About

History

Mam Non is a 10 year old organization, founded by Linh Song after her parents adopted her brother from Vietnam. The organization originally focused on supporting families with children from Vietnam and has grown to include all adoptive families with children from Asia. Mam Non is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan and often collaborates with the greater Asian American community and volunteers from the University of Michigan. Two major events include the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival and Lunar New Year. Additionally the organization hosts a mentoring program for girl adoptees ages 9-12 called GIFT, or Growing In Friendship Together. The organization supports over 150 local adoptive families.

Meaning

Mam Non comes from the Vietnamese maxim, “Tre gia, mang moc.” or “While the bamboo grows older, the young shoot sprouts.” The saying symbolizes the relationship between the older and younger generations. Mam Non literally translates to “sprout,” and is pronounced “Mum Non.”

Goals

  1. To support the adoption community in exploring Vietnamese culture through forums and cultural events.
  2. To promote communication between the adoption and Vietnamese communities for their shared concern for Vietnamese children.
  3. To encourage critical analysis of Asian, Vietnamese, and American identities.

Supporters

  1. Families with Children from Vietnam, Michigan Chapter - Ever enthusiastic and loving families.
  2. University of Michigan Vietnamese Student Association - Mam Non Day volunteers and cultural supporters.
  3. Adopted Vietnamese International - An Australian based organization dedicated to coalition building between Vietnamese adoption communities and providing an international arena for adoptee voices.
  4. Vietnamese Adoptee Network - An American based organization dedicated to reuniting adopt adoptees and contributing to the adoption community.
  5. University of Michigan Korean Student Association - Mam Non Day volunteers and adoption supporters.
  6. Monkey.org - A big thanks for their hosting service and technical genius.