Laura Christianson was kind enough to send Act of Life a signed copy of her new book, "The Adoption Network: Your Guide to Starting a Support System", and I wasted no time in getting stuck in to read it. As a brand new Executive Director for a network resource center for adoption, I was very keen to learn as much as I could, as quickly as I could.
I quickly discovered that this was a perfect book for me to read. While I had a good picture of my responsibilities as a new E.D., Laura's book starts by identifying why there is a need for adoption support networks. A great start by focusing the mind on the mission. While I was already clear on the type of support network that I would be directing for Act of Life, there is a chapter on the types of support networks that are needed. Again, this was great for highlighting to me some of the areas that I am likely to come across when working in the adoption arena, and no doubt useful for those that do not have a defined mission statement and vision, as Act of Life does.
The next section, which is about organizing your network, was very well structured, containing great details, bullet points and worksheets. There was no room to misinterpret or not understand what needs to done. As an established network resource center, we had most of the suggestions in place, but this information certainly proved useful to myself to help understand why things are structured the way they are and perhaps where things could be improved upon.
For me, section four contained the meat and potatoes, with much sound advice on many crucial aspects of developing an effective adoption support network. There are many great suggestions on some essential elements, including, how to build your resources, network with other like-minded organizations and utilize the Internet in the best possible ways to increase your growth and outreach potential. The Internet suggestions being my personal favorites.
It was wonderful to read about the importance of prayer for the support networks, its workers, and the people that are touched by the ministry. This is such an important part of any ministry and yet is so often forgotten about. We all pray in our private times with the Lord, and we pray corporately when at church, but it is so important that we continue to do this outside of the physical church building. A great reminder from Laura.
The book is finished with a superb list of resources for launching your network. Laura really did her homework when writing this book and it felt like an insight into Laura's mind as she shares so many hints and tips that come from someone who has been there and done that. There is no point in reinventing the wheel and you really don't have to with such an insightful book as "The Adoption Network". A must read for anyone considering starting a support network for adoption. I will definitely read it again!
Lynda LeCompte
Executive Director
Act of Life
Thursday, September 6, 2007
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