These I received from ALMA and are so important for those searching for the birthparents that I wanted to share them.  I know they really work.  First , don't tell anyone you are adopted and searching-except the adoption agency. Don't forget to set up your workbook.  This is so important as you will never remember who you wrote letters to, and letters you recived.  I made copies of everything.  I even had a page that listed every phone call I made and the date. My notebook is so fat!  Don't mail personal checks, always use U.S. Postal Money Orders.  Don't write long, complicated letters...keep them simple and to the point.  Don't be discouraged by apparent dead ends.  This is a biggy.  Stop and wait awhile and more information will come to you.  Don't think you have tried everything.

Do be discreet.  Do attend as many workshops as possible.  Do sent up your workbook and keep it up to date.  Do dress conservatively when searching in public.  Do seek cooperation and aid from adoptive parents.  Do try to get as much information possible before asking for help from a searcher.  Do keep a list of things to do.  Do remember the birth certificate numberon your birth certificate is the same number as on your sealed birth certificate.

If you would like to read about the search for both my birth parents and my daughter I gave up for adoption forty seven years ago read, Finding Me in a Paper Bag: Searching for Both Sides Now.  It is on sale on Ebay. At the back of the book are a list of great books to read for the adoptee and birthparent too-besides mine.

Good luck in your search,

Sally