Cal State Fullerton’s Students for Life club just completed their first official on-campus event, and it was a success!
A friend of mine from the Leadership Institute actually gave me the idea, and I loved it so much that I just had to do it. Immediately our club started planning, and I’m so glad we did. We’ll definitely use this idea again!
So here’s what happened:
We set up at our table in a busy area of the quad. As students walked by, we shouted, “Free cupcakes!” When they approached our table, many were skeptical whether the cupcakes were actually free or not. We assured them they were 100% free of charge, and we only wanted to ask a question.
Surprisingly, everyone happily agreed. So we asked something like, “Are you pro-life or pro-choice? Don’t worry. We won’t judge you. Your cupcake isn’t contingent on your answer.” Many laughed and smiled, then gave their opinion.
Most students claimed to be pro-choice, but often with conditions. They clarified they weren’t personally pro-choice, but would’t tell another woman what to do. Others based their pro-choice viewpoint upon cases of rape, incest, or putting a mother’s life in danger.
For these people, I affirmed their concerns and presented our mission, saying something like, “Yeah, I understand where you’re coming from. But we’re actually a new pro-life club on campus. Our goals are to educate students about the truth of abortion- for both men and women, physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. But most of all, we really want to help women in crisis pregnancies who feel abortion is their only option. If you ever know someone in that situation, please send them our way. We’d love to help them with free resources and community support. And we’re also working with our local pregnancy centers.”
Then we handed them a flyer and sent them on their way with a cupcake and a smile. In fact, everyone responded pretty positively, even thanking us and expressing respect for our mission and conduct. Sure, some tried to find out where we stood on issues such as defunding Planned Parenthood, bodily rights, and outrageous protestors. Although I did give brief arguments about when life begins and the benefits of Federally Qualified Health Centers, I quickly refocused their attention to why we were actually there- to spread awareness about our club and our mission, and ask for contact information from potential members.
At the end of the day, everyone left with a yummy cupcake in hand and a smile on their face- success!
And when we encountered pro-life people, there were only a few differences in the conversation. First of all, we were so excited to find like-minded people that we said, “That’s what we’re here for!” Then we gave them the whole spiel on our mission, offered a flyer, and asked them to sign up for our email list.
So in case another pro-life club would like to use this idea in the future, here’s an outline of the supplies you’ll need, what to expect, the good and bad aspects of the event, and tips based on our experience.
Supplies
-Cupcake Mix, Frosting, Sprinkles, Paper Holders, and Carrying Cases
-Tablecloth
-Posters (I recommend 3: “Students for Life,” “Free Cupcakes,” and “Everyone Deserves a Birthday.”) Don’t forget the tape!
-Flyers w/ Group Name, Mission, Meeting Info, and Contact Info
-Relevant Literature: Local Pregnancy Centers, Cases of Rape, Bodily Rights, Post-Abortion Counseling, etc.
-Clipboards, Pens, and Email Sign Up Sheets (Student for Life has some on their website for you to use.)
-Water! Stay Hydrated! (Plus, they’re useful to weigh down a tablecloth in the wind.)
-Wipes in case your hands get goopy from the frosting!
-If your school doesn’t provide them, bring a table and an EZ-up! (No chairs! Stand with those who approach your table. You want to match their stance and be on their level.)
What to Expect
If you’re on a secular, liberal campus like I was, expect many to either be pro-choice or undecided. Accept this and work with it.
Most people don’t want to give their opinion. In a society that constantly accusing conservatives of being ignorant, hateful bigots, people generally don’t like to say how they really feel. Whether it be out of fear of consequences or offending others, they’ll generally feel hesitant when asked any questions, so make them feel at ease.
Some don’t know what abortion, pro-life, and pro-choice mean, so be prepared to clarify terms in a clear and effective way.
Know your mission and plan-of-action to make change on your campus. People will ask.
Crowds came in spurts for us. You’ll likely experience the same. Seven people will show up at once or there will be none at all! Just be prepared, and reach out to people when you have a lull. Having 2 or more members manning the table will help tremendously. Also, be ready to hold a conversation with multiple people at once.
We didn’t experience too many people who wanted to challenge our beliefs, but it wouldn’t hurt to be well-versed in pro-life apologetics.
