THE DIFFERENCE THAT YOU AND NRLC ARE MAKING

By Jacki Ragan

As outlined in the March 15 edition of NRL News, the right to life movement continues to experience a level of success in state legislatures that is well known to pro-abortionists but largely a secret to most of the American public. Those breakthroughs are in large part the work of the NRLC State Legislative Department (see NRL News, 3/15/99, back cover and pages 8-10).

But this portrait would be seriously incomplete if it did not provide a look at the larger context - - all that you and NRLC working together are accomplishing. A few examples:

Recently, Fortune magazine, for the second straight year, listed NRLC in the top 10 most effective public policy groups in Washington. What was said in the first article that appeared in the December 8, 1997, issue of Fortune magazine - - "Washing-ton's Power 25" - - remains equally true today.

"Fully half of the top ten groups in the Fortune survey were propelled there on the strength of their long-established grassroots networks," wrote Fortune's Washington bureau chief, Jeffrey H. Birnbaum. 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.

Birnbaum went on to explain, "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 addition, Campaigns and Elections Magazine has listed the National Right to Life Political Action Committee (NRLPAC) among the largest federal political action committees in the nation, and cited it as the largest pro-life PAC in the country. NRL PAC often makes the difference in gaining another pro-life vote in Congress for the children or in defeating a pro-abortion candidate. Once again, pro-lifers succeed because of the strong foundation of grassroots activists throughout the country who stand ready, willing, and able to get the job done.

Understandably deeply saddened that abortion remains legal, pro-lifers nonetheless must never ignore what has been accomplished under whose leadership and why.

Thanks to you, with a far smaller budget, NRLC is producing results that outshine hundreds of other non-profits and businesses.

This is no accident. At the same time we incorporate new ideas and approaches that are proving effective, NRLC and NRLPAC push ahead with programs and policies that have not only passed protective legislation and elected pro-life candidates but also kept the abortion issue alive in the face of overwhelming opposition from the major media and academia.

Those hundreds of thousands of grassroots volunteers who work in the trenches, day in and day out - - YOU - - know of the laws the right to life movement has passed, the alternatives it has provided, and the hearts it has changed. You know this is responsible for saving lives every single day. Equally important, you also know that because of what you do today innocent human life will someday again be legally protected.

FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES

From its inception in 1973, NRLC has striven to make abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia not only unacceptable but unimaginable as a "solution" to human difficulties, while promoting positive alternatives.

NRLC, its 50 state affiliates, and more than 3,000 local chapters constitute a powerful single-issue movement. Patiently, NRLC works within the system to change the law that allows abortion on demand; to prevent infanticide and euthanasia - - voluntary, nonvoluntary, or involuntary; to offer America another view of the right to life movement; to keep the abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia issues before the American people; and to clarify what really happens in an abortion, both to the unborn child and to his or her mother.

It was believed in the early 1970s that it would take only a few years to turn things around. Sadly, however, that hasn't proven to be the case. Are we winning? Yes, we are. We are making strides in the right direction, one day at a time.

Is it close to being over? No one can possibly know the answer to that. We know that NRLC is absolutely committed to staying the course for however long it takes, working with the state affiliates and chapters to help them grow in numbers and in strength. We know that we are indeed making a difference.

Forgotten by many is that once Roe is toppled the battle is far from over. We must then pass protective legislation in every state.

THE BACKBONE

As we at NRLC never tire of saying, committed local pro-life activists are the backbone of the right to life movement. The 50 state affiliates and over 3,000 local chapters deserve a pat on the back for bringing together millions of pro-life Americans to selflessly contribute their time and energy towards educating their fellow citizens about right to life issues and about the positions of elected officials on those issues. As long as there are active, selfless grassroots pro-lifers, the right to life movement will continue to progress toward the ultimate goal of protecting the most vulnerable members of the human family.

WHAT IS AVAILABLE, WHAT IS NEEDED

There are certain key components that are essential to further strengthening state affiliates and local chapters.

These time-tested ingredients assure that your right to life organization - - whether it be a long-established group or one you are thinking about starting - - is the best it can be. While some of these methods may appear obvious, believe me, they are often ignored or given insufficient attention.

IMAGE

To begin with, it is only human nature to want to be a part of a positive organization, one that projects an upbeat image and is active and out in front with current and accurate information on its issues. Presenting a warm, positive, friendly image to the general public is critical to opening people's hearts and minds to your message. When making public appearances in the name of the right to life organization, remember to keep a smile on your face and be approachable.
Unfortunately, much of the general public has had few, if any, dealings with the real right to life movement. Their image of us is probably a product of what they have seen on television or read in the paper - - hardly an accurate, let alone favorable, image. Therefore, the manner in which you present yourself to any audience will speak volumes about the organization you represent and often is the best single way to combat negative media profiles of pro-lifers.

