TXARC and Adoptee Rights: Why a Coalition?

If you have questions about why we formed the Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, here are some answers. Feel free also to contact us at [email protected] or to leave comments or questions below.

Who Is in the Coalition?

There are currently four organizations in the coalition: Equality for Adoptees, GLARE, Adoptee Rights Law Center, and Bastard Nation. We may expand depending on other organizations’ interest and the required commitment to join the coalition. More information about each organization is here.

Why A Coalition?

A coalition allows for the sharing of resources, experiences, and perspectives. It also holds each of the member organizations accountable to the mission. In this case, our objective as a coalition is the passage of legislation in Texas that does not discriminate against adult adoptees in their right to obtain their original birth certificates. It is a core commitment, and each organization is a check against others in adhering to that commitment.

A coalition also allows us to throw out ideas among the different organizations to develop a coherent and agreed-upon strategy, particularly one that each of the organizations will support strongly with their own members and resources. Together, the current core organizations have thousands of members and contacts and allies that they can tap into for help in working toward non-discriminatory adoptee rights legislation in Texas.

What Does TXARC Require?

A sense of humor and a solid and enduring commitment to adoptee rights. We need a sense of humor to stay sane in the work that we do. Importantly, however, each core organization must agree in writing to an overriding coalition commitment, which includes not supporting, endorsing, or considering discriminatory restrictions on the right of an adult adoptee to obtain his or her own original birth certificate upon request. It is the coalition’s bottom line and must be the bottom line of each of the coalition members. That differentiates us from any other organization that cannot commit to that bottom line of equality.

Is Any One Organization In Charge of the Coalition?

No. Each core organization has one vote on issues that may require a vote. Because the coalition’s focus is on Texas law, however, the voices of local organizations carry great weight. We consider TXARC as led by Texas adoptees with the strong support of national organizations and advocates.

How Does TXARC Work?

We work by consensus among the core organizations. The member organizations have drafted and agreed to organizational principles, such as the need for voting on issues that cannot be resolved through consensus. We also communicate frequently through conference calls, a dedicated email list, and through social media.

We are also dedicated to transparency in our efforts. We will communicate as often as we can with those who share our mission so that you know what we believe and what we support.

What Resources Do You Share?

Lots. It ranges from the invaluable experience of those who are directly in contact with Texas legislators to those who are skilled at organizing or those who provide logistical and data support. We spread out our resources and support each other in our individual work.

How Do You Become a Partner Organization in TXARC?

First, your organization or group has to at least be involved in some aspect of adoption reform or practice and have a solid understanding around the issue of an adopted person’s right to obtain his or her original birth certificates. It also helps that your organization is based in Texas, unless it has a national focus. A combination of local and national organizations committed to adoptee rights is a good mix. That’s what we are after and what we currently have.

Can an Individual Person Become a Coalition Member?

The coalition is governed by organizations, not individuals. That said, sign up here to be a part of our efforts. We will keep you updated on the issues and will lean on you to contact legislators or to pitch in when you are needed in Texas.

My Organization Supports Your Work. How Can It Help?

Become a supporting organization by contacting us at [email protected]. We will make sure to communicate with you directly and keep you updated on issues that come up. If you want to work more closely with us, it may make sense to become a strategic partner, which is an organization that commits to our mission but is not necessarily involved directly in adoptee rights issues. Let us know what your organization could do.