Giveaway: 2 Full Passes to the FSA Conference

**This giveaway is closed.**

Friday, August 12th through Saturday, August 13th is the Families Supporting Adoption International Conference.

This is a conference for expectant parents and their families, birth parents and their families, adoptive parents, hopeful adoptive parents and individuals who were adopted.

Some of the topics that will be covered at the conference will be openness in adoption, transracial adoption, foster care, the emotions involved on all sides of adoption, international adoption, advocacy, infertility, grief and healing, laws, scams and so on.

I will be at the conference although I will be in the vendor section with The R House Couture hand-stamping our customizable sterling silver jewelry and selling our new line of adoption wear. (That’s right, we get to sell this year! Yay!) However, I hope to slip away for at least two of the sessions. Here are the ones that caught my attention the most:

Transracial Adoption: Parenting your Child of Color, by Curtis and Melody Linton and Andrea Hardeman.

How is parenting a child of color different from parenting white children? Learn what you need to be aware of when adopting transracially. Explore race, racism, and the institutionalized inequities that will impact your child of color in school and society. Understand how to address race and bias with family, with friends, and in the media. Embrace the wonderful diversity of transracial adoption!

AND

Managing the Emotions of Adoption, by Kathy Searle and Susan Cutler Egbert.

Come hear personal examples and practical ideas for coping with the emotional issues that come with adoption. Some of these issues include grief and loss, guilt and shame, divided loyalties, rejection and abandonment, identity confusion, trust and intimacy, and loss of control. Participants will learn positive ways for recognizing, understanding, and managing their sometimes complex emotions.

I really love Dr. Egbert.

The National Board of FSA asked if I would be interested in doing a giveaway for a pair of full passes to the conference. As it turns out, Mr. R and I won two full passes to this conference at a NIAW event we attended in the spring, so it seemed only appropriate to pay it forward.

This giveaway is for two (2) full passes to the conference (including the yummy banquet dinner!)–an $80 value! Even LDSFS employees are allowed to enter the giveaway for the free passes. Expectant parents and birth parents: You are welcome to enter as well, but y’all get into the conference for free!

If you have already purchased your conference tickets, FSA will reimburse you should you win! So, set your mind at ease.

If you would like to enter this giveaway, here is what to do:

Simply leave a comment telling me which topic you are interested in learning more about.

If you would like to increase your chances of winning with extra entries, here is what to do:
Leave an additional comment for each extra entry.

Follow my blog by clicking on “Join this Site” under R Followers on the sidebar.
Check out The R House on Facebook. Say hi on my wall!
Follow @therhouse on Twitter.
Tweet about this contest, using @therhouse in your tweet! (This can be done once per day.)

P.S. Sharing is easier than ever with the Facebook and Twitter buttons at the top of the post and the Share and Enjoy section at the end of the post.

Entries will be accepted until Sunday, July 17, 2011 at 11:59 PM MST. The winner will be announced on Monday on Facebook and notified by email.

The winner will have 3 days to accept the prize, after which a new winner will be selected.

Full Disclosure: I was compensated for this post.

{Comments 111}

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Categories: Giveaways • Tags: Families Supporting Adoption

Tara Winsor said on July 12, 2011 at 1:23 am

I would really like to learn about the emotions of adoption as well. That sounds intriguing. I just registered my hubby and me for this, THIS morning! And haven’t had a chance to sit down and figure out our agenda yet! But I am also excited for Sister Beck. That will be awesome.

Tara Winsor said on July 12, 2011 at 1:24 am

Left a message on your wall.

Tiffany said on July 12, 2011 at 2:08 am

Excited for the conference and to be surrounded by positive adoption vibes. I always love the panels and I am hoping to check out the class “What to consider before TRA”. Glad you will be there.

Tiffany said on July 12, 2011 at 2:11 am

I follow the R house

Tiffany said on July 12, 2011 at 2:13 am

Said Hi on FB…

Mary said on July 12, 2011 at 5:30 am

Managing the Emotions of Adoption sounds right up my alley. BTW, I’ve heard Curtis & Melody Linton present before- very informative!

Mary said on July 12, 2011 at 5:37 am

I follow your blog!

Mary said on July 12, 2011 at 5:38 am

I said hi on the r house on Facebook’s wall!

Rebecca D said on July 12, 2011 at 6:54 am

Managing the Emotions of Adoption sounds very interesting to me as well. I think I could always use some pointers in that area!

Rebecca D said on July 12, 2011 at 6:56 am

I liked you and left you a message on FB!

