HOW TO STAY EFFECTIVE AND INFORMED AND HAVE A GRAND TIME

COME TO THE NRL CONVENTION

JUNE 28-30 IN CHARLOTTE, NC

Pro-lifers helped elect a pro-life president, so it's time to relax. Right? Of course not. We all wish it were that easy. In January, when George W. Bush took the oath of office, we could celebrate a little and pat each other on the back for a job well done. Now it's back to serious work. The pro-abortionists certainly think so. They are very angry over the election. They are busier than ever raising money and organizing. They intend to frustrate any pro-life initiative in Congress. And they are ready to "bork" any candidates for the federal judiciary. The hysterical tumult over Senator John Ashcroft's confirmation as attorney general was a foretaste of things to come. We must be prepared.

Fortunately, while pro-life work is hard work, it is also very satisfying work. To know that what we do is of overarching importance, that it goes way beyond narrow personal concerns, and that each of us has a contribution to make is both gratifying and energizing. But, of course, we do get tired and discouraged. And we worry sometimes whether we are pursuing the right course, whether we are using our resources wisely. Pro- life work is a most noble activity, but there is no point in running ourselves ragged doing things that don't work. So it's time to take stock and get renewed.

RECHARGE THE BATTERIES AT THE NRLC 2001

NRLC's yearly convention is a good setting for getting refreshed, becoming informed on the latest pro-life initiatives, and enjoying the companionship of other committed pro-lifers.

For newcomers to the movement the convention provides the opportunity to learn from experienced right-to-life "pros." And for seasoned pro-lifers the convention is an occasion to recommit themselves to the cause, refresh their motivation, and review with satisfaction the progress we have made.

In any event, you will be inspired, you will be moved, and you will laugh a lot. Yes, abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia are grim and abhorrent perversions, but for us there is joy in knowing that we are on the right side when we fight these aberrations and that our side will win in the end.

WHERE, WHEN & WHAT

* The convention will be at the Adams Mark Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina.

*NRLC 2001 starts at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 28 and ends with the Closing Banquet on Saturday, June 30.

* The convention is preceded by the Annual Meeting of the Association for Interdisciplinary Research in Values and Social Change on the eve of the NRL convention (June 27, 8-10 p.m. in the convention hotel). Among the talks given are Abortion and eugenics policies in Nazi Germany (John Hunt, Ph.D.) and Eugenics and prenatal care (Mary Nicholas, M.D.).

* Concurrent with NRLC 2001 runs the YO! (Youth Outreach) Convention for pro-life teens and college students. Several of the sessions are held in common with NRLC 2001. During the convention the National Right to Life Oratory Contest for teens will take place.

* The general sessions of NRLC 2001 will feature such notables as singer Pat Boone, writer Wesley J. Smith, and FOX-TV talk show host Sean Hannity. Wesley Smith's most recent book is Culture of Death: The Assault on Medical Ethics in America.

* Disability rights activist and euthanasia expert Mark Pickup is the featured speaker for the Prayer Breakfast on Friday morning (June 29).

* Numerous workshops will cover a wide range of subjects, from "the basics" of grassroots organizing and chapter development to such topics as Science strikes back: an update on abortion and breast cancer (Joel Brind, Ph.D), The economic impact of abortion (Laura Ankowiak), Myths and realities of stem cell research (Richard M. Doerflinger), Adverse impact on teenagers who undergo abortions (Thomas Strahan, J.D.), The pro-life movement in Congress: 2001 (Douglas Johnson), Recent cases before the courts that directly affect the right to life movement (James Bopp, Jr., J.D.), The continuing battle to legalize physician-assisted suicide in the States (Gayle Atteberry, Barbara Listing, Jenny Nolan, and Brian Johnston) and Being aggressive in seeking life-saving treatment (Brother Paul O'Donnell).

WHAT DOES IT COST?

The registration fee is only $95 if you register before May 28. After that it costs you $115; so it pays to register right now. Couples can register for $125, and senior citizens for $60. These registrations include the workshops and the general sessions.

The registration fee for college students and teens is $25. They have special workshops and, on Saturday evening, a "Pizza Dance."

The registration fee for clergy is $60; it includes a complimentary ticket for the Prayer Breakfast.

Tickets to the Prayer Breakfast are $15 for convention registrants and $25 for non-registrants. Tickets to Saturday's Closing Banquet are $35 for convention registrants and $50 for non-registrants.

The hotel rooms are available at a special flat rate of $100 for a single or double room and $115 for triple or quad room if you reserve no later than June 1. (Call the Adams Mark Hotel at 704-372-4100 and ask for the NRLC 2001 convention rate.)

Child care during convention hours is $15 for children up to 3 years, and $30 for children ages 4-12. The fee for the older group includes lunch and field trips.

WHAT YOU CAN DO IF YOU CAN'T COME

You can help make NRLC 2001 a success by becoming a Patron for Life. While the IRS won't give you a tax deduction for your contribution (payable to NRLC 2001, 419 7th Street N.W., Suite 500, Washington, DC 20004-2293), we will honor you by publishing your name in the NRL Convention 2001 Yearbook. You may make your contribution in memory or honor of another person.

If you can't come, you can also sponsor and send a pastor, journalist, or friend to NRLC 2001. You might change their lives!