<p>This bonus episode is a special Juneteenth episode. Our friend DaKota with the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/destinyadoptionfoundation/">Destiny Adoption Foundation</a> hosted a Juneteenth Conference on June 17, 2022, with guest speakers Samantha Williams, a birth mom, and Jeena and Drue Wilder, adoptive parents. In celebration of Juneteenth we are so honored to share the audio from the conference with our listeners. A special thank you to DaKota and the Destiny Adoption Foundation for sharing and hosting this discussion. DaKota, an adult adoptee who grew up in an open adoption, is featured in episode 18 of our podcast.</p>

Rachel | Seeking Connection

This podcast is about connecting. It's about growing. It's about stretching. In society nowadays, it's easy to fall into echo chambers. This is not an echo chamber. Open Adoption Project is a community dedicated to listening and learning, and building relationships based on healthy respect and communication. The Open Adoption Project focuses on improving adoptee experiences by encouraging open communication between all members of the adoption constellation, nurturing ongoing open adoption relationships and promoting ethical adoption practices. Follow us on Instagram @OpenAdoptionProject and at our website, openadoptionproject.org (http://openadoptionproject.org). Everyone is welcome here. Considering adopting? Adoptive parents tune in as we listen and learn from adoptees first and foremost. Adopted individuals share a wide spectrum of experiences, including search and reunion. This podcast is a safe space for any perspectives and experiences adoptees and first parents share, while adopters and those wanting to adopt listen and learn. Academics and others also share with us. This podcast is a passion project. No one here is connected to any adoption agencies. We do not profit from this podcast. It is a volunteer project we embrace to better enable adoptees and birth parents / biological parents to share their stories.