The primary challenge Sidewalk Advocates face, besides getting cars to stop, is making women aware of the myriad of free services available to them. Support groups and pregnancy care centers far outnumber abortion clinics by a magnitude of at least 10 to 1, yet who they are, where they’re located, and the services they offer remain relatively unknown to many abortion minded women.
Far too often women make abortion decisions without knowing all the facts. Studies show that 80% of the post-abortive women weren’t aware of the many local and national organizations ready to help them, their child, and their family in their time of need. Why is this? Too frequently the abortion counseling they receive neglects to share this life affirming and life supporting information.
Making this information available and referring the woman to a pregnancy center for additional help and counseling are two main goals of a sidewalk advocate. This last chance outreach to the abortion minded women happens at the 11th hour, when many have made up their minds and perhaps shared their abortion decision with family or close friends. How do we make the woman aware of the support that’s available?
When a car stop, the advocate must act quickly because the opening to speak is very brief. First the abortion minded woman must realize you truly care for her and there is help for her no matter her situation. So armed with a smile and warm greeting the advocate calmly approaches and begins asking questions and sharing information about help that is available.
The words you choose need to be intentional and so does the information you share. If something is not helpful do not use it. As a sidewalk advocate you must be aware of the hours and services provided by near by pregnancy centers and support groups, and this information must be up to date.
Quite frequently the opportunity to speak lasts only a few seconds, but if the woman is receptive the discussion can continue for a few minutes and even longer.
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:16
