Families With Children from China - Indiana Blog

Dr. Tony Tan Presenttion Download

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:05:23 GMT

Thanks to everyone who participated in the FCC-IN hosted webinar with Dr. Tony Tan. His PowerPoint presentation is available and can be downloaded here.

We hope you enjoyed the presentation and look forward to providing more such opportunities in the future.

Dr. Tony Tan Webinar Access Info

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:50:48 GMT

The access information for the FCC-Indiana Tony Tan webinar was sent this morning. If you registered before this morning and do not see the access information in your email In Box or Spam folder (please check your spam folder), please email news@fcc-in.org and we will re-send the information.

Requests for re-sending this information after 6 p.m. EST won't be able to be responded to, as we will be preparing for the webinar, so please check your email sooner, rather than later.

Registration closes promptly at noon EST, and we will not be able to accept any further registrations at that time. Anyone who registered between 6 a.m. and noon today will receive an email with the access information by 1 p.m. today.

For those who have asked, we will try to record the session, but cannot guarantee that this will be possible.

IACA Scholarship Opportunity

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 11:29:35 GMT

The Indiana Association of Chinese Americans is accepting applications for its Telamon Scholarship. It is open to both high schoolers and middle schoolers.

The purposes of the scholarship are:

1. To initiate and provide an opportunity to nurture young Chinese-Americans to become leaders in promoting Chinese heritage as well as valuable US citizens

2. To engage Indiana students who are interested in China and in Chinese American culture

Awards:

High school applicants will have the opportunity to win a scholarship of up to $500. Middle school applicants will have the opportunity to win prizes.

Who may apply:

Applicant must meet one of the categories below:

Student of an IACA family who has just completed grade 9-12

Student who is an Indiana resident and interested in China and issues relating to Chinese Americans, who has just completed grade 9-12

Chinese American student, or a student of an IACA family who has just completed grade 6-8

Deadline:

All application material must be Email date stamped or postmarked by July 15, 2011.

Download the application

Host Families Needed For Exchange Students

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 10:57:12 GMT

Forte is looking for host families for students from China for the 2011-12 school year. Forte International Exchange Association (FIEA) is a non-profit high school foreign exchange program.These students will arrive in late July or early August to attend schools in your community. The students are 15-18 years of age, have their own spending money and insurance, and are looking to spend a year in America learning English and our American culture.

Host families are expected to provide a loving and caring environment, while providing support, guidance and love to the student. Families who have finished hosting always rave about what a rewarding experience it has been for everyone in the family. From the lasting bonds that have formed to experiencing another country’s culture in your own home, most families always gain cultural awareness from their exchange student.

For more information and to view students’ profiles, visit the FIEA website: www.forteexchange.org

Mei Magazine Extends Subscrcription Drive

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 07:28:31 GMT

Mei Magazine, a special publication for Chinese adoptees ages 7 - 14 is extending their summer subscription drive until May 5th. Go to https://www.meimagazine.com/subscribe/ to make sure that your child gets a copy of the summer Mei Magazine.

Chinese Summer Camp Grants Available

Sun, 17 Apr 2011 21:21:57 GMT

FCC would like to extend a special offer to its members by awarding two $150 grants for your child to attend one week of your choice of the Chinese Culture Summer Camp from July 5^th - August 5^th, 2011 conducted at the Confucius Institute of Indianapolis on the IUPUI campus. We know that with the current state of the economy some families are challenged financially at this time and we want to help keep the Chinese culture alive for your child…and allow them to have some real fun this summer!

Download the Application

Purpose: To provide grants to two (2) deserving children of FCC Members who have demonstrated legitimate financial hardship in being able to pay for this program for their child.

Award Components: Two (2) $150 One-Week Grants to cover the cost of tuition to attend all five weeks of the Chinese Culture Summer Camp located at the Confucius Institute of Indianapolis on the IUPUI campus from July 5^th – August 5^th, 2011.

Criteria: Applicant must be an active member of FCC Indiana.

Application Process: Applicant must complete the application and answer the questions below.

Deadline for the application is Friday, May 6, 2011. Applications postmarked after this date or received via email after this date will not be considered.

Chinese Festival Update & Ways You Can Help

Sun, 17 Apr 2011 21:07:27 GMT

FCC is once again a key partner organization of the Indianapolis Chinese Festival. The 2011 festival is in its fourth year that continues to grow stronger each year. It will be held on September 10^th from noon to 7 pm at Military Park. FCC’s primary responsibility is for the Family & Kids area of the festival. In the summer, we will be seeking a core planning group to organize our activities for that day, as well as many volunteers to help staff the various planned activities. The craft area was a huge hit at last year’s festival.

The festival has many, many more components where FCC families can share their talents. Here is a quick list of the key committees.

