I grew up in a household where I was taught that in order to make a change you must take action. Activism is nothing new to me. I went to my first large demonstration in Washington D.C. when I was 19 and marched with 500,000 other people of all different backgrounds. We marched for peace. I was so proud. I was going to change the world. And then I got older.

In my early 20s I got my first teaching job. I got married. I got involved at school. I got busy. I’d try to be socially active, but it was hard. I’d make phone calls on issues I felt strongly about, but they were much less frequent. I’d attend a demonstration as long as my schedule was clear enough to do so. But I was busy.

Heading down our road towards adoption has ignited a new urgency to be socially active. As a hopeful adoptive parent (HAP), I know that it is going to be essential to advocate for my child. That’s what you do as parents, right? You advocate for your child. For what they need. For when they hurt. For injustices committed against them. For their betterment.

As I’ve researched more and experienced more in the adoption world, I’ve seen how important is to be informed and active. I’ve researched and will stand with the mothers through adoption for their right to receive equal maternity leave because I know how important, how vitally important that bonding process is for any mother or father and child, but especially for a family made by adoption. I believe strongly in, will voice my concern, and will fight for families through adoption to be given the same benefits that are afforded to biological families. I will stand up for social injustice, against racism, and fear because not only is it the right thing to do but also because my family may look very different than if we had had biological children.My eyes have always been open, but as I grew older they started to cloud over a bit. I wasn’t so convinced that I could actually change the world. My eyes are wide-open again. I will stand up for my future family. I will make phone calls and demonstrate to stand up for not just my future family but for all families. I won’t only be socially active when it is convenient for me. I know that not all people agree with me or understand the depth of urgency that I have to work, march, talk, type to make this world a better place. No, I don’t consider myself a “strong” woman. You may think I’m a “nasty” woman. But I choose to be active because I know that my current and future family depends on it.

~Chelsea