Adopt a Missing Person - How to include your loved one
Instructions for Families of the Missing who wish to include their missing loved one in the program:
In the summer of 2004, Project Jason went on a tour of the state of Nebraska which we called the Miles for the Missing State Tour. On this tour, we launched a program called "Adopt a Missing Person". When a young person (or any other person who wants to participate) came to our table, they read about and chose to "adopt" a missing person. We then gave them a free photo button to wear and an info sheet about their chosen missing person.
If you are a family member of a missing person, and would like to participate, this is what you need to send to us:
- At least 2 - 4 dozen photo buttons of your missing loved one.
- A laminated 8 x 11 information card.
The laminated card would include a photo of your loved one that matches the button photo if possible, plus the story of the person's disappearance and some personal information about them. This should be written geared to either children or adults, so please do not include information that could be confusing to children. Tell about your loved one's interests, hobbies, career, favorite movies, music, etc. so they could feel that they know their "Adopted Missing Person". You are also more than welcome to attach something to the button, such as a mini thank you note or website address if it is not already on your button.
When we take the program out in public, they can read the information on the cards and then decide who they want to adopt and take the corresponding button. We have them sign a simple guestbook with their name and the name of the missing loved one they are adopting. They will be encouraged to wear the button or affix it to their backpack or purse. It will be optional for them to add their email or physical address to the guestbook to forward to you so that you could write them and thank them if you can.
When someone comes to the Adopt a Missing Person page on our website, they are instructed to complete and submit our online adopt a missing person form for whom they wish to adopt. We will then mail them the button(s) and info sheet(s). A small photo and brief description of your loved one, plus a link to a website if applicable, will be made available to assist the person in their choice.
The adopter is asked to wear the button as often as they can, and be able to share some basic information about the person they adopted. This is another way to promote awareness of your missing loved one, plus start to educate the public about our mutual cause.
We are also looking for sponsors to make buttons for our missing person's families. If you know of anyone, please let them know our contact information.
If you are interested, or have any questions about the Adopt a Missing Loved One program, please email me at adopt@projectjason.org