By Jacki Ragan
As Americans
approach the 25th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, some will celebrate
a quarter century of the "right to choose," while others will
mourn the deaths of over 36,000,000 innocent unborn babies who never had
the chance to laugh, or cry, or feel the warm sunshine on their faces.
Those who are uninvolved in this mighty battle might think that the pro-life
movement has failed, not only because abortion is still legal but because,
they believe, it will remain the law of the land regardless of what they
say or do. They could not be more wrong.
The hundreds of thousands of grassroots volunteers who work in the trenches,
day in and day out, know that the laws the right to life movement has passed,
the alternatives it provides, and the hearts that have been lovingly changed
are responsible for saving lives every single day. Equally important, we
know that because of what we do someday innocent human life will
again be legally protected in our country. Most important of all we know
that giving up is unthinkable.
From its inception in 1973, the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC)
has steadfastly defended the principle that every human being has an intrinsic
right to life, and that neither an individual nor the state should be allowed
to kill another human being merely because the victim is "unwanted,"
or may have a life which some deem burdensome or of insufficient "quality."
NRLC strives to make abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia not only unacceptable
but unimaginable as a "solution" to human difficulties.
NRLC, its 50 state affiliates, and more than 3,000 local chapters constitute
a powerful single-issue movement which works within the system to effect
massive social change by teaching an uneducated public what really happens
in an abortion - - both to the unborn child and to the mother - - and by
exposing the limitless danger to the elderly and/or medically dependent
should euthanasia be legalized.
NRLC's Influence Recognized
According to the December 8, 1997, issue of Fortune
magazine, thanks to the efforts of committed, grassroots citizen-activists
across the nation, the National Right to Life Committee has become the 10th
"most powerful" interest group in the country, according to a
poll of lawmakers and other Washington insiders. "Washington's Power
25," written by Fortune's Washington bureau chief, Jeffrey H.
Birnbaum, explained, "Fully half of the top ten groups in the Fortune
survey were propelled there on the strength of their long-established grassroots
networks."
He listed NRLC among such groups, which he termed "kings of the town
hall meeting," referring to events at which lawmakers make themselves
available to groups of constituents. In the article, Birnbaum further explained,
"Most of the Power 25 have large numbers of geographically dispersed
and politically active members who focus their energies on a narrow range
of issues. In other words, they know their convictions and vote them."
In the June 1997 issue of Campaigns and Elections magazine, National
Right to Life Political Action Committee - - by far the preeminent pro-life
PAC - - was listed among the largest federal political action committees.
Year in and year out NRL PAC makes the difference in adding another
pro-life vote in Congress for the children or defeating a pro-abortion candidate.
How can it do this in the face of superior resources on the other side and
the near media monopoly on behalf of abortion? Because our efforts rely
on a strong foundation of grassroots activists throughout the country who
are ready, willing, and able to get the job done. In a word, people power.
Early Optimism
It was believed in the early 1970s that because
Roe was so outrageous, it would take only a few years to turn things
around. Sadly, that has proven not to be the case.
But the real question is: are we winning? Yes, we are, not in spectacular
leaps and bounds but in incremental steps made one day at a time in the
right direction.
Is our battle on behalf of the innocent close to being over? No one can
possibly know the answer to that, although we must always be prepared for
the long term.
What we do know, however, is that whenever that happy moment comes when
Roe falls - - whether by constitutional amendment or by a Supreme
Court reversal - - it will be up to each state right to life organization
to be fully prepared to enact protective legislation.
To that end NRLC is committed to working with the state affiliates and chapters
to help them steadily grow in numbers and in strength. We will be here as
long as it takes!
Power Begins with You
It is only human nature to want to be a part of
a winning organization - - one that projects a positive image, is active
and out in front with current, credible, and accurate information.
There is no mystery to how to strengthen your right to life organization
- - whether state affiliate, local chapter, or grassroots activist - - or
in successfully launching a new local chapter. What follows are tried and
tested rules of thumb.
Image
Presenting a warm, positive, friendly image to
the general public opens people's hearts and minds. Remember, most people
have had few, if any, dealings with the right to life movement. Your friendly
smile will belie the false image conveyed to them by television or the local
newspaper.
