GUEST POST: In an age where every month, week, or day is dedicated to a new social movement, policy debate, or favorite food, it can be tough to keep it all straight. To a member of the Pro-Life Generation, however, October should be an easy one to remember: Respect Life Month. 

The origins of Respect Life Month date back to 1972 when the church in America made a large scale, consolidated effort to protect the preborn. Why October? Because the United States Supreme Court begins hearing cases in October, and the 1972-73 cycle had Roe v. Wade on the docket. For 50 years, the pro-life movement continued to celebrate Respect Life Month, despite the outcome of that fateful case, to heighten visibility and remain active in efforts to protect life. 

This year, the second in our new post-Roe era, all are invited to celebrate Respect Life Month. Follow these five tips below to keep up your pro-life momentum from now through October:  

1.      Tune in for the second annual Respect Life Month Webinar 

The first opportunity to engage with Respect Life Month is before Respect Life Month even begins! Students for Life of America’s Called Initiative hosted their first Respect Life Month Webinar last September, aimed at empowering church and religious school leaders to partake in meaningful pro-life activities. This year, you are invited to tune in live for the 2^nd annual Respect Life Month Webinar on Monday, September 18^th at 8:00 PM EST with special guest the Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington.  

Visit StudentsforLife.org/RespectLifeWebinar to sign up, and reserve your place today. 

2.      Host a Free Pro-Life Talk or Training 

Did you know that SFLA’s Field Team gives pro-life talks and trainings to groups of all sizes in all 50 states? And for students, these talks are FREE! One of the best ways to educate activists on all facets of the pro-life movement is through hosting a pro-life talk at your church or school. Topics range from Pro-Life Apologetics 101 to This is Chemical Abortion with many in between. 

Get in touch with your Regional Coordinator and request a training at StudentsforLifeHQ.com/FreeTraining. 

3.      Volunteer at a Pregnancy Help Organization 

Standing With You, one of the nation’s most complete databases of pregnancy help organizations (PHOs) lists more than 4,000 active pregnancy resources that women and families can turn to when facing decisions about pregnancy. Central to the pro-life movement is a focus on increasing supportive services for mothers in need. 

Where to start? Search the database on Standing With You by entering your ZIP code to find PHOs near you and simply call one up. Otherwise, connect with your Regional Coordinator for more information. 

4.      Screen the Movie Unplanned for a Group 

The landmark movie Unplanned tells the story of Abby Johnson, the Planned Parenthood director turned pro-life advocate. This film was released in 2019 with great acclaim in the movement and has assisted in the changing of many hearts and minds on the abortion issue. 

SFLA is proud to offer screening licenses of the movie Unplanned for student and church groups that are interested in hosting a showing. This is a great event idea to keep in mind for this October, as well. 

5.      Like, Share, and Post Pro-Life Events on Social Media 

One of the most effective strategies to heighten visibility of Respect Life Month efforts is to keep pro-life content at the top of your social media followers’ feeds. Be sure to follow all of your favorite pro-life creators (especially @StudentsforLife on all social media platforms) and share graphics, posts, and videos. And if you consider yourself “old school,” share these blog posts with your email list, too!  

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