Pro-life Lobby Day a Success

Thanks to our faithful grassroots supporters, Tuesday’s Pro-life Lobby Day was a success.  Approximately 150 people of all ages and backgrounds came to Raleigh’s Legislative Building to show their support for the pro-life legislation.

The day began with approximately 15 organizations setting up pro-life display tables in two of the main floor’s courts. Legislators, staff, and visitors strolling through had the opportunity to pick up literature, study the displays, and speak to the groups’ representatives.

At 11:30, everyone gathered in the 3^rd floor auditorium to hear pro-life legislators speak. Lieutenant Governor Forest, Speaker Pro Tempore Stam, and individuals from both the House and Senate spoke to the crowd about the importance of pro-life legislation. Afterwards, the audience was invited to pick up free T-shirts and to visit their representatives.

NCRTL had two shirts for people to choose from, and both were popular. Though most men opted for the white “Americans born to be free if only they were free to be born” shirt, the pink “No Sex Selection Abortions” option also went well.  All participants also received “Opt out! Abortion is not healthcare!” stickers. Hopefully lots of our legislators noticed the pro-life supporters wandering the halls with the shirts and stickers on!

To conclude the event, everyone was invited to sit in either the House or Senate gallery when the legislators went into session. If they didn’t see the pro-life crowd in the halls, they probably saw them in the gallery.

NCRTL was pleased by the success of our Pro-life Lobby Day, but we encourage all our grassroots supporters to continue contacting their representatives and urging them to support pro-life legislation. A simple phone call or email makes an impact, and a personal visit is even better. Our legislators are working hard to pass pro-life laws, but they need to know that their constituents support them. You can make a difference in the lives of unborn children simply by lending your voice for a few minutes!

2013 Oratory Contest Just Around the Corner

Are you a high school junior or senior looking to use your pro-life knowledge and maybe earn some money, too? The Jane B. Thompson Oratory Contest may be right for you!

Last year's national winners.

Every year, National Right to Life holds the Jane B. Thompson Oratory Contest at its annual convention. One winning student from each state competes for the grand prize of $1000 and the chance to give his or her speech at the popular closing banquet. This year’s convention will be held in Dallas, Texas on June 29, 2013.

North Carolina’s regional contest will be May 18, 2013 in Greensboro. The winner will receive a plaque and a spot in the national competition, as well as up to $300 to be used for travel to Dallas.

Any North Carolina high school junior or senior who is interested in preparing a 5-7 minute pro-life speech on a relative issue is encouraged to attend.

Who: High school juniors & seniors      

   

What: A 5-7 minute pro-life speech on abortion, infanticide, euthanasia, or stem cell research

When: May 18, 2013 at 1pm

Where: Greensboro, NC, location to be decided

Why:  Great experience and a chance to go the National Right to Life Convention in Dallas! 

NCRTL Will Host Its First Camp Joshua in July

As increasing numbers of young people identify themselves as pro-life, National Right to Life and its affiliates are seeking better ways to engage the youth in their communities.

While NRLC hosts an annual summer academy for college students, many of the state affiliates are reaching out to high school students by holding pro-life camps. Some states, such as Wisconsin and Louisiana, have had strong teen programs for years, while others, like Arkansas and Virginia, held their first pro-life teen camps last year. This July, North Carolina Right to Life will join them in hosting its first Camp Joshua.

Camp Joshua is named after Joshua, the Old Testament man who led his people into the Promised Land. The camps are not affiliated with any religious denomination, but they encourage the participants to be like Joshua, full of strength, wisdom, and character. Students learn how to speak knowledgably about abortion, euthanasia, and other life issues, and they are encouraged to spread the pro-life message in their communities. 

Erin Karlovich, NCRTL’s assistant director and organizer of the camp, said, “Teenagers are full of energy and passion, and they are eager to spread the pro-life message. Camp Joshua is a great way of giving them the tools they need to be effective leaders and to really embrace the movement as their own.”

Besides being an awesome place to receive a pro-life education, Camp Joshua is fun! Campers meet other teen pro-life enthusiasts from all over the state and develop friendships based on a common cause. They also have lots of time for games, skits, outdoor activities, and movies during free time.

Camp Joshua North Carolina will be held July 19-21, 2013, at Short Journey Retreat Center in Smithfield.  The registration cost is $95, which includes meals, accommodations, and materials. The camp is open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors in high school.  

Anyone interested in Camp Joshua NC should contact Erin at ncrtl.erin@gmail.com to receive an application. While there will be need-based scholarships, we strongly encourage students to ask their churches or family members for support.