It is an interesting time for all chapters of FCC as new adoptions slow dramatically and the children adopted during the very active years of China adoptions begin to reach teenage and young adult years. Locally, we are also undergoing transitions such as changes in leadership. These broad international and local issues combine to create challenges, of course, but they also create opportunities.  Should FCC continue emphasizing former priorities? Or as our demographics change regarding the age of children in our network, are there different priorities that may be more relevant? What should FCC's role be in hosting speakers and experts on adoption issues especially relating to transracial adoptions? How should we best use our limited financial resources? These are the questions we are debating.

We invite you to join the board and add your voice. We need you. Contact any of the board members using the contact page with your ideas and interest. There will be a February General Meeting, Update and Continuing Dialogue. Details will be posted on the website. Please plan to attend.

Here are a few upcoming events to bring to your attention. Look for details here on the website and by way of email.

• The OC Holiday Party this coming Sunday, December 6. Get into the spirit of the season together with your FCC friends and family at the Annual Holiday Extravaganza. The OC group is planning to host a lively holiday event, complete with DJ, games, and dancing for all. Please RSVP if you plan to attend using this evite link. Additional event details can also be found here.
• Chinese New Year celebrations are coming soon and are quickly taking shape. This year, Karen Drew, Mike and Kim Barrett and Alice Goldstone are taking the helm for the banquet after many years of leadership coordination by Susan Robinson, Jeri Floyd and Lee Callander. We look forward to celebrating with you. Details for this event and volunteer possibilities will be posted shortly.
• Jane Brown will be making a Southern California visit over Martin Luther King weekend. Contact Betsy Rivera for details.
• The Heritage Festival, an event providing Chinese activities for participating children and their families, will be a Spring/Summer event. Contact Alice Goldstone and Kathy Culpepper for volunteer opportunities.
• Our relationship with OCA (Organization of Chinese Americans) is believed by many to be one of our most important ones. The OCA Toy Drive is to be held on Dec. 3 at the Japanese American Museum. Don't miss the fun and fantastic OCA  picnic this summer. Enjoy attending this event and other OCA events as a family. Consider a family OCA membership. Visit the OCA website for more information.
• We also have smaller events such as regional playgroups and Moms Nights Out. Find information about the various groups here. Check our homepage frequently for event postings. Join in or we could help you start your own regional playgroup or activity.
   

China Buddies is well under way. For many of us, this program has been defined by our children as "one of the best things about FCC." The mentoring by the UCLA Chinese American students of our children is a wonderful opportunity and we can't imagine life without it. We may have lost Jeri as our chapter president, but we are lucky to have Jeri and Susan continue to lead parent roundtable discussions during China Care Buddy time.

Finally, let us once again say that we are in need of new voices and new energy to take our chapter into the future. Please find it in your hearts to be a part of keeping your FCC-SoCal chapter strong for our children. As mentioned before, contact any of the board members to express your interest.

Happy Holidays from your FCC-SoCal Board of Directors