Rally

Indiana

Wanted to share a baby save! Marian University Knights for Life started praying with posters at a nearby abortion facility after seeing Unplanned! They hosted our Planned Parenthood Truth tour yesterday as well. They even printed the inspections and are meeting with Right to Life to discuss the failed health reports and terrible Google reviews! Five Marian students prayed outside this abortion facility today and a woman drove out from the back parking lot. She rolled down her windows, looked at them with their signs (having seen them before she went in), and said, “I didn’t do it, I didn’t do it. I didn’t go through with it.”

New Mexico

Since my first participation in 40 Days for Life, I spend every Saturday in front of the abortion facility nearest me with a group of other sidewalk counselors. Through that time, our group has had four lives saved (that we know of). The one that makes this ministry so impactful is a girl named Ashley. Ashley’s parents went to the facility nine months ago. We tried to talk them out of the abortion, offering them alternatives and support. It didn’t seem to work even though they were very receptive towards us. However, I sensed a level of uncertainty, so I began to pray that they leave this place. Eventually, we noticed that the abortionist had not arrived and Ashley’s parents had left. We began to look frantically and we blamed ourselves for failing to approach them. Nine months later, on a Saturday, a random car parked in front of the sidewalk. Stepping out of the car was Ashley’s father. He approached us with gratitude and tears as he said, “I knew you guys were gonna be here during these nine months. I’ve seen you guys and I just had to thank you because Ashley was just born yesterday and because of you, we were able to leave this place with her nine months ago.” Since then, I realized the importance of our presence. That we might never know the outcome of a situation but through the power of prayer, we assure that God will heal and protect.

I have a coworker who’s pregnant (about 5 months). The father left the country to visit his parents and informed her he wasn’t coming back and doesn’t want the baby. She called about a late term abortion in NM and it was too expensive for her, thank God. She reached out to me and I need somewhere to send her for help. She has 2 little girls and this is a boy. She’s talking about maybe adoption but she’s too confused at this point to decide what’s best for them all. None of her family knows about this.

Did you just find out your state senator has written a pro-abortion bill? Is there a pro-life bill that’s being voted on and you want to rally in support? Did you find out that your school is hosting a pro-abortion speaker? These are the times to RALLY the troops and spread the pro-life message! Whether it’s in support or opposition, you and your group need to be there!

SFLA Resources to Request from your Regional Coordinator:

SFLA Signs
SFLA T-Shirts
“Rapid Response” training

Steps:

Plan your rally details.
- Pick a date and time that will have the BEST turnout for both students and community members. You’ll want as many people there as possible! The rally should happen before the event to which you are responding.
- Choose your event location! A public venue is the best choice for a rally. Choose a location that corresponds to the event that you’re responding to. For example, if a senator has written a pro-abortion bill, you can rally in front of their office.
- Research the area or public space to find out if a permit is needed.
- If insurance is required, SFLA will need to know 24 hours in advance. Contact your Regional Coordinator immediately if this is the case.
Gather volunteers!
- Ask for volunteers well in advance and keep them updated.
- Assign a photographer! Find two volunteers who will be willing to take pictures at your event. If you plan to film the event, assign someone to take video as well!
- Make a list of appropriate speakers based on the topic. Email speaker requests immediately with as much information as possible to make sure they can at least secure the date! Be sure to clarify whether they require any travel expenses.
Collect materials and resources.
- If you are hosting speakers and are permitted to have amplified sound, you will need a PA system, microphones, and cords. If you have a sound or music contact through your school or church, ask them for help. Check all sound equipment the day before the rally!
- If you’re hosting speakers, you’ll also need a podium to hold their notes! You can ask local groups or churches to borrow one. A music stand always works great as well!
- Ask your Regional Coordinator for SFLA signs and t-shirts! Stand in solidarity for your cause! Hand written signs are awesome because you can make them specific to the cause!
- Make sure you bring plenty of water; ask for donations ahead of time.
PROMOTE, PROMOTE, PROMOTE!

The sooner you advertise, the more people you’ll gather!

Social Media! Regardless of how many Facebook friends you have, create an event to keep updates organized! Share it with your Regional Coordinator to extend the reach! Ask your Regional Coordinator to contact local media for you, too!
Send personal invites. There’s nothing like being personally invited to an exciting event. Ask others to help you spread the word!
Contact local groups like PRCs and churches. Give them flyers to distribute as well!

The day has arrived!!
- Arrive at least an hour early to set up with all materials and resources.
- Bring emergency supplies like duct tape, scissors, markers, paper, batteries, a first aid kit, pens, clipboards, and trash bags.
- Bring copies of any permits or insurance papers on hand.
- Print an agenda and review it with all volunteers and speakers. Print an extra copy for each volunteer.
- Ask your photographers and videographer to arrive early. Assign a “shot list” to be sure you get every picture you want!
- Check all sound equipment once it’s set up.
- Once the event is over, clean up! You don’t want to be the group that left signs and trash.

Congratulations! You hosted an amazing rally! Is there anything left?

Be sure to THANK your volunteers and speakers. A thank you note goes a long way and will help strengthen your relationships!

Questions? Contact your Regional Coordinator for more information.