By Mary Kizior
October has many great opportunities for pro-lifers to stand up for pro-life beliefs by joining special activism events.
Respect Life Month
Respect Life Month reminds us that every human being’s life has value. During the month of October, pro-lifers take the time to learn more about the culture of life and get involved in the pro-life movement through prayer vigils and volunteering.
With young students, October is a great month to start the Miracle of Life Coloring & Activity Book, Pro-Life Prints, and Life Is Precious, which teach students in kindergarten through second grade about the importance of taking care of others and praying for moms and their babies.
Homeschool families will love doing Defend Life: The Beauty of the Developing Human Being with students in junior high school while completing the first lesson of Life Is Precious so that the whole family learns about the amazing stages of a preborn baby’s development together.
Need more educational materials for Respect Life Month? Check out the free coloring pages, movie discussion guides, and puzzle downloads on our website!
Pro-Life Essay Contest
From October 2 through December 2, the Culture of Life Studies Program is cosponsoring a pro-life essay contest with the Institute for Excellence in Writing. Visit prolifeessay.com for official contest rules and how to enter.
40 Days for Life
September 27 kicks off the next 40 Days for Life, which runs until November 5. 40 Days for Life is a prayerful vigil outside of Planned Parenthood clinics across the country that not only witnesses to mothers and fathers entering the clinic, but also to the abortion clinic workers and passersby on the street. During this campaign, pro-lifers donate an hour of their time to pray outside a clinic. People can also support 40 Days for Life with prayer and fasting at home. Visit 40daysforlife.com to find a prayer vigil in your area.
Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Dr. Jérôme Lejeune is known as the Father of Modern Genetics, but few people know that this brilliant French scientist who discovered the genetic cause of Down syndrome was Catholic and staunchly pro-life. Use this lesson to learn about Dr. Lejeune’s courage in defending children with Down syndrome. October is also Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Begin conversations with your children about disabilities and caring for the weakest and most vulnerable members of our society. Find more activities and resources about Down Syndrome Awareness Month here or check out our ideas to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
National Cupcakes for Life Day
Not everyone gets to celebrate a birthday. National Cupcakes for Life Day is a non-threatening way to spread the truth about abortion. On October 9, simply bake or buy cupcakes (12 or 1200, as many as you would like) to pass out to people on the street. Visit cupcakesforlife.com for ideas and tips to run your own event.
Pro-Life Day of Silent Solidarity
On this day, pro-lifers across the country give up their voices for one day in solidarity with the thousands of children who lose their voices every day because of abortion. Participants stay silent and wear red duct tape on their mouths to raise awareness about the horrors of abortion. This is also a great day to wear a pro-life T-shirt as you evangelize with your actions. Learn more about this event and how to participate at facebook.com/prolifeday.
Halloween, pro-life style
October is normally filled with displays of Halloween decorations such as skeletons, witches, tombstones, and candlelit pumpkins. This year, instead of carving the typical scary jack-o’-lanterns, try making pumpkins with a purpose. Need ideas? Check out these photos or find free printable templates here. Post pictures on social media with the hashtag #ProLifePumpkin.
Think of this October as your family’s jumpstart to living the culture of life more fully in your household. Attend prayer vigils and rallies at your local Planned Parenthood as a family, volunteer with your teens to help at a pregnancy resource center, or participate in the many national and local pro-life events that happen during the month of October. As you and your family are able, make a commitment to do something every day to respect every human being in all stages of development—from creation to death.
Mary Kizior is a content developer for American Life League’s Culture of Life Studies Program, which stresses the culture of life as an integral part of every academic discipline. CLSP is dedicated to helping students become effective communicators of the pro-life message.