About

Mam Non is a 12 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 for its events and programs.

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 nurturing relationship between the older and younger generations. Mam Non literally translates to “sprout,” and is pronounced “Mum Non.” Mam Non is also used affectionately with children much like “munchkin” is used in the U.S.

Goals

1. To support the adoption community in exploring Asian and Asian American cultures through cultural events.
2. To promote peer relationships between the adoption, Asian, and Asian American communities.
3. To encourage positive adoption and Asian American identities.