World Adoption Day
Have you ever seen a family brought together not by birth, but by choice? World Adoption Day shines a light on those powerful connections.
Position your brand as a champion of family inclusion and emotional storytelling by amplifying adoption narratives and supporting families through practical resources or advocacy.
- Share real adoption stories from your community or customers—authentic testimonials resonate deeply
- Partner with adoption nonprofits to offer discounts, donations, or volunteer opportunities on November 9
- Create educational content debunking adoption myths and celebrating diverse family structures
- Launch a symbolic campaign around the smiley-hand symbol to drive awareness and emotional connection
World Adoption Day began in 2014 when Hank Fortener and his friends in Los Angeles noticed the absence of a global day dedicated to celebrating adoption.
To fill this gap, they established the first #WorldAdoptionDay on November 9, aiming to honor families formed through adoption, raise awareness, and support those on the adoption journey.
Fortener, drawing from his personal experience of growing up in a family that adopted eight children from seven different countries, was inspired to create this day. He also founded AdoptTogether, a crowdfunding platform designed to help families manage the financial challenges of adoption.
A distinctive feature of World Adoption Day is the smiley face drawn on participants’ hands, symbolizing joy and unity. This idea was influenced by Harvey Ball’s original smiley face design, intended to boost morale.
Since its inception, World Adoption Day has gained global recognition, with thousands sharing photos of smiley faces on their hands each year to support and celebrate adoption.
Spend Time Listening
Sit down with someone who was adopted or who has adopted. Let them guide the conversation. Listen without rushing to respond. You may hear things that change how you see family, identity, or love.
Create a Memory Book
Gather photos, drawings, or letters that reflect your family’s journey. If you’re adopted, tell your own story. This simple book can become a treasure that honors your path and deepens the bond you share.
Support an Adoption Journey
Offer real help to someone going through the process. Make a meal. Babysit. Help with paperwork. Adoption can be overwhelming—practical support speaks louder than words and often means the world.
Educate Yourself
Read a book or watch a documentary that shares honest stories about adoption. Choose something told from the adoptee’s perspective. Learning with intention helps break harmful myths and brings deeper empathy.
Write to Lawmakers
Speak up for better adoption policies. Send a letter about foster care reform or post-adoption support. Change often begins with a personal voice calling for something better, something fairer.