adopt-a program

this is subtle, but important to some people. Ubiquitous for a wide range of "campaigns" (adopt-a-highway, adopt-a-wolf, adopt-a-family, adopt-a-pothole), the overused "adopt-a" programs can confuse children--adopted or not--and perpetuate myths and stereotypes about adoption as a real, permanent family relationship. Adoption expert Pat Johnston notes that adoptive families "build their relationships on the powerful notion of forever. The 'adopt-a' programs, more accurately described as 'sponsorship' programs with acknowledged short-term commitments, promote misconceptions and a trivialized perception of this family-building method." Consider using instead sponsor-a, choose-a, embrace-a, opt-for-a, take-up-a, save-a, help-a, be a friend to.