Merrick Whitson, our 2026 National Leaders Collective’s leader of the month for September, is a Students for Life of America Christian Leadership Fellow attending college in Seattle, Washington. Learn more about Whitson’s leadership and activism below.

Driven by Faith and Community

My primary reason for getting involved in the pro-life movement is my Christian faith and a desire to live out its values. I believe protecting human life, both born and preborn, is a central calling, especially in a culture where the value of innocent human life is often overlooked.

Attending college in Seattle and participating in my Students for Life group and the broader pro-life movement has allowed me to build a strong community of like-minded peers while opening many opportunities to serve both my campus and the greater Seattle area.

As a business student, developing leadership skills is a constant priority. Stepping into club leadership, much less becoming president as a first-year student and the youngest member of the group, was never my original goal. However, after months of active involvement, I felt called to take a step of faith during elections and was honored to be elected president for the coming year.

Encouraged by outgoing leaders and seeking additional support and growth opportunities, I applied to the National Leaders Collective (NLC). Attending the NLC kickoff in Washington, D.C., was an incredible experience that affirmed I had made the right decision, and I am excited to continue growing through the Christian Leadership Fellowship.

I remained actively engaged in pro-life advocacy throughout the summer. In June, I joined a Students for Life deployment in Sandpoint, Idaho, where our team knocked on more than 2,000 doors to educate voters about a critical ballot measure that threatens existing pro-life protections in the state.

I have also expanded my digital outreach and social media presence. Recently, I posted a reel about the Lindsay Clancy case that has gotten more than 5,000 views. While that number may seem small to some, it is significant to me, and I pray God will use it to reach and influence others. Alongside these efforts, my team and I have spent the summer planning recruitment initiatives, events, and community service opportunities for the upcoming academic year.

The NLC has provided an invaluable network, practical resources, and consistent encouragement in my development as a leader. Balancing advocacy with the demands of student life can be challenging, but this level of support empowers me to make a far greater impact than I could on my own.