What Does it Mean?

SOS = Search Or Support ~ Peer = "persons of equal standing, belonging to the same societal experience"

eXchange is "Giving something and receiving something of the same kind in return." "To engage in reciprocal interaction."

What is the sosXchange?

ISRR facilitates this to provide a safe haven for those coping with adoption, family separation, search, contact and reunion issues. It is meant to be a place that recognizes everyone has something to offer. Not just a place to get one's own needs filled, but a place where you too can give your share to support your fellow adoptees, birthparents, etc. No matter how new someone is to this process, we still each have our own thoughts, experiences and ideas to share. Everyone has a soft shoulder, a little time to give to another, the ability to be a 'buddy' to someone else in similar circumstances, and just offer kindness, caring or support. You have no idea how meaningful simply communicating can be to someone who is afraid, isolated or unsure. It means they are not alone -- and neither are you.

In addition, those who gain expertise along the way can share their invaluable experiences. This is a journey that need not be done in isolation. In the 1970's and 80's, the adoption reform movement grew from only 2 organizations to over 550 search and support groups spread across the world. (See TRIADOPTION Archives). Few of those still exist, but online resources have allowed persons to connect via chat rooms, groups, social networks and websites. SOS is similar to facebook or other social media. It is meant to grow and change with the needs expressed by members.

If you wish to join just click here and begin. In early October we will be sending out early invitations to join. To submit your email address to receive an early invite just click here: sosXchange Early Invitation

RULES:

sosXchange is free. It cannot be used to solicit business, or offer services with fees or charges of any kind.
It is meant to be caring, kind and civil. It is not a place to spew anger, attack, demean or diminsh anyone or anything. Though we understand that there is a place for righteous indignation at inhumane practices and policies, all members are expected to express themselves in respectful ways. Hate, intolerance, threats or violence is not acceptable.
Membership presumes that you are currently registered at ISRR. If you are already reunited and wishing to join in order to offer support to others, simply choose that type of membership when signing up.
All members agree to the policies and procedures when signing up.

sosXchange

Peer-to-Peer Assistance via sosXchange

Anyone can offer to help others on sosXchange (see the list below). All assistance is free and every member agrees not to solicit fees or charges of any kind. If you have any suggestions for ways to improve or expand, please call the office and let us know! ISRR wants this to grow and change with members needs.

Soft Shoulders -- offer your kindness and caring to others by listening, responding and sharing your own experiences in relation to theirs.
Search Buddy --offer your help to people in search, even if you aren't an expert, but simply wish to share the search experience with others who are searching in similar geographic areas, similar circumstances, etc.
Peer Support -- offer your training and expertise to those needing emotional support through the more difficult aspects of search, reunion and after.
Peer Mentoring -- offer your acquired knowledge and expertise in guiding people through their individual search. This means only helping a few individuals at a time.
Monitoring/Moderating -- offer your facebook (or other social network) experience to help monitor and respond to various aspects (postings, chats, etc.) of the Search Or Support eXchange.