The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute is once again getting ready to honor Americans who qualify to be identified as 'Angels in Adoption', congressional constituents who have "... enriched the lives of foster children and orphans".

First, a bit about the CCAI for those not familiar with the organization:

Formed in 1985, it's a bipartisan caucus made up of members of Congress who are, "dedicated to improving adoption policy and practice, and to focusing public attention on the advantages of adoption."

Directors now are Senator Larry Craig, Senator Mary Landrieu, Congressmen Jim Oberstar, and Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite.

The CCAI hosts public awareness events ... the Angels in Adoption campaign is one of these ... organizes congressional briefings, leadership training programs and educational trips to keep members of Congress up to speed on international and domestic adoption-related issues, and seeks, "...to draft positive adoption, foster care and other adoption-related legislation and to meet their constituents' needs."

This specific item on the CCAI agenda has special people chosen from all fifty states and the District of Columbia by Senators and Congresspersons ... 'unsung heroes' recognized for adoption and foster care advocacy in their states.

This isn't a direct vote, but a system whereby you convince your Senators and Representatives to support the person you think should get the honors, then they pick and present the name to become an Angel in Adoption.

They're accepting nominations through the 20th of this month, so if you know of someone you think should be so honored ... and it is a very cool honoring they do, complete with a gala evening in Washington ... you can put forth your hero by clicking here for the process. You'd better get to it soon, however, as we're already at the 16th of the month.

A short, to-the-point, but convincing message detailing the who, what and why of your suggestion should be sent to your federal legislators ... many don't want e-mails, by the way, so check the website for the proper way to put your nomination across ... and don't forget your contact information so they can get back to you if your person is chosen.

Also honored are celebrities who have contributed for the better to the adoption world ... they make the gala more lala, I'm sure. Some past "National Angles" include First Lady Laura Bush, Jane Seymore, Victoria Rowell, Muhammad Ali, Dave Thomas, Steven Curtis Chapman, Bruce Willis, Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels and Miami Dolphins Quarterback Daunte Culpepper.