Date Range: 1994 – 2009Survey Conducted: Tue, 2010-02-09
Creator: Families with Children from China – New York
History: In 1992, China passed an act allowing foreign adoption, and became a viable option for Americans interested in adopting internationally. Founded in 1993 by a group of adoptive families, Families with Children from China – New York (FCC NY) fosters community among families with children who were adopted from China, provides resources to families at all stages of the adoption process, and celebrates the lives and experiences of adoptees. China’s emergence as a world power and its new adoption policy, which went into effect on May 1, 2007, however, has lead to a significant decrease in international adoption from China, and FCC NY has seen its membership numbers stagnate as fewer American families adopt children from China.
Run by volunteers, many of whom are parents of children adopted from China, FCC NY’s administrative costs are covered by yearly membership dues. The organization trademarked its name and registered as a 501(c)(3) in 1994, after which chapters in Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago were established. Today, there are close to 100 individual chapters of FCC. Through various cultural events, publications, and symposiums, including an annual Culture Day which began in 1996 and ended in 2008, FCC NY strives to create a safe environment for Chinese American adoptees to build relationships with one another. The organization educates families about Chinese culture and history, fostering a sense of transnational identity among the adoptees. One of the organization’s largest efforts is its Orphanage Assistance program, which since 1996, has raised approximately $3 million dollars to support orphanages in China. To adapt to the needs of its member families, many of whose children are now teenagers, FCC NY has tailored its programming to focus on issues facing young adults including racial stereotypes, dating, and other social issues.
Sources: Families with Children from China New York. “Resources.” Accessed February 3, 2015. https://www.fccny.org/learning-and-resources
The Schuster Institute for Investigative Journalism, Gender and Justice Project. “Adoption: China.” Accessed February 3, 2015. http://www.brandeis.edu/investigate/adoption/china.html.
Stoenner, Tim. Conversation with LiLi Johnson, Amita Manghnani, and Nancy Ng Tam. New York, NY, February 9, 2010.
Urbina, Kathy. Conversation with LiLi Johnson, Amita Manghnani, and Nancy Ng Tam. New York, NY, February 9, 2010.
Summary: Totaling 1.5 linear feet, the Families with Children from China – New York records span the years 1994 through 2009.
FCCNY’s event, campaign, and administrative files are organized into four binders labeled “Orphanage Assistance,” “Office Procedures and Documents,” “Stationary and Publications,” and “Culture Day.” The materials in the “Orphanage Assistance” binder date from 1996 to 2001 and consist of campaign and annual reports, appeal letters, and invitations and flyers for fundraising events. The binders on “Office Procedures and Documents” and “Stationary and Publications” include administrative records such as board member and email lists, information on processing membership, pamphlets on adopting from China published by the organization, and FCCNY stationary and business cards. Materials documenting Culture Day include event programs (1997-2008), flyers, event schedules, vendor information, raffle tickets, press releases, and event passes.
In addition to these binders, 0.5 linear feet of the collection is comprised of the organization’s newsletters (1994-2009), which contain articles, book reviews and testimonies from member families. Books which explore the history and complexities of transnational adoption measure 0.25 linear feet and include a special edition of Adam Pertman’s Adoption Nation (published by FCC NY), A Passage to the Heart (an anthology featuring members of FCC), and Wanting a Daughter, Needing a Son, written by FCC NY member Kay Ann Johnson. Small Treasures, a promotional video (VHS) produced by the organization in 1993, and materials from Korean American adoptee organization Also-Known-As are also part of the collection.
Additionally, the organization maintains electronic files which are accessible on its website (http://www.fccny.org/). Resource materials about adoption, an events archive, message board postings of internal correspondence and membership information are also all available, as are membership directories (2005-present), board meeting minutes, and financial and legal records.
Total Size: 1.5 linear feet, 1 box
APA-related Size: 1.5 linear feet, 1 box
Languages of materials: English
Arrangement: other
Location: Families with Children from China – New York offices
Conditions Governing Access: Available by appointment only. Researchers wishing to view materials must contact FCC NY.