On January 23, the Unwed Mothers Initiative for Archiving and Advocacy (UMI4AA) successfully held its Second Advisory Meeting, where we conducted a mid-year review, reflected on our progress so far, and invited discussions on plans for the next half of the UMI4AA year. 

The meeting brought together scholars conducting meaningful research on women, marginalized identities, and minority groups, as well as adoption researchers and field activists. It was encouraging to hear that, in just six months since the Initiative’s launch, our compact team has already produced a substantial body of work, with visible progress recognized by our advisors. 

Our advisory members continue to advance their research, including conducting interviews for academic publications on overseas adoptees, as well as important studies on forced sterilization of women with disabilities, disability and care, race and madness, intimacy and capitalism, and the relationship between overseas adoption history and Christianity. We look forward to these significant projects taking shape and wholeheartedly supporting their continued success. 

With the insights and feedback gained from this meeting, we will continue to take steady and deliberate steps in our writing, research, and advocacy while further expanding our academic network. 

We sincerely thank our advisory members for braving the cold and joining us and for sharing their invaluable perspectives. 

Photos from the 2nd UMI4AA Advisory Meeting