Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you sit there! - Will Rogers
In January, we asked supporters like you to complete an online survey. By asking for feedback on everything from the country’s post-Roe landscape to your donations, my colleagues and I aimed to gain a better understanding of your perceptions, opinions, concerns and hopes. We were not only surprised by the strong participation rate but also by the number of thoughtful responses. By those two factors alone, we confirmed something we already suspected: determined compassion nourishes runners in this pro-life marathon.
Because most respondents chose to maintain anonymity, I have no way to personally thank those who took time to offer such sincere comments. If you were among them, please accept my humble gratitude. I got to read many notes of thanks for the work we do each day. (It's an honor.) The vast majority of individuals acknowledged the long road still ahead but expressed confidence in my team and me to navigate it, since we’ve achieved so much already. Only a couple of you offered blunt criticism of our organization. I convey my thanks to you as well; even those comments were valuable to read, because they provide insight to our membership as a whole, and that is critical for achieving our mission: to protect our most vulnerable.
I’m pleased to report the top five general trends in survey responses, in no particular order. Massachusetts Citizens for Life supporters
- Want us to expand efforts to educate others about fetal development and abortion procedures.
- Value our determination to influence legislation.
- Approve measures we take to promote and defend pregnancy resource centers.
- Trust our organization yet wish to better understand how donations are used.
- Are eager to become involved at the grassroots level.
The good news is that numbers 1, 2 and 3 reflect the very purpose of MCFL and its current undertakings.
We will influence public policy at the local, state, and national levels through comprehensive educational, legislative, political, and charitable activities.
So reads the final sentence of the MCFL mission statement, a directive that guides every operational decision we make.
As for number 4, here are two graphics that reflect most of MCFL’s programming and reach during 2022, 2023 and 2024. i.e., where we allocate contributions received. Keep in mind this outreach does not include that which is digital, virtual or accomplished through direct mail (webinars, traffic on our four websites, social media engagement, email communications, print publications, national presentations, etc.). All of these statewide efforts are accomplished by a small but mighty staff who wear many hats and work long hours for modest pay because, quite simply, they love what they do and know, without a doubt, that they are in the business of saving lives.
If you’d like additional information, I would be happy to meet with you to discuss our operations in greater detail. Overall, donors have approved of these responsible investments and cost-effective efforts.
Finally, #5: Our supporters told us that they are eager to become more involved at the grassroots level.
This, too, gets to the heart of our organization. Throughout its 52-year history, thousands of dedicated men and women have led varied and influential initiatives in every corner of the state. What’s more, in all those years, there has never been an opportunity like the one before us now, so this particular survey trend beautifully validates what we had already planned to do throughout the next two years.
During the 2024 election across the Commonwealth, President Trump expanded his vote share to over 1.2 million people while increasing gains in nearly each region. That’s not to “endorse” the president but to acknowledge the growing acceptance of the person and party responsible for Roe’s reversal and, as we’ve seen in the first two months of Trump’s second term, numerous pro-life cabinet member confirmations and several federal pro-life wins.
Our leaders have our backs. Our neighbors are very likely more open to pro-life perspectives than they’ve been in a generation. Our supporters widely believe we are on the right track. These are the conditions we’ve long needed to change hearts and minds, so we have no choice but to take a giant step forward! I am thrilled to announce the official launch of our newest grassroots initiative: an MCFL Action Team in each of our 160 legislative districts.
Because you know your community better than we do, the purpose of each Action Team will be to educate those closest to you and build pro-life awareness, mobilization and support by engaging on a hyper-local level, and, in doing so, increasing the pro-life presence – and power – across the Commonwealth. In short, Action Teams will help us consistently accomplish numbers 1,2 and 3 above and future projects, too. MCFL will provide the structure, tools, and introductory content. As teams grow, each will enjoy freedom to tailor their messaging, create projects and hold events. And in the spirit of healthy competition, we may just launch a lighthearted contest or two between teams. There’s glory in fighting for life, but it should be fun, too!
We’ve begun this admittedly significant undertaking by recruiting volunteer Team leaders in each of our 14 counties. Soon, each county will have a webpage on the MCFL site, which will serve as the county’s central information hub and, over time, will help to launch district teams within every county.
If you have interest in volunteering for this effort, please let us know by filling out this short form:
https://www.masscitizensforlife.org/sign_up_for_the_action_team
We need dynamic individuals of all ages. Team leaders should be comfortable using email and possess basic internet skills. Team members must simply be pro-life and willing to help build a culture of life, offering whatever skills they might have. Time commitments will vary. So even if you don’t have much time but are interested to learn more about this historic project, submit a form.
The vulnerable depend on your participation. Time is critical. We’ve got life-or-death bills to advance or to oppose and another election in just over 18 months. We have a profound opportunity before us today to efficiently inform voters in our communities and move their hearts to protect lives around the state. Let’s make the most of it! Join your county’s MCFL Action Team today. We're on the right track, and we have no plans to sit still. Not sure about joining a team? You're welcome to fund one!
Enjoy your weekend,
Myrna