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© Activism in Adoption

Activism in Adoption Sessions | 2025


Speaker Series


We require each Activism in Adoption live participant to have a Zoom account in order to receive a link, for safety and security purposes. When signing up, please use an email address that is associated with a free or pro Zoom account. Registrations close at 5:00 p.m. Central time the evening before the session. We are unable to accommodate registration requests the morning of the session. Please email Heather Janiga with any questions or for assistance.


AiA Live via Zoom Sessions

April 30, 2025 :: 11AM CDT :: Adoptee-Birthparent Activism In The Faith Community, given by Mellisa Lathion and Dr. Patrice Martin

This session explores the critical intersection of faith and adoption activism through the personal and professional experiences of both an adoptee and birth mother. Dr. Patrice Martin and Mellisa Lathion share their journey of collaboration in establishing the Faith Collective for Truth and Healing in Adoption, highlighting the often overlooked impacts of adoption practices within religious communities.

The speakers address the concerning lack of awareness in faith communities regarding adoption-related trauma and the historical role religious institutions have played in adoption practices. Through their shared expertise and lived experiences, they illuminate why these conversations are essential and how their work through the Faith Collective aims to bring healing, education, and reform to adoption narratives within faith contexts.

Dr. Martin brings her perspective as an adoptee who found her biological family on TLC's "Long Lost Family," while Mellisa Lathion brings her perspective from her 25-year long journey as a birth mom in a semi-open adoption. Together, they discuss their efforts to create spaces for truth-telling, education, and advocacy within religious communities.

This presentation offers a rare opportunity to understand how faith communities can better support all members of the adoption constellation while acknowledging past harms and working toward more ethical, transparent practices.

Quantity Price Subtotal
1 $15.00 $15.00
75 Inventory
@ $15.00 ea.
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