Shelley Rottenberg has been involved in the adoptee community since 2020. Since then, she has held a number of volunteer roles in various adoptee-focused groups and organizations, and has participated in multiple adoptee events or initiatives which she has spoken about her experience being a Chinese adoptee.
Appeared as a witness before the House of Commons HUMA committee in view of its study of Bill C-318, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act and the Canada Labour Code (adoptive and intended parents).
Shelley participated as a 'Human Book' and shared her experiences as a transracial adoptee.
Youth panel discussion put on by the former Adoption Council of Canada
Appeared as a witness before the House of Commons HUMA committee in view of its study of Bill C-318, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act and the Canada Labour Code (adoptive and intended parents).
Events I Participated In
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February 15, 2024 - Guest lectured as a panelist for SOC353: Family, Race, and Adoption module on transracial adoption and state control, University of Toronto
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November 29, 2023 - Appeared as a witness in the House of Commons HUMA committee meeting in view of its study of Bill C-318, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act and the Canada Labour Code (adoptive and intended parents).
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June 23, 2023 - Spoke in a panel discussion on “How do we define ourselves? - Asian Canadian Self-Identities and Journey of Acceptance” hosted by The Network of Asian Federal Employees and Health Canada’s Visible Minorities Network for Asian Heritage Month
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May 25, 2023 - Guest lectured as a panelist on the topic of One Child Nation for SOC354H1F: Family, Race and Adoption at the University of Toronto
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January 26, 2023 - Spoke in the Threads 2023: Cultural Conversations Conference
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November 22, 2022 - Spoke in the "Permanency Through the Eyes of Youth Panel" put on by Child and Youth Permanency Council of Canada
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April 7, 2022 - Participated in The Human Book Collection event at McMaster University
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February 8, 2022 - Spoke in an international adoptee panel discussion, put on by the Child and Youth Permanency Council of Canada
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January 19-20, 2022 - Spoke in the Threads 2022: Cultural Conversations Conference
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January 15, 2022 - Interviewed by Shauna Powers with CBC Radio One
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November 14, 2021 - Spoke in a panel discussion by the Chinese Adopted Siblings Program at Yale (CASPY)
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November 10, 2021 - Spoke in a youth panel discussion, "Talking About Permanency, Transracial Adoption, Racism and our Dreams for the Future," put on by the Adoption Council of Canada
Events I Helped Plan and/or Facilitated
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January 21, 2024 - Online Dialogue Series: Q&A With Xinran, Author of "Message from an Unknown Chinese Mother: Stories of Loss and Love" for Asian Adoptees of Canada and Mother's Bridge of Love
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August 27, 2023 - Potluck Picnic Meetup for Asian Adoptees of Canada
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July 23, 2023 - Toronto Adoptee Meetup for Asian Adoptees of Canada and Adoptees of Toronto
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May 27, 2023 - Adoption Documentary Screening & Discussion for Asian Adoptees of Canada
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May 24, 2023 - Online Adoptee Circle: Book Reflection and Discussion - Messages from an Unknown Chinese Mother for My China Roots
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March 8, 2023 - Online Adoptee Circle: Letters on Your Journey event for My China Roots
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January 22, 2023 - Lunar New Year Meetup for Asian Adoptees of Canada
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November 19, 2022 - Christmas Market Meetup for Asian Adoptees of Canada
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September 10, 2022 - Moon Festival Celebration/Karaoke Night for Asian Adoptees of Canada
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August 20, 2022 - Toronto Chinatown Meetup for Asian Adoptees of Canada
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April 9, 2022 - Toronto location of the Global Asian Adoptee Meal Meet-Up
Volunteer Work
Human Library Organization
Open Book
September 2023 - Present
I help challenge stigma and stereotypes through dialogue and personal conversations by sharing about my adoptee experiences with readers.
Asian Adoptees of Canada
Associate Director for
Engagement & Social Media
June 2022 - Present
I am responsible for contributing to the creation of content for the organization's social media accounts, organizing in-person events to allow for adoptees to connect and build a sense of community, and communicating with members of the Board of Directors.
China's Children International
September 2022 - Present
Blog Copy Editor
I am responsible for reviewing, editing, and publishing adoptee submissions to the new CCI blog.
August 2021 - August 2022
Social Media Coordinator
I am responsible for managing and posting content on CCI's social media accounts. I collaborate and communicate with other members on the board and creative team.
June 2020 - September 2020
Summer Intern
I created and coordinated a two-part CCI summer internship project titled "Home Is..." which examined the concept of home for international Chinese adoptees. To learn more, check out the "Projects" page of the site!
August 2023 - Present
Co-President
I provide leadership and support to board and committee members, assist with organizational decision-making, and track the progress of programs and events.
Child & Youth Permanency Council of Canada
June 2021 - Present
Secretary
I attend, participate in, and record monthly meetings as the Secretary on the Board of Directors. I also help with the planning and execution of projects that align with the mission, vision, and values of ACC as a member on the Programs/Events committee.
Chinese Adoptee Alliance (formerly FCCNY)
January 2023 - July 2023
I helped create the documentation for the external communication protocols between our team and members of our community or other stakeholders.
External Communications
Committee Member
October 2020 - September 2021
As a member of the Online/Multimedia Short-term Projects subcommittee of the Adoptee Board, I collaborate with team members to create social media content for the FCCNY social media accounts.
Online Multimedia
Committee Member
October 2021 - November 2022
As the Online Multimedia Committee Co-Chair, I help facilitate monthly meetings where team members collaborate to create social media content for the FCCNY social media accounts.
Online Multimedia
Committee Co-Chair
Subtle Asian Adoptee Traits Facebook Group
August 2020 - April 2021
Admin & Zoom Host
As an admin of the Subtle Asian Adoptee Traits Facebook group, I helped with post approval, join requests, comment moderation, member communication and other duties. As a zoom call host, I helped sustain a virtual community space for adoptees to connect twice a week.