After a few quiet years, the Students for Life of America’s (SFLA) group at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is back and stronger than ever. Led by a determined student body with a renewed sense of purpose, the group, which had gone inactive for a few years, reignited with a spark of love and passion for preborn children and the voiceless. At the forefront of this resurgence are Kate Mathers and Adisyn Gray, whose leadership and vision have inspired a new generation of students to take a stand for life. 

What’s truly remarkable is how quickly the group gained momentum. In just a short time since its revival, the group attracted nearly two dozen members, with more to come in the future. This represents a testament to these students’ deep commitment and conviction. It’s not just the impressive numbers but each member’s enthusiasm and heart. Together, they’re building a community of people genuinely caring about making a difference and protecting the preborn. 

A Fresh Energy and Dedication 

The group’s revival brought fresh energy to the campus, with an undeniable excitement in the air as students came together, unified by a common cause. Many of these students are new to activism and advocacy, yet they’ve shown incredible dedication from the start.  

What’s been particularly touching is the involvement of male students joining the pro-life movement. We can’t underestimate the importance of good men, genuinely and authentically, standing up for women and the preborn; men who understand that being pro-life is about respecting and honoring both women and their preborn children while standing in solidarity with women facing difficult situations and offering them support and compassion. They aren’t just bystanders in this movement; they’re actively working to protect the most vulnerable among us, and that’s something worth celebrating. 

Stepping Out into the Community 

In addition to reigniting the group on campus, the members wasted no time getting involved in the broader pro-life movement in South Dakota. Recently, they partnered with local pro-life organizations to take part in a crucial canvassing deployment in Sioux Falls. Their goal was to speak with voters about the importance of rejecting Amendment G, a dangerous piece of legislation that would enshrine abortion in the state’s constitution if passed this coming November. 

This canvassing effort was a significant undertaking. It required dedicated volunteers to go door-to-door, engage with residents, share the pro-life message, and encourage them to vote against Amendment G. For many of the students, this was their first time doing something like this, but they jumped in wholeheartedly. 

Throughout the weekend, the group members knocked on over 3,000 doors. Every knock and conversation was a step toward building a culture of life in South Dakota. These students not only spread a message, but they changed hearts. The feedback from voters was overwhelmingly positive, with many people expressing their gratitude for the conversations and the students’ willingness to stand up for life in such a public way. 

Impacting the Pro-Life Movement in South Dakota 

The canvassing effort wasn’t just about politics or legislation but about protecting human life. As they knocked on doors, they shared stories, listened to people’s concerns, and presented a vision for a society that values every life, born and preborn. 

The students’ hard work paid off. Not only did they help rally support for voting pro-life in the upcoming election but they also met and exceeded the number of people required for the canvassing effort. Their contribution to the cause wasn’t just a tiny piece of the puzzle but central to the weekend’s success. With over 3,000 doors knocked on and countless hearts touched, the impact of their work will be felt long after the canvassing weekend has passed. 

A Hopeful Future 

Looking ahead, the future of the SFLA group at Augustana University is bright. The students show fearlessness in stepping out of their comfort zones and taking action. Their love for preborn children and their commitment to standing up for the voiceless are palpable. What started as a small group of dedicated individuals has blossomed into a movement making a real difference on campus and in the wider community. 

“I’m super excited for this year,” said Mathers. “I am so blessed and grateful for the amazing leadership and members that support this group.”   

As the November election approaches, their work to protect life will continue to ripple outward, helping to ensure that Amendment G doesn’t come to pass and that the sanctity of life remains upheld in South Dakota. 

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