Meeting
WHO: Association of Korean Adoptees (AKA)
family and friends welcome

WHEN: Saturday, April 15, 2000
2 p.m.

RSVP: 619-294-9696 or soba@loop.com
Reservations will be made based on headcount

COST: $10+ per person

LOCATION: Incheon Restaurant (Korean BBQ)
13321 Brookhurst St.
Garden Grove, CA 92643
714-539-8989

DIRECTIONS: 405 north or south
22 East
Exit Brookhurst
North on Brookhurst
Past Trask Ave.
Left-hand side

OPTIONAL: Karaoke afterwards
BC 501 Music Studio
13131 Brookhurst
714-636-0501

FUTURE: 5/20, 6/17, 7/15, 8/19, 9/16, 10/21, 11/18, 12/9

Please let us know if you would like to be an officer or on the board.
 

First Person Plural
Thursday May 25th, 2000
FESTIVAL CLOSING NIGHT  7:00 p.m.
Japan America Theatre
244 South San Pedro Street
Los Angeles Little Tokyo (Btwn. Second and Third Sts.)

FIRST PERSON PLURAL (USA/Korea, 2000)
Directed by Deann Borshay.
16mm (Beta SP), 58 minutes
    Deann Borshay was among thousands of South Korean orphans sent to the U.S. in the 1960s to be adopted and raised by American families. FIRST PERSON PLURAL is a personal documentary that chronicles the filmmaker's struggle to set right a case of mistaken identity and unravel the mysteries surrounding her adoption. Combining archival footage of Korea, 8mm home movies, and powerful footage of the first meeting between Borshay's adoptive and birth families, FIRST PERSON PLURAL is a universal story about living with paradox and
navigating the sometimes tricky terrain of love and family.
    An insightful commentary on the forces of assimilation, FIRST PERSON PLURAL also offers an unusual exploration of the "melting pot" theory as  put
into practice in one's family. Through Borshay's journey we see that, in America, it is indeed possible to re-invent oneself. But transformation has its price. FIRST PERSON PLURAL illustrates the opportunities and the sacrifices of becoming American and the enduring legacy of one's past which perhaps can never truly be erased.
    It has been having prestigious screenings at the Sundance Film Festival, L.A.'s Snapshot exhibit screening and San Francisco's Asian American Film Fest.

Tickets: $20 General; $15 Students, Seniors, Friends of VC, DGA, JACCC members w/I.D.
JAT Box Office: (213) 680-3700, Noon-5 p.m. M-F; Select Saturdays when programs are on at the Theatre.
Program Info: (213) 680-4462 x68
Special ticket price for this event is $15 for AKA members and friends.  RSVP to David Nakase
 
 

the first international tour convention hosted by G. O. A " L  (Global Overseas Adoptees Link)   http://www.goal.or.kr
    As you may be aware, in the past several decades there have been over 200,000 Korean children sent overseas for adoption. Since the 1980's, many adult adoptees have been returning to search for birth family, to seek connection to Korean culture, language and identity, and to work and live.  Many returning adoptees have encountered significant barriers in navigating their way through Korean society due to lack of resources.  GOA'L has assisted returning adoptees by organizing home-stays and providing translation, resources in obtaining jobs and visas, and other material and emotional support.
    Although there are many organizations that have been developed by Korean adoptees and adoptive parents throughout Europe and America, there are no such organizations in Korea. Thus, this tour convention is the first of its kind in Korea. The primary focus is to inform Korean society and government about the existence of Overseas Adopted Koreans (OAK's) and the "meaning of being adopted." Second, we wish to develop positive links between adoptees and Korean society, and increase international awareness regarding issues of Korean adoption. Third, we hope to establish a network of Korean host families and opportunities for
employment in Korea for those adoptees who wish to learn  Korean life first hand. Finally, we hope that this tour convention will help break down the walls of prejudice and misunderstanding that separate Koreans from adoptees and adoptees from each other.
    G. O. A L's 1999 conference adoptee participation turn out was less than expected. We recognize international flights are costly, but to be able to better educate Korea and each other we feel it is very important to make an effort to participate in this tour convention.  Gradually our voice will be heard and respected by the Korean community.  We are not able to speak for adoptees, but you are the ones who can make a difference. We encourage all of you to attend this tour convention, as it will be unique and very powerful.
    G.O.A 'L will be holding a seven day international tour convention for OAKs, adoptive families, and the Korean Community.  There will be different kinds of tours offered focusing on specific issues on adoption.  Each tour will travel to different areas of Korea, as each tour will be different from one another.  Within the tours there will be lectures and speakers relating the tour you choose. To begin the tour convention all participants will gather together for the first day and last day of their tour.  In the gathering the First Lady of Korea (Mrs. Lee, Hee Ho) will give a speech.  Following her speech she will recognize a representative from each adult adoptee organization that are established in Europe and America.

Date:   August 4-13, 2000
Location:  Korean Cultural & Tourism Building Seoul, Korea
Sponsor:  Overseas Korean Foundation, Seoul, Korea
Language:  The official Languages are English & Korean.
Participants: OAKs, Adoptive Families and Native Koreans
Accommodations: Will be according to your tour

    The tour convention will focus on different issues on adoption and Korea.  The tours will be based on the following:

Tour I:  Search and potential reunions:
This tour will focus on individuals who are searching for their biological families. This tour will provide lectures on the birth search (before, during and after) process . Note: This tour will not guarantee the adoptees will find their roots, but will have this opportunity, with the help of the media and G. O.A 'L volunteers.  This tour will also visit an unwed mother's home, birth families, and their orphans.  This tour will provide an extended family program. OAKs who do not find can choose to have  a relationship with a Korean family in Korea as they were their own.  This tour is limited to 25 participants

Tour II :  Orphanages & adoption agencies
A group of OAKs will be staying in one orphanage and also visit other orphanages.  The objective to this program is to establish a relationship with orphans who are living in orphanages. Assist the orphanage to make it a better living environment. Teaching the orphans English and making fundraising events. All funds will go that orphanage you are visiting.  This program will be open to making a pen pal / big brother/ big sister
program.  Unlimited participants

Tour III:    Hands on Korea
In this tour you will not hear about Korea, but you will experience Korea and it's traditions. Hands on Korea will teach you the basic language, etiquette's, and mannerisms.  Also it will show you the how to make Korean food, Korean masks, Korean pottery, Korean tea, and how to play Korean drums and Korean dances.  Unlimited participants

Note: Schedule is subject to change

If you are interested in attending this tour convention, please fill out the attached application form and return it as soon as possible.  Please see the enclosed packet.  For any further questions or concerns, please contact GOA'L at:   akgoal@yahoo.com or mail to:
GOA'L
ATTN: Ami Nafzger
Secretary General
KPO Box 1364
Seoul, Korea 110-613.