1. Adoption in the Digital Age
By Steve/Jessica Moon, Tyler Whitaker, & Alison Lowe
Families Supporting Adoption
National Conference
August 1st, 2009

2. Why Use the Internet? Where do I start?
Tons of Available Information
Get the Word Out for your own Adoption
Support Groups
Starting your own Adoption Blog
Communicate with Birth Parents
Advocate for Adoption
Q&A

3. FamiliesSupportingAdoption.org Part of LDS/Provident Living Website
Public Facing
Not Much Content Yet
Landing Page
Link here
Will Improve Over Time

4. FSA Members Login http://ldsfsfsa.bluestep.net
Good Official Content from LDSFS, FSA, and the National Board
Don’t link here (password required)
Go here for FSA information
Please sign up for an Account

5. FSA National Board Blog
News / Events
Public Facing
Link Here Please
Comment / Share
Buttons / Badges
Subscribe to the RSS Feed

6. Adoption.com Where to start? All you ever wanted to know.
Loads of Info
Has an LDS section
Comment / Share on the Forum
Linked with Parent Profiles

7. Get the word out
~ ItsAboutLove.org ~ ParentProfiles.com ~ Facebook ~ My Space ~ Twitter ~ Other blogs (adoption, friends etc)

8. Why Support Groups? Misery Loves Company
Baby Hungry Wing Nuts Need Counseling
Sharing / Helping / Giving / Healing
We all need help and the Internet is everywhere
Only you can share the hope you find
Your story is unique and worth hearing
We are all normal

9. Online Support Groups Yahoo Groups Facebook group adoptionvoices.com
groups.yahoo.com
Chapter groups
Facebook group
Search for Families Supporting Adoption
adoptionvoices.com
Social Network for only Adoption 

10. Starting your own Adoption Blog
“… may I ask that you join the conversation by participating on the Internet, particularly the New Media, to share the gospel and to explain in simple and clear terms the message of the Restoration. Most of you already know that if you have access to the Internet you can start a blog in minutes and begin sharing what you know to be true.”
Elder M. Russell Ballard December 15, 2007

11. How can I start my own blog?
The More Good Foundation
Blogger.com
Easy, Free, Simple
Wordpress.com / Wordpress.org
Full Featured Blogging Platform, Flexibility
Others: LiveJournal.com, Typepad.com
Start Adding Text, Pictures, Video…

12. Blogging Do’s & Don’ts
Link to ItsAboutLove.org & FamiliesSupportingAdoption.org
Always remember your purpose is to positively promote adoption.
Encourage birthmothers to work with LDS Family Services.
Do share your own adoption success story.
Don’t be controversial or negative.  
Do your homework.
Make sure you’ve covered your bases and know what you’re discussing.
Show some class.
Maintain your dignity and respect by remaining calm and under control.
Be creative and have fun.
Graphics, photos, and videos can do a lot to spread a message.
Don’t write a book about adoption.
Share your thoughts and perspectives.

13. http://tylerandmandy.blogspot.com Good example of a beginning blog
Good example of a beginning blog
Simple
Creative
Just about us
Easy to update
Doesn’t require web skills

14. Blog Examples Adoption blog: http://abcsofourfamily.blogspot.com
Family blog: (Private)
Kids blog : (Private)
Photo sharing:

15. Communicate with Birth Parents
Communicate through
Instant Messaging
Face book/ My space
Blogs (comments)
Twitter
Texting
Pass photos onto birth parents: Walmart, Sams,
You can also photos.

16. Advocate for Adoption The Internet is Perfect for: The overall goal:
Legislative Issues
General Adoption Promotion
Sharing the Lord’s views on Adoption
The overall goal:
Direct Birth Parents to LDSFS
Raise the topic of Adoption to common, talked about social event

17. Questions & Answers FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the Internet? (Go Google Al Gore)
Can I really trust Wikipedia?
I use Internet Explorer 6, should I upgrade?
Can I Haz Cheezburgerz?
4ny l33t FS4 p30pl3 kn0w th3 w1r3l3ss ss1d?