continuing the process and accepting a referal just think about knowing a child as your own and then potentially never being able to hold that child in your arms.
Posted by: Chris at September 30, 2007 10:33 PMThanks everyone for all the ideas and information. Our whole family has been in process since we met our Jacob last December, we will do what ever we can to help bring these babies home. This is my Grandson!
Posted by: Abuela at September 30, 2007 11:38 PMPLEASE NOTE JCICS PLAN REVISION
There is a REVISION in JCICS Plan of Action. Please review plan at www.jcics.org
NOTABLE CHANGES:
1) NO calls/faxes to DOS directly. DOS is now helping us advocate for a soft transition for in-process cases.
2) Fax/call "blitz" campaign DATES HAVE CHANGED to Oct 9, 10, 11 (due to the holiday)
We can do this, we need to save the babies.
Waiting on my 2 babies---both 11 months old now.
You can also contact Jorge de la Roche at the Guatemalan Embassy in DC at 202-745-4952.
Posted by: shannon at October 1, 2007 12:55 PMLisa and Janet,
I, too, am in the same boat and we realized there is nothing to lose but wait it out a little longer. We knew going into this the battle would be long and winding. We may be fools, but until the door is slammed shut, all you can do move with caution and discernment. Take action now, the tide will turn.
peace be with you and your families...
Please remember to mention to your senators, DOS and Unicef that we support Bill #3635 and NOT 3217- the Ortega Bill.
Posted by: C Rogers at October 1, 2007 05:39 PMI am out of PGN for the last month but my agency is telling me there is a problem with issuing a new berth cert. I hope and pray we all get our children home soon.
Molly.
Posted by: Molly at October 1, 2007 07:59 PMI would like to thank all of you for your caring and realistic advice. Unfortuantely, money is a huge issue and not having accepted a referral yet, we felt as though we were sitting in front of a precarious fork in the road. We have decided to sit idle and not withdraw any paperwork, but to help everyone in deeper fight to get their children home. After looking into other programs (i.e. Russia, China, Ukraine) we have decided to see what happens with Guatemala. Hopefully, someone will see that this should be a humanitarian issue, not a political one. Perhaps I am naieve, but it seems like it shouldn't be so hard to bring children in hopeless situations and parents willing to invest their hearts, time, and money together. You are all in our prayers and we hope that at some point, while our dossier and I-171 are still valid, we can bring home a daughter. As a children's book author who travels to 80 schools and several states each school year I will share this story with every school I visit and ask the faculty, parents, and media that I meet to help spread the word. I have contacted an AP reporter and a few free-lancers and will keep you all posted if anything pans out. God Bless You All.
Posted by: Lisa at October 2, 2007 09:02 AMI called UNICEF Headquarter's, at 212-326-7000 asked for Ann Veneman
told two seperate people why I was calling, that I was calling for the Guatemala 5000 and told them my story of being in process, told them the outcome if our children our not allowed to come home, I finally got transferred to Ann and she was so rude. She told me that "she knows there is some sort of campaign to call her and she does not want the calls, she has not had time to get a proper response and that "I'm not sure this is an effective way to get what your point across, why call me who is sitting at a desk at UNICEF in NY about your problems in Gautemala!" Wow, I was blown away, I told her that in fact there our thousands of us and UNICEF had better hear our voices that many of us work for the very large companies that fund UNICEF and that we will do all in our power to stop those large and small contributers if UNICEF does not start doing the right thing for the children of Guatemala and the world.
Clearly, she does not want phone calls, so lets call. I know that we are suppose to wait until the 8,9 and 10th, but I fear we won't all get through in 72 hours. I think its more effective to actually talk to them. It was not what I expected.
I would be interested in hearing what happens to others, clearly they are not ready yet with their "canned" response for us.
Melissa
Posted by: Melissa at October 2, 2007 11:27 AMI have sent letters to school boards of surrounding areas requesting they not endorse/hand out Unicef collection boxes to students this Holloween.
I used the point by point letter on the Families without Borders Link.
Adoptive Families magazine has sent out an email to their members recapping the Guatemala 5000 Initiative and asking for support.
I was surprised to see this addition (which is also now appearing on JCICS...did I miss the boat on this?):
What else can you do? In addition to your primary calls to U.S. Congress and UNICEF, you can contact the following:
SOSEP (Guatemala)
· Director Teresa Echeverría de Bastarrechea
Office Phone - 011-502-2383-8400
· Assistant Director - Edin Palma - Same office phone
Office Phone - 011-502-2383-8400
· Jaime Tecu
Office Phone - 011-502-2239-0000 ext 2766
Please note that calls and faxes to Guatemala are international calls
Guatemala Ministry of Foreign Affairs
· Minister Gerth Rosenthal
Office Phone 011-502-2410-0000, 2410-0010
· Vice Minister - Marta Altoaguirre
Office Phone 011-502-2410-0020
Please note that calls and faxes to Guatemala are international calls
PGN (Guatemala)
· Carlos Victor Hugo Barrios Barahona
Office Phone 011-502-2248-3200 Ext. 207/208
Please note that calls and faxes to Guatemala are international calls
Procuraduria of Human Rights
· Dr. Sergio Morales
Office Phone 011-502-2424-1717
Please note that calls and faxes to Guatemala are international calls
Embassy of Guatemala in the U.S.
2220 R Street N.W.
Washington, DC 20008
Office Phone 1-202-745-4952
Office Fax 1-202-745-1908
www.guatemala-embassy.org/
Any thoughts on approach?
