How Pro-Life African-American Christians Can Influence Government
By Connie Eller

When you see politicians on the TV news, do you sometimes feel powerless to make a difference in how our country is governed? Romans 12:21 says, "Don't let evil get the upper hand, but conquer evil by doing good" (Living Bible). You can have a positive impact on what happens in American politics by becoming involved at home, in your community, and in your state and national capitals. And, as a Christian, it is possible - - and absolutely necessary - - for YOU to make a difference.

Ways to Make a Difference All Year

Be prayerful and peaceful. Ask God for insight, wisdom, direction for your words and actions.

Get copies of bills (proposed laws) and legislation for the Senate or the House, which are available free from the state and federal government.

Participate in Black Americans for Life and National Right to Life affiliates and chapters. Find out about their Political Action Committees (PACs). Go to conferences, meetings, and workshops.

Let your elected officials know that you are pro-life and that you are in their voting districts. Every time you contact your elected officials, your voice counts and speaks for many others. On a regular basis and as particular bills and laws arise, contact your national, state, and local legislators through office visits, phone calls, e-mail, faxes, letters, and postcards. Keep your contacts brief, respectful, truthful, and relevant to the issues you want to discuss. Ask your elected officials for a commitment to vote pro-life. Don't be nervous or intimidated - - your voice and your vote count. Whenever the legislator is not available, get to know her/his aides. Keep in mind that legislators are responsible for hundreds of laws each year. There is no way they can be knowledgeable about all the bills they consider, so they rely on their aides and specialists to advise them on how to vote.

Contact National Right to Life and local NRLC affiliates to find out who your elected officials are and to obtain pro-life information you might need.

Your Impact on National Government

Regularly contact your two U.S. senators and your U.S. House member to educate them and ask them to cast pro-life votes. They have offices in Washington, D.C., and in your local area.

Your Impact on State Government

Visit your state capitol to lobby your state representative and state senator. You literally "lobby" - - you stand outside in the lobby while your elected officials are "in session" (House or Senate meetings) and you request that your state representative or senator come out to the lobby to speak with you, the constituent. If available, you can talk with your elected official at that point in the hall or make an appointment for an office chat. You have the opportunity to personally ask for a pro-life vote from your legislator.

Your Impact on City/ Community Government

Find out who your local elected officials are, their titles, and responsibilities. Some areas have a mayor, county executive, or borough president, etc., as well as aldermen, ombudsmen, City Council members and so on. There are also school boards, health boards, economic development councils, neighborhood associations, etc.

Especially encourage pro-life officials.

Direct Political Involvement
Choose to become directly involved in politics, and consider the many avenues. Each political party needs people who will coordinate activities and hold elected or appointed political offices in their particular caucuses, neighborhoods, wards, towns, cities, and states. Voting sites need election judges. The more pro-lifers that fill these positions, the better. For campaigns and other special political events, pro-lifers who make themselves present, active, and available represent the growing voices advocating for life and families. Those who are active in this way may sometimes be chosen as delegates or alternates at the national conventions of the political parties. These are all opportunities to learn about the caucus, state delegate, and national convention processes.

As with everything, pray first, then "put some feet to your prayers." Educate yourself, educate others. Allow the Lord to take you where He wants you to be. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how much impact you can have on your country's future.

Connie Eller is director of Missouri Blacks for Life, Salvationists for Life, and Missouri Right to Life eastern region board member. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri.