chinese adoptee collective

a collective of people adopted from china working together to organize and liberate our community.

2025 conference

all | general info | program | faq/know-before-you-go | virtual fundraiser

general info

chinese adoptee collective presents “CONTEXT,” the first closed* conference for people adopted from china ::

who :: people (18 yo+) adopted from china
when :: june 27-29 2025
where :: in person at asian arts initiative, 1219 vine st, chinatown, philadelphia, pa 19107 (see “ collective gems <3” google map for local community reccs!)
how :: 100% grassroots volunteer and community organized. learn more about our virtual fundraiser to help offset conference costs here.
cost :: pay what you can/no one turned away for lack of funds (pwyc/notaflof), our registration form has a sliding scale for attendees

2025 organizer bios & spotlights ::

ashton (they/them) was born in changsha, hunan, china in 1994. they are a queer, non-binary, trans, disabled/neurodivergent, adoptee who has supported cac in various ways, including some art/design work and working with cac volunteers. they're excited to be gathering in community with fellow chinese adoptees, in a space made by and for chinese adoptees. outside of cac and work, ashton is a multi-hyphenate artist finding their way in this world, at a pace sustainable for them. they enjoy riding bikes/public transportation, listening to music, reconnecting to birth culture, and saying hi to all cats/dogs/wildlife they see.

spotlight :: @asianmentalhealthcollective - fosters healing, resilience and connection in asian communities in the us through culturally-informed clinical services, virtual peer support spaces, and support for asian mental health providers

grace was adopted from yiwu in the zhejiang province of china in 1997 and grew up around the upper midwest. she has been using her experience in academia as a critical adoption studies researcher to help review and develop the conference program for cac. at the conference, they are most excited to explore all of the advocacy and organizing opportunities made possible by being in community. outside of cac, grace is an ever-doting dog parent and noodle enthusiast.

spotlight :: @redcanarysong - an abolitionist mutual aid support network for and of asian sex workers and massage workers based in nyc

jess was adopted from near shanghai china in 1994. they oversee conference development and look most forward to the crossmovement solidarity session and the open mic/drag show fundraiser. outside of cac they enjoy playing mahjongg, doing arts and crafts, and watching movies. in the future they hope to continue working with cac to help strengthen and liberate their community.

spotlight :: @angryasianwomxn - a safety, wellness + community 4 women/femmes/gender expansive folks affected by anti-asian racism and/or islamophobia

laur (they/them) was adopted from kunming in yunnan province of china in 1996. they grew up in denver, co, and have also lived in bloomington, in, and providence, ri. they now call seattle, wa home. laur is queer, non-binary, and neurodivergent, and has supported cac through co-developing the conference program and co-creating the reset room. this year, they’ll be co-facilitating with the nanchang project and volunteering as a mental health professional. they’re especially excited to build deeper in-person connections with fellow chinese adoptees, as much of their adoptee community-building has taken place virtually. outside of cac, laur is graduating with their dual master’s in social work and public health at the university of washington in june. they love being in nature (hiking, camping, and hanging out at the beach), listening to music (and singing!), going to the gym, drawing and painting, and adoring their cat (@helloitstubba).

spotlight :: @bipocadoptees - a community that aims to create a safe and inclusive world where adoptees from these communities are seen, safe, and heard.

minel was adopted from guixi, jiangxi in 1998. she helps run socials for cac. in her spare time, she enjoys listening to kpop, attending concerts, watching movies, and reading. minel is looking forward to connecting with and elevating the voices of fellow chinese adoptees.

spotlight :: @asianfoodcollective - combining the power of food and connection, asian food collective supports the local philly community with culturally relevant food.

program

highlights

keynote :: history of china’s international adoption program by grace newton (@redthreadbroken)

sessions ::

adoptee consciousness model
crossmovement solidarity
dna and birth search with nanchang project (@nanchangproject)
disability justice

workshops ::

dumpling making with asian food collective (@asianfoodcollective)
traditional knot tying
zine making with marcescence magazine (@marcescence_magazine)

panels ::

going back
birth search

additional highlights ::

reset room
open mic/drag show fundraiser
collective mural project
mahjongg game night

details :: https://bit.ly/cacprogram2025 (pdf) | https://bit.ly/cacprogramdoc2025 (plain doc)

know before you go

the space ::

asian arts initiative :: 2 gender neutral restrooms per floor, fully ada accessible, one elevator, 25 stairs per floor (3 floors)

public safety ::

masks, rapid tests, and hand sanitizer encouraged and free
stay home if you are feeling sick!!

what to bring ::

suggestions :: pen, journal, water bottle, and snacks
all food is pay-your-own-way / on-your-own (see “collective gems <3” google map for community reccs!)

travel ::

tips :: join our whatsapp group to find travel and hotel groups

approx 20 min/$50 rideshare from airport
approx 45 min/$7 train from airport (septa.org for more info)

faq :: https://bit.ly/2025faq

virtual fundraiser

to help offset conference costs we are hosting a virtual fundraiser.

link to donate :: https://www.gofundme.com/f/chineseadopteeconference

*closed means only for adults (18+) adopted from china.