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About the BKA Discussion Group

The Discussion Group is BKA's forum to discuss topics relating to Korea, Asian-American identity, adoption and other issues in a casual setting.

 

Forums

The Discussion Group will convene three to four times a year. Locations, dates and times will vary. Stay tuned to the BKA website and Facebook page for details!

 

Notes and Expectations

While the Discussion Group offers a more casual setting for discussion, we still expect those who attend these forums to note and to abide by the following:

  1. Open Forum. Unless specifically stated, the Group is open to adoptees and non-adoptees alike. While we will not open forums to the public, there are many people who feel more comfortable bringing a friend or loved one with them to these events.

  2. Everyone Chooses Their Own Level of Participation. Come and just listen, come and jump into the conversation or anything in between.  

  3. Be Respectful. We believe that a variety of experiences, voices and opinions, presented respectfully, make for a rich and beneficial dialogue.  Please understand that everyone has a different experience that may differ significantly from yours. Please respect confidentiality within the group and treat others' experiences as you would have others treat yours. These forums benefit most from diverse contributions. We're excited to hear yours (if you choose to share). 

  4. Costs. BKA works really hard to keep the costs of all of its programming low and accessible. Due to the size or venue of some forums, we may ask for a small contribution to help offset the costs of the forum. Discounts may be available to paid BKA members. 

 

Past Topics

Each session, we try to provide some sort of topic or set of materials (film, article, etc.) as a jumping-off point for the discussion.


2022 Discussion Group Topics

  • September: Belonging and Safety

2021 Discussion Group Topics

  • January: Reclaiming Koreanness Through Our Ancestors

  • March: Aging with Your Family and Loved Ones

  • August: Hopes and Dreams

  • November: Squid Game

2018 Discussion Group Topics

  • March: "Adoptee Experience: Exploring and Defining What It Means"

  • April: "Sharing Our Experiences as Asian Adoptees"

  • May: "Transnational Adoption and National Identity"

  • July: "Current Events: How Are You Doing?"

  • August: "Language"

  • September: "Caring for your Aging Family and Loved Ones"

  • October: "Internalized Racism and White Priviledge"

  • November: "LGBTQ and Being Adopted"

  • December: Topic TBA

*Topics and months may change. Exact dates announced a few weeks prior to discussion.

Past:

  • December 2017: Multiracial Identities Within a Family

  • November 2017 - Relationships

  • August 2017: Stereotypes of Adoption

  • June 2017: Anxiety Among Adoptees

  • June 2016: KAD Gatherings and Conferences

  • March 2016: "Searching for Go-Hyang" Film Screening and Discussion