NRL News
Page 12
April 2009
Volume 36
Issue 5

Students learn, lobby for life at Student Day
MCCL Delivers Packed Program, Powerful Capitol Experience
By Bill Poehler

More than 160 young people packed the St. Paul Kelly Inn ballroom for an intense day of pro-life learning and lobbying at Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life’s seventh annual Student Day at the Capitol. MCCL’s biggest program for young people drew students from more than 200 miles away who were anxious to participate in our unique program designed especially for them.

“Student Day continues to have an enormous impact on today’s young people,” said MCCL Events Coordinator Jennifer Kistler. “No other organization provides students with a pro-life educational and hands-on governmental experience every year.”

The day included several sessions with MCCL’s lobbyists and staff. Students learned key facts about life in the womb, abortion methods, abortion risks and complications, and abortion alternatives.

Lobbied for Life

Lobbyists explained how a bill becomes a law, starting with an idea and ending with the governor’s signature in most successful cases. The young citizen lobbyists were brought up to speed on the pro-life legislation that has been introduced in the current session.

Positive Alternatives was the focus of the lobbying effort. Students became familiar with the significant talking points of the effort to increase funding for the grant program to help pregnant women in need. They learned that more than 12,000 women were helped in the first two years of the Positive Alternatives program, for example, and that the need is expected to increase in the current economic climate.

MCCL’s “Lobbying 101,” always a Student Day favorite, trained participants in how to approach their meetings with lawmakers. They learned how some legislators who do not agree with the bill being discussed will use small talk or dodging to avoid a clear statement of opposition.

Capitol Impact

Students had ample opportunities to practice their new skills in more than 100 afternoon appointments with their own senators and representatives. Even though some were nervous, they enjoyed speaking up on behalf of pregnant women and their unborn babies. Many said it was their favorite part of the day:

“Lobbying was very educational and fun!” said Abigail B. of Ham Lake. “Could we have two Student Days a year?”

“I really loved being able to talk personally with representatives!” commented Margaret H. of Austin. “I learned much more about Positive Alternatives and abortion itself.”

“Thanks for the amazing opportunity. I had a great day!” said Megan B. of Coon Rapids.

Students Met in House

Meeting in the Minnesota House of Representatives chamber was another highlight for students. Pro-life Rep. Larry Hosch (DFL-St. Joseph) showed them how bills are discussed and handled, and how votes are taken on the floor. Sitting in the actual desks of House members is a rare opportunity for citizens.

Lt. Gov. Molnau Spoke

One of the most unique opportunities of this year’s Student Day was meeting with Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau. Our pro-life second-highest government official spoke for 20 minutes with the students, sharing her pro-life passion and encouraging young people to take up the cause of defending human life.

“We can be a nation in which a pregnant teen can give birth to her baby and complete her education,” Molnau declared. “I know you are going to talk to your peers about what’s possible and what’s right. Thank you all for being here and speaking with your legislators about protecting lives.”

Growing Participation

MCCL delivered a diverse day-long experience for young people in grades 7–12 in public, private, and home schools. The increase in attendance over last year is a strong indicator of how valuable the day is perceived by students and educators.

“The students, teachers and parents who came to Student Day were very pleased with the breadth and depth of this year’s program,” MCCL’s Kistler observed. “In their comments afterwards, many said they will recommend Student Day to other young people in their schools. There is no better endorsement than that!”

Reprinted from the April issue of MCCL’s newspaper.