Mix the Messaging

Shake up the slogans and soundbites?

Have you ever had that moment when a song lyric connects with something you have been thinking about?

Buffalo Springfield's "For What It’s Worth" is a 1966 song about the social and political unrest surrounding the Vietnam War and other issues of the time.

I have been pondering why I struggle with Pro-Life rallies, even though I support and vote Pro-Life.

I feel guilty about this, but something about the messaging, or maybe my struggle with confrontations, holds me back. As I listened, these two lines from the song stood out to me…

“There’s battle lines being drawn.”

“A thousand people in the street. Singing songs and carrying signs, mostly say hooray for our side.”

The battle lines between the Pro-Life and Pro-Choice movements are clear, deep, and emotionally charged.

We sign petitions, vote, and today we seem to lose on every side.

Disappointment sets in, and the issue becomes more about “beating” the other side, rather than about helping moms in a crisis pregnancy.

It may be time to have a new perspective.

We must keep signing the petitions and voting, but what is our tone? Is our rhetoric in the public square making the situation better?

Can we walk in humility rather than anger and “pride for our side”, offering resources and a helping hand to show that we genuinely want to help?

We are now seed sowers for future generations.

I wonder if we can rethink the approach and change the perception?

On the Pro-Life side, our slogans seem to say, “Hooray for our side.” The messaging is strong about what we stand for, but not about how we help.

I am the Pro-life Generation.

Save the Unborn.

I vote pro-life.

Choose Life.

Abortion stops a beating heart.

Stop Abortion.

Why not also provide messaging about how we help?

• What if some signs at marches included QR codes for medical resources, counseling, shelter, and food, conveying the message of a loving, helping hand?

• What if some signs thank the Knights of Columbus, who provide hundreds of thousands of dollars for ultrasound machines that offer free ultrasounds?

• What if some signs listed the number of volunteer hours spent over a year supporting pregnancy centers and included a website or QR Code for people to use if they need help or want to volunteer?

• What if some signs listed tips for supporting women in an unexpected pregnancy, or for supporting a parent, boyfriend, friend, or co-worker? Add a link for counseling or more information.

• What if some of these signs had quotes from women who wanted to share how they were helped? Then add a link to their inspirational stories.

• What if a woman who could use this information for herself or a friend scanned the QR code as she passed by a rally? Or what if they were seen on TV, where many more people could see them?

• What if a lawmaker realized how much people in their district did to support women in unexpected pregnancies and softened their stance towards saving the unborn?

Could these messages be seeds of help for those who need them?

The battle lines are there.

How can we carry signs that offer a helping hand and surprise the community with a new approach?

What slogans would you put on your sign or bumper sticker?