Operation Identity Meeting Minutes

April 22, 2010
(recorded by Connie Martin for Kathie Quintana)

Meeting was called to order by Connie Martin.

Eleven members and one guest were present.

Minutes of the February meeting were not available.

Treasurer’s Report and Business Meeting

Except for a brief Treasurer's Report regarding dues received, the normal business meeting was not held to allow time for special presentations on the recent American Adoption Congress Conference attended by Jenni Dyman and Bill Gage.

Of special note are the dates of April 14-17 for the 2011 AAC Conference in Orlando, FL. O.I. will take these dates into consideration when planning the local annual conference in 2011.

Presentation by Jenni Dymon

Jenni's presentation primarily focused on the legislative portion of the AAC conference, which she attended as the New Mexico AAC representative. She provided status reports on the success or failure of various States in obtaining unrestricted access to original birth certificates (OBCs). Considerable attention was given to the oppositions to passing legislature and the numerous restrictive language that prevents “clean laws” for ease of access. Discussion included the current status of a task group to address this issue in New Mexico. Lee Morgan indicated he had identified members for a task group but no meetings had been held. Jenni will provide Lee with a copy of AAC's most recent Adoptee Access Kit and encouraged OI to utilize all the AAC resources for this effort.

Presentation by Bill Gage

Bill discussed the workshops he attended and, more importantly, the individual networking that was accomplished. Bill spent some time with Zarah Phillips, whose documentary will be viewed at the regular meeting in May. Also, he has purchased her book, Mother Me, for donation to the O.I. library.

Both Presenters provided copies of handouts received at the Conference, including a Beginner's Search Checklist, Search Websites, a Standard Practice Position Statement for Open Adoption, a checklist for successful Reunion Relationships, and a paper on Difficult Reconnections. An order form for CDs for each of the AAC workshops was also distributed.

Detailed recapitulations of each presentation will be published in future issues of the O.I. newsletter.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.