I follow you on twitter (bec289)

Rebecca D said on July 12, 2011 at 6:57 am

I follow your blog.

Becky said on July 12, 2011 at 8:08 am

I would love to go to the conference for free!!! I hope to go this year for the first time. As an adoptive mommy to 3 children of mixed races, I would like to learn more about transracial adoption.

I am an RHOUSE follower!

Tiana said on July 12, 2011 at 8:23 am

Definitely the emotions of adoption, ‘cuz emotions? We’ve got ‘em for sure!!

Alisha Smith said on July 12, 2011 at 8:29 am

We are new to all of adoption, so any of the topics I would love to learn. I am excited to hear Sister Beck talk. Can’t wait. Hope to win!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shelly said on July 12, 2011 at 8:30 am

I want to hear more about almost all of the topics!

Becca said on July 12, 2011 at 8:33 am

I would like to learn about transracial adoption and also adopting older children. We are hoping to adopt teens, and we are not afraid of transracial adoption (or teen adoption) – but it is always good to get as much information as we can and really prepare ourselves.

The West Jordan Relay for Life is also that weekend (but it’s an overnight thing) but my husband agreed to go, so we might be zombies, but we’ll be there.

Kelli said on July 12, 2011 at 8:40 am

We would really benefit from the sessions on transracial adoption and would love to win!!!

Julie said on July 12, 2011 at 8:43 am

Follow your blog!!

Said ‘hi’ over on therhouse facebook page!!

Kelli said on July 12, 2011 at 8:44 am

And I said hi on Facebook!

Julie said on July 12, 2011 at 8:45 am

The class I am most looking forward to the one on Transracial Adoption. We are in the middle of a foster care adoption for our son ‘Tank’ – he’s biracial. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE this class! *and of course we already bought tickets to the Conference so FREE would be even better

Julie said on July 12, 2011 at 8:46 am

I already follow you on twitter!

Tweeted about therhouse this morning!!

Darci said on July 12, 2011 at 9:32 am

I want to go to as many of the classes as possible! I will for sure go to the emotions of adoption. The panels are always great too.

Kindle Garner said on July 12, 2011 at 9:46 am

Yay! We are so excited for the conference. I want to go to lots of classes, but the “Managing the Emotions of Adoption” class sounds awesome. Also, our birthmom is on the birthparent panel this year, so I can’t wait to see what she has to say! Thank you!!

Kindle Garner said on July 12, 2011 at 9:47 am

I just added myself as a follower for an extra entry, it was about time I de-lurked anyway.

Lisa Fuller said on July 12, 2011 at 10:03 am

I would love to attend the conference. The classes that look good to me are about he emotions of adoption and also trans racial adoption as I have adopted 3 African American boys, and we are to get our 4th boy sometime in August or September. YEAH!!!

Leslie said on July 12, 2011 at 10:32 am

I am interested in Transracial Adoption more so now, then last year when I went to the FSA Conference because we currently have two of the sweetest little hispanic girls living with us who we are hoping and praying to be able to adopt them through foster care. I also follow your blog, twitter, and facebook. Love the blog makeover by the way.

Kirsten said on July 12, 2011 at 10:34 am

We are right in the thick of emotions in adoption! I’d love to go to the conference and get some tools to handle the situation we find ourselves in better. Thanks for all your great advocacy work in behalf of adoption.

Leslie said on July 12, 2011 at 10:34 am

I follow your blog

Leslie said on July 12, 2011 at 10:35 am

I said “hi” on fb

Leslie Rowberry said on July 12, 2011 at 10:36 am

Very excited to hear Sister Beck talk and for more information on kids with trauma and transracial adoption since we are dealing with both of those currently.

Sharylann said on July 12, 2011 at 10:43 am

Sharylann said on July 12, 2011 at 10:44 am

As for what I’d like to learn, I’d love to learn about how adoption affects all sides of the spectrum and I’d love a class for those who are considering adoption so I can learn more about it. I’m trying to get totally informed before we make our decision.

Judy said on July 12, 2011 at 10:53 am

I have been trying to find what the workshops are. Can’t see a complete list. Being the mother of an older adoptee with an open adoption where the situation went wrong. I would love to see something for older adoptee. Also I never see anything about Oh no you adopted but did you realize that she drank while she was pregnant and now you have this situation to deal with.

But would love to attend. Haven’t attended since we were trying to adopt. There was no reason to go. Not much support after you adopt and life has thrown you these curve balls!