Sponsors-currently underway to seek business sponsor support. Is this something that your business would like to be a part of?
Facilities-Confucius Institute @ IUPUI is the lead partner organization and this task deals with all logistics with the park space.
Treasurer-The Confucius Institute is the fiscal agent for the festival
Marketing, media and promotion-Asian American Times is taking the lead on this, with support from Bethann Buddenbaum. If you have suggestions on where the event could be promoted, let us know.
Stage performances-lead partner is Chinese Performing Arts and will be a great series of performances
Ping Pong tournament-Nathan Weddle handles everything Ping Pong. This event was popular last year and we expect it will be again.
Vendors-the lead partner organization is ICCCI, but this task is significant. Each of the following could be its own committee.
Food-the committee is exploring making a limited number of traditional Chinese dishes. However, additional food vendors will be needed to participate in the festival. Do you have suggestions for this part of the festival or would be willing to help organize and plan this aspect of the festival? Food is key at any festival!
Exhibitors-the committee will soon be seeking groups interested in having an exhibit and interacting with the attendees to the festival. This may be your business.
Merchandise-the committee will be seeking vendors interested in selling Chinese cultural items and other items at the festival. This is an area of the festival can has great potential to grow. Are you willing to be a part of this committee? They are beginning their work now.
Education and Culture-Lilly’s Chinese Cultural Network is the lead partner organization.
Family & Kids-FCC Indiana. Again we will seek out a small planning group in the summer and will need volunteers to help out. More details to come.

We all are working to make the Chinese Festival a tradition here in Indianapolis. Each of these committees needs help and we know there are FCC members that may have time, talent and treasure to help with this event. If there is a committee that you are interested in being involved with, please let Mandy or Bethann know and we’ll connect you to the right person.

Forte Seeking Host Families For Exchange Students

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 22:56:05 GMT

How would you like to learn about a new culture right at home?? Forte International Exchange Association is Looking For Host Families in your areas !!

Forte International Exchange Association (FIEA) is a non-profit high school foreign exchange program. At this time FIEA needs your help in finding homes for our students. We are looking for host families in your areas to open their hearts and homes to an international student from China. These students will arrive in late July or early August to attend schools in your community. Our students are 15-18 years of age, have their own spending money and insurance, and are looking to spend a year in America learning English and our American culture. These students are a huge benefit to our communities and share their culture with us while they are here. They participate in school and community activities and are outstanding representatives of their countries. Our host families are all types from couples, to single parent families to grandparents. We ask that host families provide a bed, meals not served at school and a quiet place to study. Above all we ask that they provide guidance, love, and care for these students. Make a difference today! Choose to host!

Choose to give the gift of learning!!

For more information you may contact Forte International Exchange association @ 1-888-866-6869; Forte@forteexchange.org

www.forteexchange.org.

Purdue China Care Club

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 22:09:26 GMT

Purdue China Care Club is an entirely student-run club dedicated to supporting the effort of the China Care Foundation. We host fundraising activities all of which the proceeds sponsor surgeries and medical treatments for orphans in China. Each child should be given the chance to live a healthy, happy life. While efforts from a university across the world may seem little, any amount, big or small, would be helping abandoned Chinese children in need of medical care. However, we are confident that such a big university will be able to achieve great things.
In order to create a stronger community with adopted children and China Care families, we will hold playgroups and a mentorship program. We want to give adopted Chinese children in the Lafayette area an opportunity to learn about the Chinese culture and as well as form stronger bonds with their China Care families.

We would love to get in touch with any families who would like to be a part of these programs. Please feel free to contact me at slui@purdue.edu.

Thank you.
Sophia Lui

Wulinhanyun Chinese Martial Arts & Folk Music Performance

Stan Jacobs — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:18:32 GMT

On Friday April 8^th, 2011, the Confucious Institute in Indianapolis is hosting a troupe from China to have a performance at Shortridge Magnet High School (3401 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208) at 7:00pm. The performance is open to the public and is a free event. The troupe is from the birthplace of Kung Fu and they will perform various Shaolin-style Kung Fu and Chinese Folk Music and Dance. We would like to invite you and your families to attend this free event. This event will be on a first come first serve basis. If you are interested, please contact Noah Buonanno at (317) 278-7900 http://www.iupui.edu/~china/

China Digital Scrapebooks

Stan Jacobs — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:58:20 GMT

If you interested in digital srapbooking or doing a lifebook for your child, you might like this forum

http://chinadigitalscrapbooks.com/forums/index.php?action=pm;sa=send;f=inbox;pmsg=6912;quote;u=6

Marilyn

Chinese Culture Hour - Confucius Institute IUPUI - Wednesdays 12-1

Stan Jacobs — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 17:05:01 GMT

I attended meeting today of the Confucius Institute at IUPUI. One of the things they do is every Wednesday afree Chinese Culture Hour from 12-1. It is held at Cavanaugh Hall and I think you can bring a sack lunch. They have variety of programs. Last week was Chinese puzzles. Next week is Traditional Dance which I am going to try and attend. Upcoming ones include living in China and Chinese Opera. Here is link to see the programs. http://www.iupui.edu/~china/

They also can do variety of programs. They are coming to our elementary school for an after school program teaching Kung Fu. If you are familiar with their summer Culture Camp, they can offer programs like that for after school programs.

