Social Media and Adoption
Social media has quickly become one of the most important ways to promote a cause or share something important – like National Adoption Month or adoption in general!
American Adoptions is always trying to expand our social media reach. Doing so is a benefit to our waiting adoptive families as well as to adoption in general. Every time you or someone else writes or shares something about adoption, others take notice!
Here are some of the ways you can use social media to promote adoption and American Adoptions:
- Like American Adoptions on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/americanadoptions
- Follow American Adoptions on Twitter at @adoptions: https://twitter.com/adoptions
- +1 American Adoptions on Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/111429822319025407129/posts
- Subscribe to the American Adoptions Newsletter: http://www.americanadoptions.com/adoption/newsletter_signup
- Follow American Adoptions on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/adoptions/
- Follow American Adoptions on Instagram at @AmericanAdoptions: http://instagram.com/americanadoptions
- Follow American Adoptions on Vine at @Adoptions.
- Subscribe to the American Adoptions YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/AmericanAdoptions
- Write a post about adoption for your own blog or website! And be sure to link back to our blog or website – you can even include a link to your online profile or video profile – so that birth mothers and other adoptive families can find us!
- Update your status. And mention American Adoptions.
- Retweet an American Adoptions tweet. Or include us in a tweet. We love getting shout-outs!
- Share or pin a favorite American Adoptions blog post! You can even send us your favorite pins!
- If you’re talking about adoption out in the blogosphere, let us know! Send us a link to your adoption blog at editors@americanadoptions.com!
Get Adoption in the Local Media
Your local media can help to promote and create awareness for a wealth of things. Adoption should be no exception! Utilize your local newspapers, TV stations or websites to spread awareness for adoption during National Adoption Month by sending requests for coverage or press releases. Here are some pointers:
- First, make a list of local print, broadcast and online media outlets.
- Compile your information in a letter – including your request for an adoption-related story or awareness piece during National Adoption Month – to be emailed to the media outlets or reporters. Consider including a press release or fact sheet, as well as a touching personal story.
- Do not attach files – put everything in the body of the email. This makes it easier for a media person to read and process your information, and it will also keep your message from being marked as SPAM.
- If you’re planning an awareness event, see if you can invite a local celebrity like a local media person, athlete or public servant. Create photo opportunities and share them in the letter as well.
- Reach out as early as possible. If you feel like it’s too late for this year, begin brainstorming an event for next year and start your inquiries in October.
- Call or follow up for a commitment, and be persistent!
For more tips for promoting adoption, check out Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption’s Raise Awareness page on their website or visit ChildWelfare.gov’s Spread the Word page!
