Monday, October 26, 2009

SFLI Leadership Summit!

Our fearless leader Jessica has prepared an article for TechNews and has asked that I post it here too:

Several members of IIT Students for Life attended the Students for Life of Illinois 2009 Regional Summit on Saturday, October 24. Held at the beautiful Crown Center on Loyola University’s Lakeshore campus, the conference brought together students from over 20 campuses across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and even Texas to hear from three nationally-recognized speakers.

David Bereit, National Director of 40 Days for Life, kicked off the day with his inspiring speech on leadership.

Kristan Hawkins, Executive Director of Students for Life of America, followed with a talk on utilizing effective media techniques in promoting the Culture of Life.

Wrapping up the day with the topic of activism was Eric Scheidler, newly-named Executive Director of the Pro-Life Action League.

Since 2006, Students for Life of Illinois has been fostering student leaders and has become a premiere statewide collegiate pro-life organization. This year marks the third annual conference put on by SFLI. The Summit was a complimentary mix of powerhouse speakers, small discussion groups, education, and networking.

The attending members of IIT SFL left well-equipped and energized to bring back to campus all they heard throughout the day. Students for Life meets for round table discussions on Thursdays at 4:30 pm in the MTCC Blue Room. Find us on Facebook or email us at StudentsForLife@iit.edu.


IIT SFL Students with David Bereit, National Director of 40 Days for Life.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Bubble Zone in Chicago

My Friends. You may or may not be aware of a city ordinance currently awaiting the approval of Mayor Daley. The ordinance if approved would impose a $500 fine for people that speak to women approaching clinics in the city of Chicago. Not only would this stop 40 Days for Life in its tracks, it's also an outrageous attack on First Ammendment Rights. For the sake of time I have copied an email from Eric Schiedler. Please take action and call the mayor's office.

I've got a lot of urgent news and alerts to share with you today,
after our BIG LOSS in the Chicago City Council. So please take a
moment to read all the way through my message.

Today, both the pro-life cause and cherished American value of
freedom of speech suffered a grim defeat in the Chicago City
Council -- but this pro-life battle is far from over!

The City Council voted to PASS the health center Bubble Zone
ordinance, an attempt by abortionists to muzzle compassionate
pro-life sidewalk counseling.

That's the bad news. But here's the GOOD NEWS:

First, a HUGE PRO-LIFE CROWD of over 150 showed up at City Hall
this morning -- despite having only a few days notice -- to protest
the Bubble Zone.

What's more, the protest garnered GREAT MEDIA COVERAGE.

Chicago print, radio and TV outlets were all there. Several sidewalk
counselors were able to share what their peaceful ministry is really
all about: offering desperate women a real choice -- for life.

Get all the details about today's protest, including pictures of the
crowd holding "NO Bubble Zone" and "Protect Free Speech" signs, here:

http://prolifeaction.org/#bubble2

But most importantly, WE CAN STILL DEFEAT THE BUBBLE ZONE.

Before this bad law goes into effect, Mayor Richard Daley has to
approve it. We've got to convince the mayor to VETO the Bubble Zone.

We're already having such a big impact with our calls that they've
set up an automated system for the public to speak out on the Bubble
Zone. Here's the steps to follow:

1. CALL the mayor's office at 312-744-3300.
2. PRESS 1 to submit your opinion on the Bubble Zone.
3. Then PRESS 2 to vote NO on the Bubble Zone.

If already made a call before today's City Council vote, PLEASE
CALL AGAIN to convince the Mayor to veto it.

But that's not all you can do to fight the Bubble Zone. The leaders
of the pro-life ministry at Chicago's Planned Parenthood abortuary
on the near north side have planned a FACE THE TRUTH TOUR Saturday:

EVENT: Face the Truth Tour at Planned Parenthood Chicago
WHEN: Saturday, October 10, 9-11 a.m.
WHERE: LaSalle St and Division St
MAP: http://prolifeaction.org/ppchicago.map

Come out and show Planned Parenthood that, despite all their influence
and all their lies, they cannot intimidate the pro-life community.
We're going to keep fighting to save babies!

Yours for Life,

-- Eric

P.S. I want to emphasize that this is not just a Chicago issue.
Planned Parenthood wants Bubble Zone laws like this one to be
enacted across the country. So please speak out wherever you live!

P.P.S. Remember, the Bubble Zone is not yet the law in Chicago.
Mayor Daley has to sign it first. Call him at 312-744-3300 and tell
him to protect free speech in Chicago and veto the Bubble Zone.