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NRL News
Focusing
on the Three Cs That loud noise you hear is the sound of teenagers rejoicing that the school year is finally over and they are free to pursue the joys of summer. No doubt for most, that includes lying in the sun, going to the beach with friends, and resting up for the fall. For pro-life teens, the story should be different. Of course we aren't suggesting that pro-life kids be denied the usual summer fun. Far from it! However, pro-life teens and college students should view summer as an opportunity to put more time and energy into the venture of a lifetime--one that will save lives. At a recent graduation ceremony I attended, the speaker outlined 10 rules for living--he was instructing the graduates in how to be successful, happy, and fulfilled. Imagine my supreme joy when the speaker got to rule #7: "Invest in a cause greater than yourself." He explained that you will never feel more fulfilled than you do when working for such a cause. Truer words were never spoken. Ask anyone who advocates for the lives of the unborn and vulnerable. Building on that advice, let me offer some suggestions for how pro-life teens and college students can have the most exciting and fulfilling summer of their lives, to date. Forget the three Rs for awhile, and focus on the three Cs--conventions, camps, and conferences. There are a number of these available to students around the country, and they offer the best chance to get educated on the life issues, and have some fun at the same time. National Teens for Life holds its annual convention every summer--this year we'll be in Nashville June 22–24. The convention will feature the siblings of Terri Schindler Schiavo, workshops on all of the life issues by nationally recognized experts, and a great closing pizza banquet and dance. Teens who attend will learn how to share the truth about abortion and euthanasia with their friends and classmates, and to take a stand that will save lives. More information on registration can be found at www.nrlc.org. Wisconsin Right to Life hosts four summer camps for pro-life teens and college students in July. These camps offer in-depth training on how to become a pro-life leader at any age. Sessions on every aspect of both the abortion and euthanasia issues allow participants to become mini-experts, and hands-on training equips them to answer the hard questions in real-life settings. Speakers are especially chosen for their ability to connect with young people and interspersed with the learning are opportunities for fun and fellowship. This year's camps offer the ultimate pro-life reality game "The Human Race" and such popular pro-life speakers as Bobby Schindler and Brother Paul O'Donnell, along with good food, recreational opportunities, and the chance to make a huge difference in the world. For more information on these camps, contact jlittle@wrtl.org or visit www.WisconsinTeens4Life.org and click on "Leadership Training." Many local and state right-to-life groups offer day-long educational and training conferences. For more information about what is available in your area, contact your state NRLC affiliate, or talk with the adult group in your area about planning such an event, and offer to help bring in a speaker who will educate on one of the life issues. Become an advocate for the unborn and vulnerable. Don't just wait for someone else to get things started--get the ball rolling yourself! Talk to some friends who share your passion for the pro-life cause and start planning a Teens for Life or college group in your community. It's not rocket science--all you need is the desire to make a difference and the willingness to work toward your goals. Start out by pulling some pro-life friends together for a planning meeting, set a date for and plan an initial fundraiser, and find ways to spread the message through churches and other groups in your area. For more information on how you can start a Teens for Life or campus group, contact us at jlittle@wrtl.org. Make time to serve by offering to work at the county fair booth for your local right-to-life chapter. They are always looking for volunteers, and it's a great opportunity for young people to get their feet wet in the pro-life cause. You can also contact your local pregnancy resource center and offer to volunteer, or plan a drive to collect much-needed baby items for the center. It's easier than you think, and the centers are always appreciative. The items you collect will help moms who choose life for their babies--what better way to say "thanks" to them for making the right choice? Whether it's one of the above outlined ideas, or a completely different avenue for furthering the cause, the important thing is to get involved. Summer can be about you--getting the perfect tan and having as much fun as possible or it can be about making a difference for life. It's really up to you, but a helpful word of advice--the perfect tan isn't going to save lives, and 20 years from now it won't give you that wonderful feeling that you've been part of something greater than yourself! |