Provide Your Message of Family to Child Welfare Officials Around the World

Child welfare officials from more than 20 countries will be attending our Global Symposium on Child Permanency this November.

Both Ends Burning is bringing these countries together to address a single topic: How do we get these kids the permanent loving families they deserve?

There has never been a global forum devoted to this topic.

Nor has there ever been an international effort focused on getting kids into families.

Both Ends Burning is committed to starting this effort, and we are doing so beginning with our symposium in November. While many have inquired about attending, this is intended to be a working session, and unfortunately the format is not conducive to public participation

However, you can share your message with these officials by helping us create a FAMILY AROUND THE WORLD video that we will show our guests during the symposium. This short film, showcasing a wide range of diverse families, will be an emotional visual experience of how people from around the world describe what “being a part of a family” means.

Please click here  to submit your family's message for the "Family Around The World" video. You can either send us a photo of your family with a written quote about how you describe family, or create a short video of your family sharing what family means to you.

Your participation will further our efforts to advocate for "getting kids into families" as a core value of every child welfare program.

Plus, with your help, this could be a really cool video we could share all over the world!

Craig Juntunen
Founder, Both Ends Burning

News from DRC: Rest In Peace, Ben Dillow

Saturday, Benjamin Chase Dillow was laid to rest in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) after a valiant battle for his life. His parents did what no parent should ever have to do. They arranged his funeral. They selected his casket and chose the scripture. Unfortunately, they did this all from their home in Kentucky.

They were separated from their son because they could not get an exit letter from the DRC government to bring their son home despite the fact he had been legally adopted and had his passport and visa to travel. Eleven months ago, DRC stopped issuing exit letters. Instead of raising their son, the Dillows were forced to watch his health deteriorate from afar and were helpless to intervene.

Ben Dillow died when he should have lived. His parents have written a letter addressed To Anyone That Will Listen:

In memory of our son Benjamin Chase Dillow

I write this letter imploring, pleading, no, begging that my son's death not be in vain. Benjamin deserved life, he deserved to be united with his family, but was denied that by the senseless suspension of exit permits. He was one of the many critically fragile children that have families waiting helplessly to bring them home.

Benjamin was critically ill but his doctors in the DRC knew and had stated that his health could be greatly improved with more advanced care offered in the US. His story could have been about the life of a young child that was given a chance, a hope of growing up with his brother and sister, a life of birthday parties, and first loves, graduations, memories with his loving family. But instead Ben's life ended because the DGM failed to see my son as a life. This orphaned boy was not worth the consideration to give him a chance at life. Benjamin's death should be a warning to the reality of this suspension.

When I look at the eyes of these other critically ill children, I see sons and daughters, brothers and sisters. These children have families that want to give them their home and hearts. We as parents want to hold our children, to comfort them while they are sick. We want to give them the care that they need and deserve, even if it's only to hold their hand during their last breath. My son passed away on August 4th at Mutumbo Hospital with his care taker by his side.

As my son took his last breaths, he cried for his "Mama". I cannot tell you the pain of not being by his side; the pain of being helpless to do anything. Please do not let this happen to another child. Give my son's death meaning! Give these children a chance! Give them life!

Through Tearful Eyes,
Morgan and Grace Dillow

Ben's death, and what is happening to hundreds of other kids, makes no sense. If you want to learn more about the crisis, and what we are doing to resolve the problem, click here.

Craig Juntunen

Founder, Both Ends Burning

OUR Government Was Wrong!

Will they admit it?

I encourage you to join us on Tuesday, June 3rd, for our most interesting and provocative stakeholder call to date.

This stakeholder call will mark the announcement and public release of our Nepal report, documenting the harmful actions of our own government and the consequences that resulted to innocent children and their adoptive families.

In conjunction with the release of this report, we are also requesting the removal of the suspension of adoptions from Nepal.

We will also provide an update on the latest developments in DRC.  Our collective voice on behalf of the children stuck by the DRC suspension is beginning to produce results. This week, 15 of these children are being allowed to go home to their families. Thank you for your assistance in helping to make this happen.

But there are many more children still stuck in DRC, and we are not giving up on them. We have a lot more work to do for these children to come home.

Please join us on Tuesday for another important step in our journey.

MONTHLY STAKEHOLDER CALL

Tuesday • June 3 • 1:00 PM EST

CALL-IN INFORMATION:
Phone number: 1-866-576-7975
Access code: 366574

Together, our voices are making a difference for these children.