We are in the process of adopting a 4 month old boy. I am organizing a letter/e-mail/phone call blitz among our friends and family. Several people have expressed concerns with what exactly they should say when they make the call. Will they be talking to someone in person or will they get a machine? Should they say something like" I am calling regarding... and then list the points posted in the info above? Thanks
Posted by: Mary at October 2, 2007 10:04 PMThe department of State numbers for International adoption are:
202-736-9095
202 736-9096
202-736-9097
202-736-9059
202-736-9130
TINA Leoni 202-647-5226
202-736-9130
Tina Leoni is in charge of Guatemalan adoption issues, and she is on vacation until 10/15. I got into her voice mail and left her a message anyway. I think its repulsive that she would take vacation now, instead of answering our calls.
The DOS operator told me that I should call any and all the numbers above, some are for other countries but they should listen to us anyway.
These call need to be made now, there is no time to waste and we need to be heard before Tuesday, October 9th.~Melissa
Posted by: Melissa at October 4, 2007 02:01 PMKevin and company,
I spent sometime preparing a letter to send to friends and family that can also be re-used by others. Please feel free to amend it in anyway that may improve it.
Dear friends and family,
Guatemala is in the process of complying with the Hague convention, which addresses issues with human trafficking. In order to become Hague compliant, the Guatemalan congress has to pass legislation that specifies how they will implement the Hague convention. Two different bills are being presented to their congress. One of them is the Ortega bill 3217 which violates the Guatemalan constitution and would effectively close down international adotpions. Many believe that the US Department of State (DOS) has put undue pressure on Guatemala to pass the Ortega bill because DOS is understaffed and therefore does not want to deal with Guatemalan adoptions.
Needless to say, this is an issue that is near and dear to my heart. By going to the following link and clicking on the button at the bottom of the displayed web page, you can sign a petition requesting that DOS behave more responsibly:
http://www.petitiononline.com/foafoa1/petition.html
Unicef is also offering huge amounts of money to countries that close down international adoption. Some believe that this is due to a misguided notion that international adoptions are viewed as a type of stealing a country's assets and/or a misguided way of reducing/eliminating human trafficking. I as well as many others believe that we should find better ways than closing down international adoptions to deal with these matters. One way of letting Unicef know that you disapprove of their policy is to not buy the cards that they sell for Halloween or Christmas. Another way is to use the following contact information to write or call Ann Veneman the executive director of Unicef:
Ann Veneman, Executive Director
UNICEF Headquarters
New York, New York USA
Telephone: 212.326.7000
Fax: 212. 326.7758
Please pass this information along to your friends and family.
Thank you very much for your assistance, NAME
Here is another letter to Condolezza Rice that could be reused by others. Kevin and company, please feel free to amend as you see fit before posting this.
Dear Ms. Condolezza Rice,
I am in the process of adopting a little named from Guatemala. As you have probably heard, Guatemala is in the process of becoming Hague compliant. Many of us have heard that Unicef is offering Guatemala a large sum of money to stop international adoptions. Further, the Ortega bill 3217 has recently been passed. Legislation similar to Ortega has been passed in other countries, which has resulted in international adoptions coming to almost a complete stand still in those countries. There are currently around 5000 Guatemalan children that American families are in the process of adopting. These children were relinquished by their families. Guatemala currently has no infrastructure in place to take care of these children. If these in process adoptions are not allowed to proceed, most of those children will end up dieing.
I am asking you to meet with the executive director of Unicef, Ann Veneman, as soon as possible to find a more suitable way of addressing the issues at hand.
Kindest Regards, NAME
Posted by: cheryl at October 4, 2007 07:57 PMI noticed that the facility that posts things deleted a couple of variables that I had put in the letter above. The first sentence should have been as follows:
I am in the process of adopting a little GENDER named NAME from Guatemala.
Then replace GENDER and NAME with the gender and name of your child.
Best, Cheryl
Posted by: cheryl at October 5, 2007 01:40 AMThanks Cheryl for taking the time to do these letters! It helps A LOT to get things sent NOW!
Posted by: Janet J at October 5, 2007 08:53 AM
In Tina Leoni's absence, I just spoke with Bekita(sp?) at the DOS 202-736-9159 who indicated that the faxes are just piling up and they don't have time to go through them all YEAH!! Still can't get my fax through, line is busy, busy, busy. She said they are working on our issues right now. : )
Great! Let's keep the preseure on for the weekend and all next week!
Remember to ask them to ask Guatemalan officials what is Guatemala's plan to feed, cloth and care for all of the future children who can't be adopted after Jan 1st. Not just our 5,000 in process children.
Peace,
Lizzie
Proud Single Mama to Anarosa since 5-26-07
Anxiously waiting for Migdalia
Just FYI: At some point yesterday UNICEF Guatemala's fax stopped responding. About a dozen friends and family who are writing on our behalf told me they couldn't get through. I told them to fax those letters to UNICEF NY instead. I think it's important we don't let them off the hook just because they've decided to turn off their fax....
Posted by: K at October 6, 2007 02:48 PMThis is a personal comment. While accepting the principle that each nation, race and community should be responsible for its own children when the parents of those children are unable to care for them adequately, I would ask that at this time when a new law prohibiting intercountry adoptions is being brought into operation in Guatemala there should be some derogation from that law to permit the intercountry adoption of specific children who have been linked with specific prospective adopters at a date prior to the commencement of the legislation: thus providing for the completion of such prospective adoptions on the grounds that this is in the best interest of these specific children. In particular I would ask that arrangements for the possible adoption of Jose by Mr Dominic Bemrose and Mrs Alex Bemrose be permitted to continue.
Posted by: H Tripp at October 8, 2007 12:35 PM