In 1989, Hands Around The World (HATW) was started by a group of parents who adopted children from an ethnic culture other than their own. It was important to them that their child(ren) know about their ethnic background, have fun doing it and that they feel comfortable about who they are.

We also feel that it is important that each of our children carry the knowledge they have gained about their ethnic culture and share it with their families, classmates, friends and community to help others to learn and celebrate another ethnic culture.

THE PURPOSES OF HANDS AROUND THE WORLD ARE:

To enhance one's self esteem as a member of one's birth culture, one's adoptive family and the community of the world.

To learn to balance a healthy pride in one's self and one's heritage with respect for other's feelings and appreciation of their heritage.

To embrace all cultures and invite diverse families and families touched by adoption to share their heritage with others.

To support all members of the organization in discovering their own identity while having FUN!

To educate members and the general public about the value of diversity.

PROGRAMS

Throughout the year, many of our seven (7) programs gather together to celebrate special events and activites. These events and activities help families to explore and enhance their understanding of their child(ren)'s ethnic heritage.

FAMILY FUN NIGHTS

We would like to gather with our families and friends for an evening of fun, a renewal of friendship and to greet new and potiential families to our group. These events could be held in the Fall and Spring of each year. We need someone to chair these events. Are you that person? If so, please contact us handsatw@aol.com

HISTORY - CULTURE CAMP

Every year during the month of July, around the middle of the month, HATW hosts our seven (7) programs at our week long history and culture day camp.

During this fun filled week the families celebrate their child(ren)’s ethnic culture(s) through arts, crafts, music, history, dance, language, hands on activities, games, food, cooking, and ethnic guests.

We arrange with a motel in the area for special rates for our out of town families who wish to come to our camp for the week.

FAMILY CONNECTIONS

HATW covers nearly every cross-cultural adoption program there is. We have many families who love to talk about their specific adoption and to help others with their adoptions.

HATW loves to make special connection with potential adoptive families with our families who have already adopted children cross-culturally in a specific ethnic background.

Our families enjoy helping other families with their questions about their adoption procedures and help them with the 'wait' and arrival of their child.

* The cultures that HATW celebrates throughout the year are: African American; China; Eastern European countries; India; Korea; Latin American countries; and Southeast Asian countries

"Every culture enriches our lives with its own unique beauty and wisdom. Yet, we all share the same hopes, and dreams, the same need for love, home and kinship. These are the common threads that binds us together as one family in one world."