You can make a difference!

Once again, you can make a difference in the life of a child. Below is a brief explanation of new legislature concerning Families and Orphans and 4 simple ways you can make a difference. At the very least, please sign the petitions! The first allows international adoptive families that have jumped through hoops to get their child, for that child to become an instant US citizen when touching down on American soil. The other is to provide more funding and support to Foster Programs and Orphan aid around the World. Thank you for caring and passing this along to your friends!
__________________________
NCFA is pleased to announce that the introduction of the Families for Orphans Act (H.R. 3070 and S. 1458) and the Foreign Adopted Children Equality Act (S. 1359 and H.R. 3110), both of which are a result of NCFA’s collaborative involvement in the Families for Orphans Coalition.* Both proposed acts represent a potential victory for millions of vulnerable children from around the world who need a permanent family and for child welfare advocates who proactively work globally to address the permanency needs of children.
The Families for Orphans Act would establish the Office of Orphan Policy, Diplomacy and Development within the Department of State which would have the responsibility for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy advocating for the preservation of families and other permanency options such as intercountry adoption for orphans.
The Foreign Adopted Children Equality Act simplifies the acquisition of citizenship for internationally adopted children and removes these children of American citizens from the immigration process.
More information about the Families for Orphans Act and the Foreign Adopted Children Equality Act can be found at http://www.adoptioncouncil.org.

How can you advocate for these children?
We are asking all you and your adoptive families to become actively engaged with your U.S. Congressional Representative and Senators by urging them to support the Families For Orphans Act and the Foreign Adopted Children Equality Act. Your visit, telephone call, letter or e-mail can make a difference in the life of a child who is desperately in need of a permanent, loving family.
1. More than 100 families and children visited Capitol Hill on July 15th and participated in 60 meetings educating Members of Congress on the importance of both legislative proposals. Congratulations to Kidsave, our coalition partner, on a successful day of advocacy.
2. In coordination with our coalition partners, we are suggesting a sustained telephone effort by asking you to call Congress over a 72-hour period on July 29, 30, or 31 and urge your three Members of Congress (two in the Senate and one in the House of Representatives) to become a Co-sponsor of the Families For Orphans Act and the Foreign Adopted Children Equality Act. Ask to speak with the Legislative Director or Chief of Staff and tell them that as a constituent you are requesting their boss’ support by becoming a Co-sponsor. You can direct the staffer to contact Senators Mary Landrieu and James Inhofe and Representatives Diane Watson and John Boozman for information on becoming a Co-sponsor. For contact information on your representative please visit http://www.house.gov and for information on your senators please visit http://www.senate.gov.
3. Sign the online petitions in support of these two bills. These petitions will be delivered to Congress:
The FACE Act: http://gopetition.com/petitions/face-act-of-2009.html
The FFO Act: http://gopetition.com/petitions/families-for-orphans.html
4. Help us get the word out. Send this email to friends, adoptive families, and family. Post it to your Facebook, My Space, and Twitter accounts, your blog, and personal website.
On behalf of the vulnerable children worldwide, we thank you for your time and your efforts. We can make a positive difference as we work together on behalf of children.
Sincerely,
Chuck Johnson
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (NCFA)