Organizing and activating a pro-life group can at times be a daunting task. Even in a conservative community, you will face challenges to the truth that you share.
You may even find that it is the simplest tasks that you struggle with the most, such as running a meeting or delegating responsibilities.
Consistency
Have a meeting schedule and stick to it. Many successful groups meet as frequently as weekly or bi-weekly. You want your group to develop a reputation for being consistent and reliable. For example, set the times and location of your meetings as a regular, unchanging event. Do not simply call a meeting every time you feel like it! These meetings should be predictable so that your members are prepared to attend.
Delegation
Your group should not be relying on two or three people to do all the work. If your group has many members, create committees to handle certain responsibilities and events. If your numbers are smaller, assign persons to specific tasks. By delegating these responsibilities, there will be less burden on just a few members, and people will be less apt to forget the details! More importantly, everyone will feel like they are invested in your group and its mission.
Visibility
In order to attract more members and to further spread your message, people need to know that you exist! Flyer your school on a regular basis with meeting details, educational information, or event information. Set up a table once a week to share information about your group and about the pro-life cause. Organize bold displays that get your group noticed. Whether it be a “Cemetery of the Innocents” or an SFLA Tabletop, be bold in showing your message to your community. This will attract the attention of your peers- and maybe even the media!
Communication
You want your group members and the community to be aware of what your pro-life group is doing. Use social media outlets, like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to share pictures, videos, event information, and event details. Tech savvy? Create a website or blog about your group’s work. Regularly update your group members on changes to the schedule, and always alert the public of upcoming events.
Contact your SFLA Regional Coordinator by emailing [yourstate]@studentsforlife.org for more training on how to effectively lead a Students for Life group.