Donald Trump is president-elect. All of New Hampshire’s Members of Congress and U.S. Senators next term will be pro-abortion women. In a contest between two men who have voted repeatedly to send public money to abortion providers, the New Hampshire governor’s race went to the candidate with one fewer PP contract nod to his credit.
No whining. There’s work to be done.
Politicians are deciding which policies they want to push hardest in their first days and months in office. The first hundred days set the tone for the rest of the term.
The politicians have to wait until they’re formally sworn in. Voters don’t. For us, the first hundred days start now.
Since culture precedes politics:
Spend time with family. Don’t let politics steal your joy.
Spend time with friends with a sense of humor.
Pray if you are so inclined, and include regular time for prayer in community. Literally put this on your calendar now, before the November and December holidays crowd everything out. Pray for civil recognition of the innate right to life of each human being. Pray for discernment. Pray in thanksgiving. Pray for elected officials. Pray to keep the long view in mind.
If you’re already volunteering or working for a pro-life agency or project, re-commit for 2017 – and tell others about your work.
And then:
Put the Governor’s office on speed-dial (603-271-2121). Chris Sununu will be sworn in as governor January 5.
Go to your town clerk’s office and become an independent voter. Make your involvement with political parties situational and tactical. A party with a pro-life platform does not necessarily have a full slate of pro-life candidates.
Swear off donations to political parties. Donate to individual campaigns or pro-life PACs instead. If a party solicits your support, ask politely if they can guarantee that your money will never be used to elect a pro-abortion politician. (That’s a trick question.)
Make a list of your elected representatives for 2017, state and federal, with contact information. For starters, here’s a link to the new New Hampshire House roster.
Become familiar with the nh.gov website, especially the pages for the General Court (legislature), Executive Council, and Governor. Learn how to read the legislative and Council calendars.
Once the legislative session begins in early January, stay informed on life-issue bills being considered. On the state level, I hope you’ll find this blog to be one trustworthy resource.
Make one trip to the State House just to take a tour. Soak up the atmosphere. It’s your State House.
Learn the basics of testifying before the legislature. The Diocese of Manchester is one resource.
When politicians say “women’s health” when they mean “funding abortion providers”, call them out. Every. Single. Time.
U.S. Senators and Members of Congress take office January 3. On that day, email or write Carol Shea-Porter, Ann Kuster, Jeanne Shaheen, and Maggie Hassan with your good wishes. Identify yourself as a pro-life New Hampshire voter.
The week of January 22 (anniversary of Roe v. Wade), go to your federal representatives’ local offices and introduce yourself to the staff. Deliver a short, upbeat pro-life message.
Send President Trump a pro-life message on Inauguration Day via email or phone.
Personally invite someone you know to join you when you attend a hearing or a rally or when you stop by a politician’s office.
Tell your own story. You have one: caring for a fragile loved one, experiencing a challenging pregnancy, witnessing on the sidewalk, living with a disabling condition, any number of things. Share what you know. Get comfortable doing that. Then be willing to tell your story to legislators and policymakers.
Commit to public witness.
- Be part of New Hampshire’s march for life on January 14. Watch nhrtl.org for more details. There will be events that day beginning as early as 9 a.m. If you can do only one thing, go for the midday march that begins at the State House. Bring your kids, and bundle up.
- Attend the March for Life in Washington on January 27. If you can’t afford the trip, donate a dollar or two to someone who’s going, as a token of solidarity and encouragement.
- Participate in a prayer vigil outside an abortion facility. If you can make a weekly or monthly commitment, so much the better. See nhrtl.org for a list of ongoing events statewide with contact information.
“Like” and follow Manchester, New Hampshire’s 40 Days for Life Facebook page.
Arrange a carpool to Concord the day of a hearing on a life-issue bill. Hearing dates will be announced beginning in January.
If you are a health care professional, prepare to testify to public officials in defense of the right to life. I assure you that your colleagues with different views are already active.
Attend conferences like the one recently sponsored by the Diocese of Manchester on “Understanding Human Trafficking and What You Can Do.”
If your health care provider isn’t standing up for the right to life for each human being regardless of age, health, or condition of dependency, find another provider for 2017. Let the old one know why you’re leaving.
If you’re upset about any aspect of this election or someone’s reaction to it, get over it. Every moment spent in recrimination is a moment wasted.
Be charitable, decisive, and relentless.
In political terms, be pro-life like it’s your job – because it is.
Edited to update links.
Leaven for the Loaf 