Generally, people think of us pro-lifers as hateful bigots that stand outside of Planned Parenthood screaming and calling them murderers. Don’t be surprised by this, but don’t let them get away with it. Clarify that what they see in the media are radicals that don’t accurately represent the vast majority of peaceful, loving, supportive pro-lifers.
Other Things That Went Well
Cupcakes = happiness! (Especially when they’re free!) These little cups of yummy goodness were a great way to attract people, start conversations, and leave a positive impression on the students. Plus, it’s a creative and fun way to recruit new members! In fact, we think it was the best way to engage students in introductory conversations, effectively promoting our values and mission with positivity.
It’s a fairly easy, straightforward event that can be pulled together rather quickly. And you don’t need many people to run the table. Sure, it uses up some time to prepare for and run the event, as well as a bit of money for cupcake supplies and posters. However, this is probably easier and cheaper to plan than most events with great results.
Things That We Can Improve On Next Time
I ordered a box from Students for Life a few weeks ago in preparation for this event. The box was going to include a lot of resources that would’ve been beneficial for dressing the table and answering some questions we faced. Sadly, this didn’t come in time. Next time, I’ll get my resources and postcards far in advance.
Through this process, we realized that we need to be more knowledgeable and well-versed in potential questions and arguments. I think there’s always more to learn, but this event is motivating us to keep researching and studying for the next encounter.
Additionally, a pro-choice student asked about my plan of action. I was so caught off guard by the question that I was’t exactly sure how to answer. She just wanted practical, tangible examples, and that was totally relevant. What good are we as an organization without knowing exactly how we plan to impact our campus? So next time, I will make sure to have the plans in mind for upcoming events. Also, I’ll know exactly who my local pregnancy resource centers are and how we plan to work with them. (Mind you, we’re new! We haven’t had a whole lot of time to do everything we want and network with all of the pregnancy centers in the area.)
Finally, we weren’t able to hand out as many cupcakes as we’d like due to the time limit. Because of this, we’ll make some changes in the future by either planning to skip class, starting the event earlier, or assigning shifts so another group can take over while the original team goes to class.
Helpful Hints
Usually, pro-choicers have a specific and legitimate reason for believing in their stance. Ask questions to clarify. Not only will they appreciate your willingness to listen, but you’ll also be able to adjust your points to their perspective.
When asking for contact information, let them know why you want to contact them- to tell them about upcoming events and what you’re doing on campus. And sometimes it’s good to remind them you won’t send messages too often.
We held this event from 12-2pm. This is pretty much the pique time for students on campus. The time went by fast, and we weren’t able to get rid of all 94 cupcakes, but it was still a pretty good time slot. I might recommend tabling from 11am-2pm.
Also, the location was pretty solid- a main walkway with tables on both sides where many students pass by. However, I know a lot of people avoid the area, knowing solicitors for clubs and initiatives often gather there. Overall, I think it was one of the best spots we could be in, but we’ll scout for even better in the future!
Additionally, use your testimony- whether your mom had an abortion or you are the child of an adopted parent, include your experiences in your conversations. Real-life situations that actually happened to you often allow people to sympathize and understand your position better.
Overall, be genuine, kind, friendly, and compassionate. This is far more effective than starting heated arguments right out the gate. Be especially aware of your facial expressions and body language. Use them to convey your message in a compelling and positive way.
Here’s what this event comes down to: PR and recruiting. For this specific experience, you’re not there to argue or debate. This is a positive, uplifting event to inspire a pleasant view of the pro-life movement. You want to encourage people, show your heart for moms and dads and babies, and welcome people to your club without judgment. Show the campus you exist, and leave a good impression among both pro-lifers and pro-choicers. Then, use the opportunity to reach out to pro-life and open-minded students who are willing to give their contact information.
Redefine what people think of the pro-life movement. We’ve been characterized as spiteful, violent, loud, and intolerant extremists. We pro-lifers know this isn’t true, but others won’t without our help. So dispel those deep-seeded perceptions through your words, actions, and attitude. We are the pro-life generation. It’s time to step up and show our campus why!
We definitely plan to do this event consistently in the future- either every semester or once a year. It was really effective in getting our name out there, spreading positive vibes, and gaining contact information for potential members. I hope this helps you and your club make an impact on your campus in a new, fun, and relatively easy way!
Lady Liberty 