Craig Juntunen

Founder, Both Ends Burning

Request of Secretary Kerry to Personally Intervene

The Children in Families First Working Group Claims U.S. Department of State Arbitrarily Limits International Adoptions Request Secretary Kerry to personally intervene.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - December 19, 2013 - The "Children in Families Working Group," a coalition of nonprofit advocacy organizations seeking change in global policies for children living outside of family care, asked Secretary of State John Kerry to conduct a thorough internal review of U.S. Department of State policies that prohibit orphaned children from certain countries from benefitting from international adoption.

According to a letter sent to the Secretary and signed by nine organizations, the group has concerns with recent actions taken by Office of Children's Issues to block other countries from re-opening their international adoption programs, stating that as a whole, these decisions appear arbitrary and inconsistent. Since U.S. implementation of The Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption in 2008, no U.S. adoptions have occurred from the 13 countries that have become Hague Convention partners. By contrast, in 2004 alone, more than 4,100 children were adopted into US families from these same countries.

Cambodia was cited as a specific example of the types of harms that occur because of these policies, noting that since international adoptions ceased in 2001, tens of thousands of Cambodian children have languished in orphanages, with many of those who "age out" ending up dead, on the streets or trafficked into the sex trade. The Department of State has recently indicated that it will oppose the re-opening of adoptions to the United States until Cambodia has an effective domestic adoption system in place. Elizabeth Bartholet, Professor of Law and Director of the Child Advocacy Program at Harvard Law School, commented, "It's vitally important that the Department of State shift gears. It needs to honor rather than trample child human rights, it needs to help kids get the loving homes they need, rather than lock kids into life-destroying institutions."

Craig Juntunen, founder of Both Ends Burning stated "Despite the fact that families all over this country are hoping to adopt children, International adoption to the U.S. has declined dramatically, from nearly 23,000 children in 2004 to less than 9,000 in 2012. Unless action is taken that decline will continue. More than 60,000 children would be growing up in the love and care of a family today if adoptions had remained stable at the rate it was in 2004. Instead these children are living compromised lives in orphanages. Scientific research has documented the harm that occurs to children in these circumstances. Their mental and physical development is permanently impacted. We are hopeful that Secretary Kerry will take action to re-establish connections with countries whose children are in dire need."

Kathleen Strottman, Executive Director of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, who took part in a Congressional delegation visit to Cambodia this past February, commented "What is the most frustrating about decisions like the one recently made in Cambodia is that the Government of Cambodia has made significant progress in preventing the abandonment of children and promoting domestic adoption but these advancements don't ever seem to be enough."

The full text of the letter to Secretary Kerry is available here.

Signing organizations include:
American Academy of Adoption Attorneys
Both Ends Burning
Center for Adoption Policy
Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute
Harvard Law School Child Advocacy Program
Joint Council for International Children's Services
Kidsave
National Council For Adoption
Saddleback Church Orphan Care Initiative

A New Era for Both Ends Burning Stakeholder Call - YES you are invited!

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS
for our November Stakeholder call

THIS TUESDAY • November 5 • 1:00 PM EST

CALL-IN INFORMATION:
Phone number: 1-866-576-7975
Access code: 366574

I will introduce new additions to our leadership team to transform and grow our campaign, and discuss:

• My reaction to Nightline (if you missed it, the video is on our website)
• A CHIFF update
• The STUCK House Party program
• The private license opportunity for your organization
• The membership program
• And more!

You will also hear introductory comments from our new leaders and have a chance to ask them your questions.

Every month our stakeholder call grows as more people join the conversation about something that really matters. Because of your interest and energy, kids and family are becoming more of a social priority.

We hope you will join us this Tuesday afternoon!

Craig Juntunen
Founder, Both Ends Burning 

Our Time on Nightline

We are asking everyone who cares about kids and family to promote
an ABC News Nightline episode on international adoption.

Airing Tuesday night | October 29, 12:35 AM ET

Cynthia McFadden anchors the episode which exposes the complexities of international adoption. The show will include material and footage from the STUCK tour, and the heartwarming conclusion of an adoption saga of two children, a single mom, and the struggle they endured to become a family.

This show is important as it continues the conversation the STUCK tour started. Our campaign is growing and this media event supports our efforts to make children living outside of parental care a relevant social issue.

Both Ends Burning promotes family as the best solution for at-risk kids. We believe communication can change and influence kids' lives. The Nightline episode is part of an important communication platform.