After all, who are right to lifers but average Americans who love and have
a respect for the sanctity of human life?
Another equally important part of your image must be a well-earned reputation
for accuracy. It is vitally important that anyone speaking on behalf of
the organization be certain of the accuracy (and currency) of her information.
It is perfectly acceptable to honestly admit that you do not have the answer
to a specific question, but will come back to the questioner later with
the answer. This attitude of complete fidelity to accuracy will earn you
an absolutely indispensable asset - - credibility.
A Team Effort
It has often been said that the right to life movement
is like a family. In many ways it is - - a group of dedicated individuals
who work cooperatively as a team. One of the reasons the right to life movement
has been successful is that it truly speaks with one voice.
It stands to reason that a well-informed and motivated group of like-minded
individuals can accomplish more than the same number of people who are scattered
about, sending out conflicting messages. There is strength in numbers. If
the right to life movement stands firmly together in the nation's capitol,
the state capitals, and the local communities, it guarantees maximum effectiveness
- - a true team effort.
The local chapter's affiliation with its state organization and NRLC helps
to send the message of one strong and unified force that must be listened
to. Working together as a team, we will ultimately win.
Leadership
Stable, dynamic, forward-looking leadership is
the essential key to any organization's success - - one or more individuals
who can visualize the big picture and see the local organization's role
as a key piece of the whole. Such men and women see and understand where
our movement is heading, and can make a tremendous difference.
However, if an organization cannot see beyond its own efforts, problems
will arise. Nothing can so rob a local organization of effectiveness more
than not having a strong feeling of responsibility to the state affiliate
and NRLC. It helps to remember that we can't protect children in small towns
and communities across America unless we are protecting children everywhere
in the state and everywhere in the nation. Every state affiliate and every
local chapter has a job to do with their communities, but good leadership
will take those efforts beyond the community.
Realism
Unrealistic expectations are to be avoided. You
will be quickly and sorely disappointed if you think that everyone in the
community is going to sign up and become an active member of a chapter,
or that dozens of individuals will regularly attend meetings. In fact, most
chapters throughout the country have a small core group of between four
to eight individuals who do the bulk of the work. (It is easier to broaden
the base and pull in additional people for specific events, special projects,
or when seeking financial help.)
While the core group responsible for the day-to-day activities of the chapter
is usually quite small, these dedicated, like-minded individuals can accomplish
the work of an army.
Just as we do in our own lives, you learn to make do with what you have.
Never fret about what you don't have. Spend that time working toward getting
the pro-life message out in each community and the truth into the hearts
and minds of the citizens in the community.
Spark Plugs
Whether they know it or not, every organization
has a "spark plug." Usually the individual is not difficult to
recognize; often she or he takes a leadership role. A spark plug is a level-headed,
full of common sense individual who keeps the pot boiling, so to speak.
They make sure meetings are held and activities accomplished. They don't
get insulted if they have to call other chapter members to remind them to
attend the meeting, or other similar tasks.
Generally happy, cheerful, and friendly folks who consider it a privilege
to be able to help with the noble work within the organization, spark plugs
will be able to visualize what needs to be done, and generally won't wait
around too long for someone else to do it. Nurture and care for the organization's
spark plug(s) and treat her/him/them with great love and respect.
Gratification
Every organization needs to be aware of the "instant
gratification" factor. It is not uncommon to get bogged down; often
our efforts seemingly offer little in the way of immediate results. Even
when the results are there and visible, there is still more and more work
to be done; it never seems to end.
Never question that your efforts are making a difference, even though it
is unlikely that there will be instant results from most activities. After
all, our society has been shaped by 25 years of abortion on demand and a
growing irreverence for human life. Overcoming something that ingrained
is a step-by-step process.
This is one reason why many individuals are very project oriented. It allows
them to take on an activity, visualize the results, and see it through to
its completion. Sometimes, accomplishing a project that has a specific end
to it is an antidote to burnout. They can see in a tangible way their importance
to the overall right to life movement.