After all, who are right to lifers? Just people who love and have a respect for life - - average Americans who simply believe in the sanctity of human life and want legal protection extended to unborn children. Encouraging the organization to be positive, upbeat, and friendly to the citizens of your local community will help open hearts and minds.

A reputation for accuracy will greatly enhance your organization's reputation. Thus, it is vitally important that anyone speaking on behalf of your organization be certain of the accuracy (and currency) of information being presented.

It is perfectly acceptable to honestly admit that you do not have the answer to a specific question, but would be happy to try and obtain the correct information and get back to the individual asking the question. Being factual and up-to-date gives a tremendous credibility to the right to life movement that might otherwise be forever lost.

Where can you find such information? By reading NRL News [202-626-8800, ext. 128], or by writing [National Right to Life, 419-7th Street, NW, #500, Washington, DC 20004], faxing [202-737-9189], or by contacting our web site [www.nrlc.org].

A TEAM EFFORT

In many ways the pro-life movement is like a family, a group of dedicated individuals who operate and work as a team. One of the reasons the right to life movement has been so successful is that we present the same message and give the same call for action at the national, state, and local levels.

The National Right to Life movement truly speaks with one voice, giving one message. NRLC, the 50 state affiliates, and the chapters have a presence in the nation's capital, the state capitals, and the local communities. Having this far-flung presence strengthens the entire movement and means maximum effectiveness.

It stands to reason that a well informed and motivated group of individuals can accomplish far more than the same number of people who are sending a mixed message. There is strength in numbers. If the right to life movement stands together, its voice cannot be ignored.

The local chapter's affiliation with its state organization and NRLC helps to send one strong and unified message. No one of us can accomplish the goals of the right to life movement alone. But working together as a team, we will ultimately win.

LEADERSHIP

One essential determinant of any organization's long-term success is the presence of strong, stable leadership: one or more individuals who can visualize the "big picture" and see the local organization as a key piece of the whole can lead the organization to new heights. Such people, who can see and understand where the movement is heading and know that they want their local and state organizations to be a part of the action, can make a tremendous difference in the overall battle for life.

Regardless of its size, every state organization and local chapter plays a key role in achieving the Movement's overall goals. If an organization cannot see beyond its own efforts, problems will arise.

In one sense, a chapter's work is limited to a local community. But when that same activity is carried out in every local community, every state capital, and in the nation's capital, these individual efforts are greatly multiplied.

After all, 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.

Strong, stable leadership for any organization is a tremendous asset. Good leadership will take efforts beyond the local community and make them a part of the bigger effort.

REALISM

It is also very important to have realistic expectations for your right to life organization. If you labor under the illusion that everyone in the community is going to sign up and become an active member of a chapter, or that dozens of individuals will attend regular meetings, you are going to be sorely disappointed.

Ask any voluntary organization - - from the Boy Scouts to your church to the local PTA - - and you will quickly learn that numbers are always limited. Like them, we learn (perhaps to our surprise) that we can make do with what is on hand.

For example, most active chapters throughout the country have a small core group of between four to eight individuals who do the bulk of the work in the community. The base can be broadened to pull in additional people for specific events, special projects, or for financial help. The core group responsible for the day-to-day activities, however, is usually quite small.

Yet this core group can accomplish the work of an army. Rather than wasting precious time worrying and fretting about why more people are not involved on a regular basis, spend that time working to get the pro-life message out into each community and the truth into the hearts and minds of the citizens in the community.

SPARK PLUGS

Successful organizations are able to find, recognize, and appreciate the "spark plug" in the group. Often they take a leadership role in the organization. A spark plug is a consistent, level-headed, full-of-common-sense individual who keeps the chapter active.

Spark plugs make sure that meetings are held and activities accomplished. They do not get offended when they have to call other chapter members to remind them to attend the meeting, or other similar tasks. They are generally happy, cheerful, and friendly folks who seem to consider it a privilege to be able to help with the noble work within the organization. The spark plug will be able to visualize what needs to be done, and generally won't wait around too long for someone else to do it. They seem to just somehow know how to get the job done.

Nurture and care for the organization's spark plug(s) and treat them with great love and respect. The right to life movement would be long past without them.