Please watch this show, and tell everyone you know to do the same. It is one more step in the journey to get more kids into families.

Both Ends Burning

Both Ends Burning: "We are happy to provide you a link to the recording of yesterday's July Stakeholder's Call.  Craig was able to share some exciting new developments with all who participated.  Please feel free to share this link with your friends and networks.  We are looking forward to continuing the conversation and helping more orphans find families!"

Making a Difference Through Domestic & International Adoption

Celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Madonna, and Charlize Theron have all adopted children from all over the world.

But despite the publicity and will of many families to do the same, over 100 million children are currently living in orphanages world-wide.

Why?

Craig Juntunen, the founder and president of Both Ends Burning tried to find the answer in his recent documentary called "Stuck".

"Political apathy" explains Craig, "The kids are not a priority - they need to be a priority!" That's why Both Ends Burning began a campaign to bring awareness to the issue. They have crisscrossed the country traveling to 60 U.S. cities in 80 days airing "Stuck" in local theaters. Along the way they've collected signatures for their petition calling on Washington to change the culture of complacency.

As international adoption continues to fall, domestic adoption is also facing difficulties. Fox News Contributor Nina Easton writes a change needs to occur in how we treat women who give their children up for adoption.

There is a stigma of abandonment towards birth mothers. Many women simply feel they have two options when facing a suprise pregnancy: abortion or single motherhood. Groups like IChooseAdoption.org are working to help women in this situation and encourage them towards giving their child life and a happy home.

If you would like to find out more information or find out how you can help click on the links below.

www.BothEndsBurning.org

IChooseAdoption.org

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/happening-now/blog/2013/05/16/making-difference-through-domestic-international-adoption

Ready, Set, March!

A SOCIAL MOVEMENT HAS BEGUN

The STUCK tour has created the beginning of a social movement to promote adoption as a solution for at-risk children living outside of parental care. While on tour, we amassed over 800 volunteers, over 14,500 Facebook likes, meaningful university speaking engagements, leadership lunches, podcasts, radio and television interviews, print articles, bloggers and one-on-one conversations. The outpouring of support was phenomenal as I had the privilege to meet countless people who care about making things that are wrong, right.

The tour succeeded in establishing and organizing the front-line leadership for the UNSTUCK movement. This team will now begin to work together to mobilize the broader population to influence governing bodies to make a child's human right to a family a priority.

We make the greatest impact in the shortest period of time if we can force our government to take a leadership role to transform the system of international adoption. Senator Mary Landrieu has taken a first critical step and will be introducing new legislation addressing the United States' role in international adoption to help more orphans get into permanent families.

This tangible step forward will be showcased and discussed by Senator Landrieu as she will be leading a town hall meeting after the May 16th screening at the AMC Georgetown 14 Theater.

All movements have an initiating event. The week of May 13-17 represents the UNSTUCK movement's initiating event and I certainly hope you can participate in all or some of the activities. Your involvement demonstrates your concern and compassion for children living outside of parental care.

NEXT WEEK'S AGENDA

Ongoing

• Make appointments with representatives for when you are in Washington, D.C.
  Please note: business attire suggested for meeting with your representatives.
• Sign the petition and ask 5 friends to do the same
• Continue sharing about STUCK and Both Ends Burning via Social Media

Monday, May 13th

• National Call-In Day
  Pick up the phone, call your Senators and Congressional Representatives and let them know that this issue is important to you. You will find a sample phone script here.

Thursday, May 16th

• Washington, D.C. STUCK Screening
  Join us at 7:00 PM at the AMC Georgetown 14 Theater, with a town hall meeting following hosted by Senator Mary Landrieu. Purchase tickets here.

Friday, May 17th

• The Step Forward for Orphans March
  Meet at the Washington Monument – the march begins at 1:00 PM. Red march t-shirts will be available for $10.00 at march headquarters. If you prefer to wear your own shirt, please wear red. Full march details can be found here.

The tour has succeeded in exposing the issue and we have created a solid foundation that can form the social and political will to change the status quo. The activities next week can continue to build momentum and force leaders to make these kids lives a priority. If all of us put an extraordinary amount of effort to support these activities, we will have taken a big STEP FORWARD.

I look forward to shaking your hand and thanking you in person next week in Washington, D.C.

Craig Juntunen
Founder, Both Ends Burning 

STUCK – The Documentary Film Tour and Movement

March 30, 2013

Hosted by Kelly Ellison

[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]

Join us this week as Craig Juntunen, president and founder of Both Ends Burning a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving as a child welfare advocate and a passionate believer in international adoption visits with us about the national tour of the documentary film STUCK. Juntunen is the author of Both Ends Burning: My Story of Adopting Three Children from Haiti and the Executive Producer of film. Juntunen leads the campaign’s effort to build a social movement to enact real and lasting change for the world’s orphaned and abandoned children. Craig will share his personal story of how this movement became the center of his life and what you can do to join him in his efforts to make sure that every child has a family.

Both Ends Burning Campaign

Dear Hopscotch Adoptions Families,

My name is Craig Juntunen, and I am the founder of the Both Ends Burning Campaign, a non-profit foundation dedicated to creating a culture of adoption.  My guess is you are as angry and frustrated as I am with the eight straight years of decline in international adoptions in our country and around the world, especially in light of the available and abundant solution in the form of families who would like to adopt these children.

About Both Ends Burning.

Both Ends Burning is leading a movement to demand change, and we invite you  to join forces with us to create the political and social will to drive real change and ultimately reverse the declining trend line in adoptions.

Our first step in working together is to expose the issue so we can be in a position to promote solutions. We are taking on the monumental task of a 60-city barnstorming tour to form a loud and proactive voice for the children who are currently being ignored. You can influence the outcome of this tour. 

STUCK the documentary premieres in Raleigh and Charlotte.

The centerpiece for the tour is the new, award-winning documentary STUCK.  We will premier the film in Raleigh on March 2 and Charlotte on March 3. In Raleigh the screening will take place at the Grand 16.  The Charlotte premier will be at the Northlake Mall 14 Theater.

To see the trailer for the film, learn more about both the tour and our volunteer needs and to purchase tickets for the premiere in your city, please go to www.bothendsburning.org.

STUCK is a testament to the power of human love and the undeniable connection between parent and child – even when separated by thousands of miles and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It is a love story of a different kind that celebrates the human spirit, the loyalty and the devotion that bonds these parents and kids together as families.

Our request to you.

To make the greatest possible impact for the children, it is paramount to increase awareness of the issue. You can help by spreading the word and inviting everyone in your network to join us by sending them this link: STUCK. Urge them to be part of the experience in Raleigh and Charlotte and in other cities during the tour. By doing so, you will help create the necessary momentum and take the first step in changing children’s lives. 

The tour culminates in Washington, D.C. on May 17. That afternoon we will lead the Step Forward for Orphans March when we will deliver the million signatures gathered on the petition to members of Congress. You can sign the petition now by clicking here. Please put this important date on your calendar. I invite you to come to D.C. in May to join us as we march together. There will be a gala that night to celebrate the new beginning the tour has created.

I hope I have inspired you to become involved and join forces with us. The kids we are working for need a team effort and your energy will make a difference. 

Thank you for your support,

Craig Juntunen
Founder, Both Ends Burning
www.bothendsburning.org
16009 N. 81st St. Suite 130
Scottsdale, AZ 85260

STUCK Documentary

STUCK is the award-winning documentary produced by Both Ends Burning sharing stories of kids and parents navigating the international adoption system.

STUCK, produced by Both Ends Burning, a international adoption advocacy non-profit, that uncovers the personal, real-life stories of children and parents navigating a rollercoaster of bureaucracy on their journeys through the international adoption system, each filled with hope, elation – and sometimes heartbreak.

STUCK TOUR -- The purpose of the documentary is to help the people understand the issues and create a movement that will ultimately encourage U.S. officials to force a more supportive attitude toward international adoption.

The film will premiere in 60 cities over 80 days as we roll across the country this spring on the STUCK tour bus. While the highlight of each city visit will be the premiere of the film, Our goal is to create an all-day event with media appearances, speeches and discussions in multiple gatherings. The framework for the tour gives us the possibility to make STUCK a phenomenon.

One objective while we are on the road is to gather over 1 million petition signatures asking Congress, global leaders and President Obama to take specific actions to change the landscape of adoption. The petition will be hand-carried to members of Congress in the Step Forward for Orphans March in Washington, D.C., which will coincide with the last day of the bus tour, tentatively scheduled for May 17.

Your active involvement as a member of the tour team will support the most impactful and activity the adoption community has ever engaged in. Your efforts will help drive an increase in adoption and change the lives of countless kids for many years to come.

Learn more by visiting: http://bothendsburning.org/events/