As you read in our previous posting, there has been some bad news concerning Guatemalan adoptions. The statements that have been made affect 5000 families in the process of adoption. This could potentially leave 5000 children without permanent homes. We are trying to come together as one unified voice to influence the outrageous threats being made. We are also asking that you help by doing some of the following things.



Online Petition from Focus on Adoption: http://www.petitiononline.com/foafoa1/petition.html

How can you participate in Guatemala 5000 initiative (see below or click on link) http://www.jcics.org/Guatemala5000.htm#Participate

How YOU can participate in the Guatemala 5000 Initiative

Make six simple phone calls and one email.

1. Call your U.S. Senator.
· You can find your Senators’ phone numbers at www.senate.gov
· Ask to speak with the Legislative Director or Chief of Staff

2. Call your second U.S. Senator.

3. Call your representative to the U.S. House of Representative.
· You can find your representative at www.house.gov
· Ask to speak with the Legislative Director or Chief of Staff

4. Call or fax UNICEF Headquarters
· Ask to speak with Ann Veneman, Executive Director
· Their number is 212-326-7000
· Their fax number is 212-326-7758

5. Call or fax UNICEF Guatemala
· Ask to speak with Manuel Manrique
· Their number is 011-502-2327-6373
· Their fax number is 011-502-2327.6366
Please note that calls and faxes to Guatemala are international calls.

7. Send and email supporting Intercountry Adoption to guatemala5000@jcics.org
· Write briefly or at length
· Joint Council will use the cumulative email petition in our advocacy for Intercountry Adoption

When should you call?
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (October 9th, 10th, 11th)
For maximum affect, we are asking you to make these calls within a 72 hour window!

Please email us if you have questions: alisharamirez@yahoo.com

Once again, thank you for your continued support!

Love, Juan and Alisha (and Mason)