DELEGATION

The ability to delegate tasks in any organization is a sign of mature leadership. Learning what a given person's particular talent is and understanding where his or her interests lie are essential to the organization. The next step is to delegate tasks that relate to and take advantage of an individual's interest and talents. Making sure newcomers use their abilities to make a real, meaningful contribution is one of the highest priorities.

Every activist, whether new or a longtime member, needs to feel a part of the group, and a part of the progress being made. Try to make sure that every attendee at your next meeting leaves with a realistic task to accomplish before you meet again. When people feel a sense of achievement and recognition, as well as a sense of belonging to the group, they feel empowered because they know that the confidence you showed in them was not misplaced.

And, of course, always be sure to remember to thank them for their efforts.

Never, ever, ever allow someone to leave a meeting feeling that he or she was not needed. Everyone is needed. Making a contribution fosters a sense of loyalty to the organization, pivotal in ensuring that newcomers stay active.

Also, as simple as it may sound, sometimes asking for help is a very difficult thing to do. Alas, if you don't ask, chances are, no one will offer. Never shy away from asking for help. The worst response you can get is "no." People need to be asked to donate money, to help with an activity, to sponsor a meeting, or whatever the need may be.

But be careful not to over ask. Try not to overwhelm newcomers to the organization. Strive to give people a sense of belonging, and then recognize them for their effort.

ATTITUDE/BURNOUT

Every organization needs to be aware of the understandable desire for "immediate gratification." The truth is that it is unlikely that there will be instant results from pro-life activities. Our society has been shaped by 26 years of abortion on demand and a irreverence for human life. Overcoming that and changing the law is a gradual, step-by-step process.

Even though the Movement is fighting a grim battle to save innocent little babies' lives, most of the longtime activists are vital, upbeat, positive thinkers with a great sense of humor. Yet it is also true that because they invest so much of themselves, burnout is a constant hazard.

To avoid burnout, work at pacing the activities taken on. Try to have realistic expectations of both yourself and the other members. Setbacks are a part of life, whether in the right to life movement or in our personal lives. The movement will go on to win the war, even though it may lose an occasional battle.

Another approach is to undertake specific projects. This enables people to take on a particular activity and see it through to its end, seeing the results along the way. Often accomplishing a project that has a specific endpoint prevents burnout. It allows us to see results from something that we have put our heart and soul into. It helps us realize our individual importance to the right to life movement.

Also, as hard as it may be, try to determine the positive aspects, even from losses. What knowledge or insight was gained that can benefit the organization? Helping members of the organization keep negative attitudes in check, thinking positive, and not expecting the unattainable can go a long way toward preventing burnout.

SINGLE ISSUE

There is no other movement or organization waiting in the wings to do what we do: the right to life movement is it! By maintaining the single-issue focus, people from all walks of life will join, even though they may not agree on anything else.
However, if an organization is perceived to be open only to people from a certain religion, or is just another conservative or liberal group, interested bystanders will very reluctant to join us, regardless of how pro-life the individual might be. Reverence for life and opposition to abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia is the single issue that unites people from all walks of life.

THE BASIC ELEMENTS

Certainly, you can add much more to any or all of the topics listed here. I encourage you to do so. We all learn from the experience of others.

The bottom line to keep in mind about the right to life movement is that it requires flexibility. Great flexibility. We must be ready and able to act when needed, but also to react when called.

Keep in mind that our job is to get the message out in front and keep it there, on the front burner, at all times. Our experience is that once most people become educated on the realities of abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia, they will personally have no option except to work to change it.

Twenty-six years ago, many promises were made by the supporters of Roe v. Wade. In the years since, those promises have been broken and countless lives have been lost or shattered. Twenty-six years ago, pro-abortionists believed they had won a victory. Twenty-six years later, they are fighting on the losing side.

In their wildest imagination, they never expected the dedication and staying power that the right to life movement brings to this battle. They just didn't understand that this issue is too important and too close to our hearts for us to ever give up.

This wonderful movement is now more than a quarter of a century old. There have been, of course, many ups and many downs. The movement has watched millions and millions of activists come. Fortunately, most decide to stay.

The work of NRLC, the 50 state affiliates, and the over 3,000 local chapters has been instrumental in reducing the number of abortions in the United States, keeping the issue before the general public, and genuinely making a difference in attitudes. Millions of people have been educated on the horrors of abortion.

Invaluable lessons have been learned through the years. The most important lesson 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 you and your local chapter have made toward saving innocent lives.

When the battle is won - - and it will be won - - it will be due to the selflessness of the gentle folks who make up the right to life movement, people just like you who came together in the face of death and stood firmly for life.