How to Influence Policy Through a Letter-Writing Party

 

GUEST POST: In the aftermath of the fall of Roe v. Wade, the fight for life in individual states has intensified, and as important as rallies and counter-protests are, they aren’t the only way we can impact those making the decisions in our state capitals. Another key way to eradicate the violence in our states is by personally reaching out to our legislators to show them that their constituents don’t need abortion.  

In states across America that do lean pro-life, including my home state of Indiana, it is so important to tell our Senators and Representatives that we will not settle for pro-life laws with exceptions — laws which, for instance, discriminate against children based on what happened the night that they were conceived. Cases of rape are tragic because they are created by violence, and when a child is conceived in that situation, the mother absolutely deserves respect and support — and she deserves better than a system which allows a deadly procedure to continue the cycle of her violence. 

 

 

This is exactly why my pro-life group, Students for Life of America (SFLA) at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, and I have been writing to our politicians to show our disappointment in the Indiana compromise that allows targeted political oppression against some preborn babies while protecting others. 

To make it easier (and more fun!) to reach out to our legislators, my group organized a letter-writing party as a group activity. This is a super fun and simple way to ensure that our government hears from the Pro-Life Generation, and it can be even more impactful than an email or a phone call. Here’s how you can throw your own letter-writing party:  

• When preparing for your letter-writing party, know your message. For instance, my group and I focused on urging the removal of discriminatory exceptions that allowed abortion in cases of rape. 

 

 

• While general points on the immorality of rape exceptions (or whatever you are choosing to write about) are important, it can also be helpful to know the nuances of your particular Representatives or Senators. Our Regional Coordinator put together a spreadsheet with names and notes for each lawmaker, clarifying things which may have influenced their position on abortion. Providing these short talking points to your group members really smooths out the letter-writing process, making it less daunting and way more efficient. You can ask your Regional Coordinator for the same kind of help.  
• On the day of your party, bring paper, pens, envelopes, and stamps. You can also distribute snacks, order pizza, and put on music to help create a fun atmosphere for your group. 

• Once the first letters are finished, you can offer them as examples (maybe taking a picture and sending it in your club group chat or posting on social media) in case someone gets stuck or is having trouble getting started. 

Just remember this: coming together to write letters for even half an hour is a powerful way to raise our voices and encourage our legislators in the fight for life. Although we can’t make the laws as voters, we can absolutely influence those who do, and this is one of the most effective ways to do it.  

Stay strong in the fight for life, and have fun writing letters for life!  

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