Educators and Training
PHLs volunteer speakers bring a variety of personal, educational and professional experiences to our presentations. Active and inactive speakers receive monthly
calendars and letters with up-to-the-minute respect-life news. Currently, we have 40 active and 65 inactive speakers. Recruitment and training new speakers continued to be a priority.
Approximately 100 people attended a pro-life forum sponsored by PHL in September 2001. Former PA State Representative Stephen F. Freind described the many obstacles and challenges he faced as he worked to get the Pennsylvania Abortion Control Act approved in the state legislature. Two women, Becky and Stephanie, poignantly described their heartbreak and regret after their personal experiences of abortion. Ann Downs, Executive Director of Birthright of West Chester shared many stories of women whose crisis pregnancies had happy endings thanks to the advice and support they received. Matt Pinto, a youth minister shared tips on effective public speaking. Molly Kelly shared humorous and encouraging anecdotes of her lifetime of pro-life ministry.
Fifteen potential speakers attended follow-up training sessions, scheduled at various times throughout the year. Eight newly trained
speakers gave presentations this year.
PHLs program director periodically observed and evaluated classroom presentations to assure adherence to PHLs mission and objectives.
Two representatives from PHL attended the annual National Right-to-Life Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina in June 2001.
PHLs Advisory Board offered professional advice in the areas of medicine, sciences, academics, legal issues, current legislation and health care.
We continued to provide resources for papers, talks, debates and research on various pro-life topics upon request. Maintaining up-to-date pro-life material is a vital and expensive endeavor. This includes immediate internet access, books, tapes, periodicals, newspapers and videos.