Date _______

Dear ______________________________

They are searching to find a woman who wishes to create an adoption plan for her unborn or newborn child. A Birthmom (as she is called in adoption circles) making an adoption plan will often begin her own search, hoping to directly influence the selection of the parents adopting her child. She often wishes to "choose" (in a non-identifying way) what she feels will make the perfect parents for her child.

I would love for Mary and John to be one of the couples she considers in this selection process.

So my request is this. Over the upcoming weeks and months, as you go about your everyday life, I’d like to ask that you keep your eyes and ears open for what we call an "adoption opportunity". This is where you learn of a woman interested in making an adoption plan for her unborn or newborn child.

Then, as you come across an adoption opportunity, I would ask that you pass along to the Birthmom (or to a person close to her) a copy of Mary and John’s non-identifying family portfolio, or one of their information cards. (A portfolio and several cards have been sent with this letter).

These information pieces carefully preserve the anonymity of both the Birthmom and Mary and John. They offer the Birthmom an extremely "safe", anonymous way to learn more about Mary and John.

As you see in their portfolio and on the information card, the Birthmom will be given the opportunity to call a free recorded message to hear Mary and John tell their personal story about why they have chosen adoption in their journey to parenthood. (You are welcome to call and listen as well.) Their website is also listed so the Birthmom can see pictures of Mary and John and their family.

The adoption counselor will either contact the Birthmom directly, or the counselor can contact the Birthmom’s trusted family member or friend.

Please remember that time is of the essence if you encounter an adoption opportunity. Please act quickly by gently offering Mary and John’s information card to the Birthmom or to a person close to her.

So that is my request. I simply ask that you carry a few information cards around with you in your wallet, purse or glove-compartment. Then if an adoption opportunity presents itself, please offer the card.

This will provide the Birthmom another choice for adopting parents and will provide Mary and John another chance to share their story and desire to be parents through adoption.

If you actually speak with a Birthmom or with her family, please be careful not to share last names, addresses, cities, or other details about Mary and John.

Experience has shown us that in the excitement of the moment, there is the temptation to indicate where the adopting couple lives, works or other identifying information. For now anyway, please help keep these details confidential.

At this early stage of the adoption process, anonymity creates the greatest safety for both the Birthmom and for the adopting couple. If later, when a Birthmom and the adopting couple make greater commitments to each other, only then can the careful sharing of information be considered. So for now, don’t say too much to the Birthmom! Thanks!

Thank you very much for helping in this important quest. Mary and John are great people and will make wonderful parents. It is their deepest desire.

Any assistance you can offer will be heart-felt.

Warmly,