Delegation
Every activist, whether new or a longtime member,
needs to feel a part of the group, and sense that he or she is contributing
to the progress being made. The ability to delegate tasks in any organization
is a sign of good leadership.
Watching newcomers to determine what their talents are and then allowing
those talents to make a real, meaningful contribution are critical.
Try making sure that every attendee at your next meeting leaves with
a realistic task to accomplish. Show people that you have confidence in
them and then encourage and assure them that they can accomplish the job.
Be sure to remember to thank them for their efforts; no one should ever
leave thinking they have no contribution to make. Remember: giving people
a sense of responsibility to the organization increases the likelihood that
their commitment will be long term.
Asking
Never shy away from asking for help. As simple
as it may sound, sometimes asking for help is a difficult thing to do. If
you don't ask, however, chances are no one will offer.
People need to be asked to donate money, to help with an activity, to sponsor
a meeting, or whatever the need may be. The very worst response you can
get is "no."
But be careful not to over-ask, especially with newcomers. Try to find the
right balance, striving to give people a sense of belonging without overwhelming
them. And, of course, recognize their efforts.
Attitude
Right to lifers have engaged in a battle against
abortion on demand for over 25 years. The grim struggle to save l.4 million
babies every year can seem almost too much to handle. The key to doing your
best is to imitate the veterans.
Typically, they are vital, upbeat, positive thinkers and workers who have
a great sense of humor. However they feel inwardly, outwardly they always
offer an uplifting word to members as well as do the general public.
They are able to do this because they know that all that can be expected
of them is to do what they can, resting in the sure knowledge that saving
babies is about the most important thing anyone could ever do.
Burn Out
Right to lifers are the most dedicated, hardworking
activists that I have personally ever known. Nonetheless, or precisely because
of this, anticipate energy lags - - burnout - - at some point in yourself
or in a member of your organization.
It's vital that you work at pacing the activities taken on, setting realistic
expectations for both yourself and the other members. Setbacks are a part
of life, whether in the right to life movement or in personal lives.
Always seek to determine what was gained, even in defeat. What knowledge
or insight was gained that can later be beneficial to the organization?
Helping members of the organization keep their attitude in check, thinking
positive, and not expecting the unattainable can help to avoid burnout.
Single ISSUE
Never forget
that there is no movement or organization just waiting in the wings to take
over what the right to life movement does were we to fail. By maintaining
a single-issue focus, people from all walks of life are willing to join
in and work for right to life issues, even though they may not agree on
anything else.
But if an organization is perceived to be limited to a certain faith, or
open only to conservatives or to liberals, interested bystanders might be
unwilling to work with the group, regardless of how pro-life they might
be. Right to Life is the single issue that unites like-minded people to
work for the right cause. That focus must not ever be lost!
The Basic Elements
If you are still with me, congratulations and thanks.
The bottom line to keep in mind about the right to life movement is that
it requires flexibility, great flexibility.
Keep in mind that what is necessary is to get the job done - - get the message
out in front - - and keep it there, on the front burner, at all times. Once
educated on the realities of abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia, one
has little option except to work to change it.
Twenty-five years ago, the pro-abortion movement believed it had won a victory.
Twenty-five years later, it is fighting harder than ever. Abortion supporters
never expected the level of dedication and staying power the right to life
movement brings to the battle. They still don't get it: protecting unborn
babies is too important and too close to our hearts to ever give in.
The movement is now a quarter of a century old. Naturally, there have been
many ups and many downs. While literally hundreds of thousands of activists
have come and gone, thank goodness most decided to stay.
The work of NRLC, the 50 state affiliates, and the local chapters has been
instrumental in reducing the number of abortions in the United States, keeping
the issues before the general public, and genuinely making a difference.
Millions of people have been educated on the horrors of abortion. Legislation
and political campaigns have been lost but also won.
Among the most important lessons we've learned is that the local chapters
and grassroots activists are the heart and soul of the right to life movement.
Never, for a single moment, doubt the contribution that your local
chapter has made toward saving innocent lives.
When the victory is won, it will be due to the selflessness of the gentle
folks who make up this movement, who came together in the face of death
and stood firmly for life.