Feminists for Life Launches FFL on Campus Groups!

Pilot Project Direct Result of Student Requests

November 12, 2010

Since Feminists for Life launched its highly successful College Outreach Program in 1996 to educate students about our pro-life feminist history and our focus on resources for women, they have received requests every year from enthusiastic student leaders who want to know if they can start their own FFL collegiate group. This year, Feminists for Life's Board of Directors decided the time has come to establish FFL on Campus groups.

People may know that "it's a baby." But the question remains, "What about the woman?" Pro-woman, pro-life student activists recognize that FFL has the answer: Women deserve better than abortion. "FFL student members know it's not enough to say 'no' to abortion. We say 'yes' to life," says FFL President Serrin Foster.

With the support of donors and members, FFL will continue to provide speakers and materials for 650 otherpro-life student groups. FFL on Campus groups, meanwhile, will focus on woman-centered solutions.

"When the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced grant opportunities through the newly created Pregnancy Assistance Fund, we knew our decision to establish FFL on Campus groups were the right one," Foster continues. "FFL student leaders can help us advocate for women at the grassroots level. And FFL's program components are so comprehensive, there is plenty to keep a student organization busy all year round. Students can choose to partner with pro-life groups and women's organizations in their effort to systematically eliminate the root causes of abortion by promoting practical resources and support. Thanks to our devoted supporters, FFL's new young leaders will have the tools they need to make great strides on behalf of pregnant women and parents."

This is not the first time FFL groups have been organized on campus. In the late '90s, student members started groups at campuses including the University of Wisconsin at Madison and Notre Dame. "The leaders were strategic, smart, and made an impact," said Foster.

At that time, however, FFL was more focused on supporting a fledgling pro-life student movement, and the early activists were instrumental in helping FFL test and roll out woman-centered, solution-oriented program materials.

"The fact that there are now 650 pro-life student groups is an indication that we can support groups that specifically help us educate others on campus about our rich pro-life feminist history and focus on woman-centered solutions," Foster said. "When we created our calendar of activities, we could plainly see that there was so much to be done. Every month there is something students can do to reach our goal of making abortion unthinkable."

Students choosing to establish an FFL on Campus group will have exclusive access to year-round student activism, with a menu of activities to suit the group's size and abilities: FFL events, including remarkable pro-life speakers, free resources to revolutionize their campus with woman-centered solutions, and individualized support and consultation from FFL's College Outreach Program Coordinator. "As evidenced by FFL's long list of accomplishments, we know that these revolutionaries can have a tremendous impact on campus--and leave a legacy for generations to come," Foster added.

Groups seeking to become a charter FFL on Campus group must agree with FFL's mission and be an officially recognized school organization. Student groups interested in registering as an "FFL on Campus" group should contact FFL's College Outreach Program Coordinator for an application at coordinator@ffloncampus.org. The deadline for application is February 15th, Susan B. Anthony's birthday.

A very special group of emerging and visionary activists will be named to lead FFL's charter groups during Women's History Month.

		Victory Over Violence Joyce Ann McCauley-Benner was raped at 20 while working her way through college and chose not to abort, not knowing if her unborn son was the result of rape or of her relationship. She says, "I know what it's like to want to run as far away as possible from a problem, how it feels to hang on to 'if I wasn't pregnant anymore, it would all be OK again.'" Ms. McCauley-Benner, who graduated from college while raising her son, worked on a racial justice task force and has worked with victims of sex trafficking. Today she presents her speech, "Victory Over Violence" on college campuses and at Capitol Hill briefings. In addition to her lecture, she moderates FFL Pregnancy Resource Forums. A mother of two sons and current student-parent, Ms. McCauley-Benner lives in the Midwest. Watch a short sample of Joyce's amazing speech here. To learn more about Feminists for Life's speakers and book a speaker for your campus or event, please visit FFL's Speaker Page.
		Adoption is an Empowering Option "Now my son has the life I always wanted for him..." Celebrate National Adoption Month with FFL's powerful ad! Download the free ad here.
		Where Have All the Pregnant Women Gone? "If she is missing on campus, don't be missing in action." If you are a student, download and post this ad free today to challenge your campus to support pregnant and parenting students.