check in to the conference and work on diy nametags with other early conference attendees before dinner

dinner on your own - check the collective google map "collective gems <3" (link on website) for reccs from community locals!

play mahjongg with other conference attendees, beginners welcome - byo snacks and non alcoholic drinks, coordinated by community member jaime renman

check in to the conference and work on diy nametags

hear opening remarks from chinese adoptee collective

more than simply recalling events of the past, history provides people with the stories of who they are and where they came from. knowledge of a shared history is pivotal for the development of a group identity. adoptees, however, often grow up in isolation without access to a nuanced and comprehensive history of the events that led to the creation of their adoptee identity on both political and personal levels. displaced from chinese history and our chinese families and subsequently plopped into our adoptive countries and adoptive families, this presentation seeks to root and renarrate chinese adoptees’ experiences in a more complete, multinational, and accurate historical context.

i. exploring consciousness development through the adoptee consciousness model with grace newton (event hall, fl 3) the adoptee consciousness model (acm) describes the ways adoptees make sense of and/or experience adoption. informed by critical consciousness theories, the acm includes five touchstones that describe adoptees’ understanding of their adoption: 1) status quo, 2) rupture, 3) dissonance, 4) expansiveness, and 5) agency. in this presentation, grace discusses the research project and the ways the acm has implications for adoptees' mental health and identity development.

ii. crossmovement solidarity (studio b, fl 2) this session will examine the intersection of adoptee identity and global struggles for justice through the lens of cross-movement solidarity. adoptees, particularly those from communities of color, often experience the profound trauma of having their identities severed by the adoption system. this system is deeply intertwined with global histories of colonialism, imperialism, and oppression, and continues to affect current events, from haitian adoption and deportations to the struggles of palestinians and indigenous adoptees forcibly separated from their communities. join us to reflect, connect, and take action toward building a more equitable future.

iii. disability justice (studio d, fl 2) with lydia x. z. brown, discusses disability justice - more info coming soon.

lunch on your own - check the collective google map "collective gems <3" (link on website) for reccs from community locals!

i.how to : dna and birth search (studio d, fl 2) wondering how to navigate a birth family search or unsure where to begin? nanchang project executive leaders cassidy sack and katie lauder will discuss the different types of dna tests and databases that chinese adoptees can utilize for locating biological relatives. learn about the paid and free resources available for a search, including the accessible services nanchang project offers. we will answer audience questions during a mini q&a and provide an opportunity for attendees to complete saliva-based ancestrydna and blood-based china national reunion/police database tests together in a supportive setting (testing is optional), facilitated by mental health professional laur edwards.

ii.ama-zine adoptees (event hall, fl 3) process some adoptee feelings and learn how to make a one-page zine with cam and cal! come with any level of experience; cam and cal will guide you through zines 101 and encourage you to spend some time being creative with your medium of choice. cam mccafferty (he/they) is a longtime zinester and comics creator, and has facilitated zine workshops with bipoc adoptees. they like to make diary-like comics and stories about lesbians with problems. cal storrs (they/them) co-runs marcescence magazine, a small independent publisher that aims to trace the movement of power in the adoption, foster care, and child welfare industries.

iii.lucky knot workshop (studio b, fl 2) come learn how to tie traditional chinese knots with ahmoy (he/him) of xiao quilt and nicolette lecy (she/her). participants will learn how to tie the lucky knot, a protective charm seen in many temples, restaurants, and homes. these knots can be customized in combination with discs, beads, and snake knots, all of which will be available at the workshop. each participant will go home with at least one knot, as well as knot tying instructions.

meet and connect with other conference attendees based on home region, birth province region, lgbtqia+, covid conscious, sober, disabed/nd, male, and more.

dinner on your own - check the collective google map "collective gems <3" (link on website) for reccs from community locals!

check in to the conference and work on diy nametags

explore themes of identity, cultural connection, and self-discovery through the stories of individuals who have navigated the complexities of returning to china. the discussion will delve into key topics such as considerations they had in pursuing returning to china, the impact of visiting birthplaces, interactions with their birth country and people of china, and reconciling dual cultural identities. whether you are considering returning, have already returned, or are not interested in returning, our panelists hope that their experiences will help shed light and insights into the spectrum of experiences across the adoptee diaspora.

deciding to search for birth family members as a chinese adoptee is not made lightly. do i have to search in person? how much does it cost? how do i come to that decision? where do i start? what should i know ahead of time? the process can be overwhelming and confusing. hear from chinese adoptees laney, mei ke, and grace as they detail their experiences, give practical tips, and shed light on the emotional aspects of searching for birth family members.

hear closing remarks from chinese adoptee collective

a private and quiet space available for attendees during the conference. this space is designed for nervous system regulation and emotional grounding. supportive community members will be available for folks as well. soft lighting, sensory fidgets, weighted blankets, and other mindfulness grounding tools and art supplies will be available.
this is a non-judgmental, grounding space. no photography. no recording. respect the room, honor silence and others’ privacy and space. community members are present for support, not therapy.

conference attendees are invited to bring photos, illustrations, and words to create a group mural collage project together.

dumpling workshop in collaboration with asian food collective and community member chef kiana kishiyama, catered dinner also provided

celebrate pride and enjoy a community open mic/drag show at the asian arts initiative black box theatre! featuring local community members and fellow attendees. dont forget your ones for the queens!