Try constructing a house starting with the roof. Dream on. Anything we build needs a solid foundation.
The same principle applies to transforming public opinion. The well-known phrase “all politics is local” highlights the necessity of developing grassroots support for any effort to create public policy.
It’s pretty simple. Politicians need people’s support to get elected. As a result, their collective voices can be powerful in affecting what laws are passed and what policies are adopted.
Georgia Right to Life (GRTL) has long recognized that reality by focusing a great deal of attention on developing and supporting our local chapters.
“In order for us to succeed in advancing Biblical Personhood we need a bottom up foundation of grassroots support,” said GRTL President Ricardo Davis. “Our chapters are the keys to making that happen.”
GRTL currently has 22 chapters covering 59 counties and is working to add more.
These vital groups engage in a wide range of activities such as: educating the public on Personhood and pro-life issues; supporting or opposing proposed local, state, or federal legislation; networking with like-minded organizations and people; establishing working relationships with local media; and sponsoring booths at local events. (For an expanded list of suggested activities see “Ideas for Chapter Projects” on the GRTL website).
A great example of the effectiveness of taking part in local events was recently reported by the Baldwin County Chapter that sponsored an exhibit at the Art Healthy Festival in Milledgeville.
Chapter leader Steve Combs said there were 140 vendors at the event which attracted an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 visitors.
There were seven GRTL volunteers who also represented three local churches helping with the exhibit. In addition to GRTL handout resources, Francis Kennedy, a co-founder of the Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center in Milledgeville, provided additional materials, including pocket Bibles.
Well over 100 people stopped at the booth, Combs reported. “There were no negative encounters, but lots of curiosity and support,” he added.
Charles and Diane Beasley, who started the Jeremiah 1:5 ministry, brought T-shirts that were offered for any donation to GRTL. Combs reported that the shirts, which read “Mom, What About My Rights” were very popular.
Encouraging interactions included:
- A couple took a packet of information to give to a “distraught” co-worker at a campus restaurant who is dealing with an unplanned pregnancy.
- One woman asked if GRTL would have someone speak at her church.
- Combs says there was a lot of interest in the “Precious Ones” fetal models, as well as “Precious Feet” pins. “We handed a lot out,” he said.
“Our goal is to pass a Personhood amendment to the state Constitution,” Davis said. “We can’t accomplish that unless pro-life supporters have a sense of urgency to inform their friends and neighbors of our mission.”
If you’re not a member of a local GRTL chapter, we encourage you to join. If there is no chapter in your area, consider starting one. For more information, contact stateoffice@grtl.org, or 770-339-6880 and ask for Genevieve.
Sources: sciencedaily.com; heart.org; liveaction.org.
By Wayne DuBois
Georgia Right to Life
Media Relations Advisor