Wanted: Books for Hebei Project

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 09:49:12 GMT

Eric Ma and Kyle Zhao are students in ICCCI Chinese school. Their regular school is asking them to do a "make a difference" project. Eric and his friend Kyle Zhao decided to start a campaign to collect old books from Chinese school students. Their goal is to send these donated books to a rural area in China. Eric and Kyle made a PowerPoint flyer to introduce their project. If you would like to participate, please download the presentation and deliver books to Carmel High School during Sunday's Chinese school class time. There is no restriction on the type of the books, and books in good shape will be preferred.

ICCCI Chinese School Registration Closes Jan. 16

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 09:25:35 GMT

ICCCI Chinese school, including both language and after-school program, started on Jan. 9, 2011. The on-site registration, at Carmel High School, will continue on Jan. 9 and Jan. 16, 2011 from 1 to 3 pm. You can register online any time before or on Jan. 16 at www.indy-chinese.com, and you will need to come to the school to pay the tuition with personal check, since online registration will not take the payment.

Adoption and Jewish Identity Project

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 17:28:00 GMT

Sharing note received via FCC-IN mail...

Are you (or is someone you know) a Jewish adoptive parent raising a child to identify at least in part as Jewish?
If so, you can help us learn more about the real-life experiences of Jewish adoptive families by completing the Adoption and Jewish Identity Project’s online survey for parents (or by forwarding the link to Jewish adoptive parents you know, as well as others who can help spread the word). Available at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/jewishadoptiveparents, the survey should take approximately 30-45 minutes to complete, depending on the number of adopted children in a family.
The Adoption and Jewish Identity Project is dedicated to improving the lives of Jewish adoptive families by creating broader understanding of the unique religious, cultural, and identity issues they face.
Over the last few decades, secrecy in adoption has become less common, while adoption across national, racial, and ethnic lines has created new kinds of “blended” families. These shifts are changing the experiences of Jewish adoptive families.
The results of this research will be used in a book for Jewish adoptive families or those considering adoption, as well as for adoption professionals and Jewish communal workers.
The Adoption and Jewish Identity Project is directed by Dr. Jennifer Sartori and Dr. Jayne Guberman. Sartori is Associate Director of Jewish Studies at Northeastern University. Guberman is an independent oral historian and consultant. Both Jenny and Jayne are also adoptive mothers.

Jennifer Sartori, Ph.D.
Associate Director, Jewish Studies Program
Northeastern University
www.jewishstudies.neu.edu

Welcome

Sat, 22 May 2010 17:05:41 GMT

The past year and a half has brought a new focus for the FCC-IN Board. Like most Families With Children From China organizations across the world, our group has faced declining membership and a lack of volunteer support to do many of the things that we would like to do for our members. We have found that the dynamic shift in FCC membership can be attributed to the change in China's adoption policy, which has impacted U.S. foreign adoptions, and the fact that our children are growing up and have become involved with a host of other activities, which demand our time and energies.

As the FCC-IN Board worked through how to best support our membership through this transition, we decided to focus on three specific areas -- Education (both adoption and Chinese culture), Relationships, and Communication.

Earlier this year, in conjunction with several other adoption-focused groups in town, we launched what will be an on-going educational series that includes lectures, discussion groups, seminars, and guest speakers. Nearly all of these events will be open to everyone in the local adoption community. As we discovered during our initial event, there is a need among local transracial adoptive families for the support and information that these events can provide. As our children mature, their needs are changing, and we hope that these educational opportunities will allow our membership to appropriately meet the emotional needs of their children.

Relationships are what holds any organization together. For FCC-IN members, this is even more important as we must consider the relationships between our children. Our involvement with FCC-IN ensures that our children are building bonds with other adopted children like themselves. These relationships are the most important part of what we do, because in the end, our organization is about our children. Because we understand how busy life can be for our membership, we have changed our focus from creating big events that demand a lot of volunteer resources to creating "moments".

We have begun hosting casual events where families can come together and socialize, while giving our children the opportunity to strengthen their own relationships. As they continue to grow, they will always have others in their lives who provide them with common understanding. We encourage you to reach out using the Yahoo or Facebook groups to let other families know about a social opportunity. If you are going to a ball game, summer music festival, or any other family event, please invite other FCC-IN members to join. You will be surprised at how often your children will ask for more opportunities to play with FCC kids.

There is actually a lot going on in both the FCC-IN and local community. We believe that one of the ways that we can support the diverse needs of our membership is to simply let you know what is happening. Then, you can pick and choose what you want to do and what fits into your schedule. The launch of this new FCC-IN website is one of the ways that we hope to improve communication. This is just the first stage of development for this site. In the coming months, we will be adding a private, members-only section that provides more information about adoption, Chinese culture, and the local Chinese community, as well as forums where members can share information and discuss issues that are important to them.

We are pleased with the response that we have received to our change in focus over the past six months. We hope that you have liked what you have seen, and that you will let us know if there is anything that can be done to better serve your family's needs. And, of course, if you would like to pitch in, we would love to work along side you to support the kids of FCC-IN. Often, people think that they don't have time to contribute, but there are a variety of opportunities and tasks needed that can fit a variety of schedules and talents. Feel free to reach out to a Board member. One of us will be happy to have an individual conversation about what might work best for you.