Lindsey said on July 12, 2011 at 11:26 am

Hey Judy. I have an almost complete list of the classes with descriptions. Aside from the emotions class listed above (taught by an adult adoptee who is also an adoptive mom and an adoptive mom that has many older adoptive children), here are some that you may be interested in:

Openness in Adoption, by Darren Ashton. What are the keys to a satisfying open-adoption experience? What are the steps and responsibilities for you and the birth parents? What myths and misconceptions hinder successful openness? Come learn the answers to these questions as well as the essential qualities and characteristics that will lead to a positive experience with open adoption.

Adoptees Panel, moderated by David Pitcher. Learn about adoption from the perspective of adoptees as they share their experiences.

Tips for a Smoother Adoption, by Christine Jolley. What tools can help you avoid disruptions and make the adoption process go more smoothly? Adoption professionals, prospective adoptive parents, birth parents, and others can benefit from a look into these important issues.

Children with Disabilities and Special Health Care Needs 101, by Christine Anderson. Are you considering parenting a child with disabilities and special health care needs, or are you already parenting a child with these challenges? You may have many questions, such as: What do I need to know as a parent? What can I expect? What will the school experience be like? This presentation will provide an introductory discussion. Christine (aka the Disability Diva) will share her unique

When Your Adoption Story Takes an Unwanted Turn, by Tara Madsen and Keauna Oransaye. This class will address how to handle disappointment, loss, and uncertainty when your adoption experience doesn’t turn out exactly as planned. Presenters will focus on their experiences as they discuss how to continue to move forward, find joy in adoption, and maintain hope for the future. perspective as an advocate, clinician, instructor, and now parent of children with disabilities.

You will probably enjoy Dr. Purvis’ keynote address too. You can read about that here: http://familiessupportingadoption.blogspot.com/2011/04/international-conference-news-saturday.html

Also, I am sorry that you feel like you don’t have the support you need. I have found the opposite to be true–didn’t have tons of support (even from our “caseworkers” when we were hoping to adopt) but that experience left us very proactive and we’ve been very involved in finding support post-placement. Hope you can come and feel buoyed up!

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Maren said on July 12, 2011 at 11:00 am

I would love to go to the Managing the Emotions of Adoption. We’re just beginning and boy oh boy the emotions are certainly all over the place.

Maren said on July 12, 2011 at 11:02 am

Said hello on FB

Maren said on July 12, 2011 at 11:03 am

‘Joined’ the site.

Aubrey said on July 12, 2011 at 11:34 am

I really want to go to this conference!!! I can’t find a list of the sessions and their content, but I am just hungry for any information that I can get!!!

Megan said on July 12, 2011 at 12:43 pm

This conference exhausts me in a wonderful way. There is so much to learn every year and I am anxious once again to learn SO much about a variety of topics and to then bring back what I’ve learned and incorporate it into what we hope to share at the SW Regional conference.

Jessica said on July 12, 2011 at 1:00 pm

We’d like any parenting classes!

Jessica said on July 12, 2011 at 1:01 pm

Followers!

Jessica said on July 12, 2011 at 1:02 pm

Visited Facebook!

Megan said on July 12, 2011 at 1:16 pm

Stalk, I mean, follow your blog. lol

Megan said on July 12, 2011 at 1:18 pm

Hi’d you on fb.

Follow you on twitter

Chriss said on July 12, 2011 at 3:07 pm

Said Hi on FB

ourjourneyinadoption.blogspot.com

Chriss said on July 12, 2011 at 3:08 pm

Follow your blog

Chriss said on July 12, 2011 at 3:11 pm

It has been really hard to find out what classes they are teaching this year, it seems last year they had the breakout classes out well in advance. From your comments I would say that we want to go to Tips for a Smoother Adoption, by Christine Jolley

Lindsey said on July 12, 2011 at 3:16 pm

It has been kind of hard, huh? They are apparently finalizing the schedule today (???) and then I would think they would post it on their blog as well. I will keep an eye out too.

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Carlie said on July 12, 2011 at 5:00 pm

I haven’t checked out the listing of topics {what is the link?}, but out of the two you mentioned, “Managing the Emotions of Adoption, by Kathy Searle and Susan Cutler Egbert” would be most beneficial to me!

Stephanie C. said on July 12, 2011 at 5:00 pm

I always love the panels and am really, really excited for the adoptee panel. I haven’t been able to go to this conference since we adopted our daughter and I just want to hear everything!

I am follower via Twitter!

Follow your blog.

Carlie said on July 12, 2011 at 5:02 pm

I said, “Hello” on The R House FB page . . . and I did find the link. Thanks!

Stephanie C. said on July 12, 2011 at 5:06 pm

Said Hi on Facebook!

