Adoptee Mentoring Society

The Adoptee Mentoring Society is a nonprofit organization based in Seattle, Washington, specifically dedicated to supporting adoptees through compassionate virtual mentorship. Founded in 2021 and recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, the society aims to validate and affirm the experiences of adoptees, fostering a sense of belonging and agency among individuals within this community.

Mission

The mission of the Adoptee Mentoring Society is to provide compassionate virtual mentorship from those who have shared the adoptee experience. Their goal is to create a supportive environment where adoptees can connect with mentors who understand the complexities and nuances of living as an adoptee. The organization envisions a world in which all adoptees feel empowered regarding their adoption stories and experiences, achieving a genuine sense of belonging within their communities[1][2].

Vision

The organization aspires to help all 7 million adoptees in the United States feel a genuine sense of agency over their narratives. The Adoptee Mentoring Society actively promotes the idea that adoptees should have their unique voices and experiences centered in discussions surrounding adoption[1][4].

Programs and Services

The Adoptee Mentoring Society offers several key programs designed to facilitate connection and community-building among adoptees:

• 1:1 Individual Mentorship: This program provides one-on-one virtual mentorship for adoptees aged 12 and older, allowing individuals to explore their adoption stories with trained mentors.

• The Adoptee Lounge: A virtual space for community engagement, the Adoptee Lounge offers group sessions for different age demographics, including youth (ages 12-16), young adults (ages 17-22), and adults (ages 23 and up). This initiative fosters peer connection and support among adoptees[2] .

• Mentee Scholarship: Recognizing financial barriers that some adoptees may face, the society offers scholarships to ensure that quality mentoring is accessible to all individuals, regardless of their financial situation[2].

Values

The Adoptee Mentoring Society operates under a set of core values that guide its mission and activities:

• Adoptee Power: The organization emphasizes the importance of adoptees of all ages, centering their experiences as foundational to the group's strength and growth.

• Intersectionality: Acknowledging that adoptees come from diverse backgrounds, the society values the unique contributions of various identities, including race, gender, and socioeconomic status, in shaping the adoptee experience.

• Healing-Centered Community: The society believes in the power of shared experiences among adoptees to nurture community wellbeing, fostering connections that promote healing and support[1][3].

Conclusion

Through its dedicated approach to mentorship and community-building, the Adoptee Mentoring Society plays a vital role in supporting adoptees in their journeys toward understanding and embracing their identities. By fostering connections that affirm their experiences and providing resources, the organization aims to empower adoptees and promote a more inclusive narrative surrounding adoption.

[1] https://www.wagives.org/organization/Adoptee-Mentoring-Society [2] https://www.adopteementorship.org [3] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/87-2306907 [4] https://www.instagram.com/adopteementorship/ [5] https://angieadoptee.substack.com/p/adoptee-mentoring-society