Sarah Ross said on July 12, 2011 at 7:25 pm

“What adoptive children need from their birth parents” Looks like it will be a great conference!

Annie said on July 12, 2011 at 7:33 pm

transracial adoption for sure. our baby boy is one month old today. the whole thing looks fabulous.

Annie said on July 12, 2011 at 7:34 pm

and now i am a follower. you’re the first i follow. never have done it before!

said hi on fb!

Staci said on July 12, 2011 at 10:52 pm

I am now a follower of your blog
Staci Sadowski: stacimarie29@juno.com

Staci said on July 12, 2011 at 10:55 pm

Just left a comment on your FB page
Staci Sadowski: stacimarie29@juno.com

Staci said on July 12, 2011 at 11:00 pm

Managing the Emotions of Adoption sounds great. And we love Kathy Searle and the part she has played in adoption in our lives.
stacimarie29@juno.com

Rachel said on July 12, 2011 at 11:26 pm

This will be our first year attending the conference. We are really looking forward to learning more about adoption. I am so excited to hear from Julie B Beck.

Debbie Hansen said on July 12, 2011 at 11:40 pm

I am just thrilled to be going again. Maybe I’d like to hear about foster care since infant adoption just isn’t happening for us and we’re possibly shifting that way. Excited to go nonetheless!

Lisa said on July 13, 2011 at 12:07 am

I’m glad to hear about the “managing emotions of adoption” class. It sounds like just what I need! We are in our first year in our first open adoption and I’ve been surprised by some of the strong emotions (not all positive) that I’ve been feeling. I was just telling my dh that we really need to attend the conference this year, I feel it in my bones.

Tamara said on July 13, 2011 at 2:11 am

Gosh I’d love to win this… am excited to attend this year.

Am also excited for translational presentations and openness discussions!

Tamara said on July 13, 2011 at 2:46 am

crap- I mean transracial (my bad!)

Tamara said on July 13, 2011 at 2:51 am

Said hi on facebook!!!! (hi!)

Trudy said on July 13, 2011 at 9:31 am

The class on transracial adoption sounds really good.

Michelle said on July 13, 2011 at 12:25 pm

I would be ecstatic to win tickets to this conference! I am coming up from Texas for this conference because it is so great. I am especially interested in the emotions class, as we experienced many unexpected emotions with the adoption of our son.

Michelle said on July 13, 2011 at 12:26 pm

Said hi on your FB wall!

Nikki said on July 13, 2011 at 3:53 pm

I want to go to this conference!!! I want to learn about the emotions and raising a child of color. =) OOOOHHH my fingers are crossed.

Nikki said on July 13, 2011 at 3:55 pm

I said hi on facebook

I follow you on twitter

Nikki said on July 13, 2011 at 3:58 pm

Annica Jump said on July 13, 2011 at 4:30 pm

Hi I would love to win free adoption conference tickets!!!

Stephanie said on July 13, 2011 at 4:32 pm

I would love to learn more about economical adoption options. It is so expensive!

Stephanie said on July 13, 2011 at 4:33 pm

I left you a comment on FB.

Stephanie said on July 13, 2011 at 4:35 pm

I follow you on twitter.

Uh…excuse me. But. I tweeted! (LOL).

Dana said on July 14, 2011 at 8:07 am

I’m excited for the conference this year, it will be my first time attending. We adopted a little girl from foster care last year and I am really interested in learning more about openness in adoption.

Jill Magnesen said on July 14, 2011 at 9:22 pm

I loved going to the conference last year!

Deidra said on July 15, 2011 at 6:37 am

I would love to hear about transracial adoption.

Deidra said on July 15, 2011 at 6:38 am

I follow

Aubrey said on July 15, 2011 at 2:02 pm

I follow your blog!!

Aubrey said on July 15, 2011 at 2:03 pm

I said “hi!” on your wall!!

Emily said on July 15, 2011 at 5:32 pm

Never been! We have always wanted to go but by chance something would come up! I would love to go!

Kim said on July 15, 2011 at 5:36 pm

I think the adoption literature class sounds interesting. I also follow the r house.

Brian said on July 17, 2011 at 1:50 am

I am now following you on twitter.

Brian said on July 17, 2011 at 1:51 am

I posted about your contest on twitter

I am now like you on face book

Brian said on July 17, 2011 at 1:52 am

that should say I now like you on face book

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Alice Tolman said on July 17, 2011 at 12:28 pm

I am interested in the managing the emotions of adoption class. Really would just love to get recharged in the adoption arena. Hope to win! Thanks! By the way I love your blog.