The Canadian Youth Pro-Life Organization (CYPLO) held its annual general meeting and conference, March 2-4,1984, in Niagara Falls, Ontario. 70 youth delegates gathered from as far as British Columbia, Prince Edward Island and Quebec, despite the blizzard that hit the Niagara Peninsula.
The theme of the conference was “What is Responsibility.” Discussion centered on pro-life strategy – what has worked so far what hasn’t, and how to be most effective in the 80s.
Reverend Das Sydney Minister of Christian Education, Toronto, a native of Ethiopia, spoke on “Human Sexuality and Responsibility.”
Father Alphonse de Valk, c.s.b. noted pro-life historian and journalist, reviewed the law and history of abortion in Canada since 1969.
Jim Hughes, national chairman of Campaign Life, spoke on political involvement. He stressed the need to support pro -life politicians and to refuse to support those who are nor. We must be persistent un extracting candidates’ views on life issues, he said, especially in this day and age when politicians win election campaigns on image and style, not issues.
Eric Mc. Luhan, editor of The Interim, spoke on ways to attract media attention and how to be newsworthy. He stressed that images are of central importance now and we must use them well. Pro-life must be seen as the sensible position. This he summed up by saying that we must use the opposition, make them seem the fanatics, “lose the argument, win the fight.”
Gwendolyn Landolt, legal counsel for Campaign Life and Right to Life Toronto, spoke on the legal aspects of the fight against abortion in Canada. She traced the rise of Morgentaler from his victory in Quebec in the late 60s to the present situation in Manitoba and Ontario. So far, she stressed, Morgentaler has been unsuccessful in Ontario in setting up his abortion clinics because of solid pro-life strategy.
At times, our fight is like picking up a torch and going into the darkness, Mrs. Landolt said, but we must be strong. It is involved in the pro-life struggle as the fate of our unborn rests on the commitment of youth.
Laura Mc Arthur, president of Toronto Right to Life, described what it means to be pro-life. She stated that youth must not be intimidated; to be against the taking of innocent human life does not require several university degrees, although educational opportunities should be used to save lives.
Anne Roche and John Muggeridgem columnists for the Toronto Sun and noted journalists (Anne Roche is the author of The Gates of Hell), spoke on ways to influence the media at the local level. They pointed out the necessity to keep the communication lines open at all times.
The Reverend Mr. Tom Lynch, former president of CYPLO from 1976 to 1983, talked to those in attendance on youth pro-life organization. He had many helpful hints and suggestions for fundraising, rallies, letter-writing, effective meetings, education, etc. Rev. Mr. Lynch stressed “Net working” – banding-together and constant communication at all levels for greater electiveness.
The guest of honor at CYPLO’s banquet dinner was Dr. Stanley Hudecki, M.P. for Hamilton West. He spoke in some detail on his experience of the abortion question as a doctor, both at the moment and when the law was changed to allow it under specified conditions un 1969. Little did the medical profession expect, he said, that it would turn into the holocaust that it has become. He also read from several Bills that he was instrumental in drafting and which were presented to the House of Commons. Dr. Hudecki concluded by praising the youth involvement in pro-life and stressing its absolute necessity for future success.
At the annual general meeting on March 4 Mike Kucianni revealed that he was stepping down as president for one term. He cited personal reasons for his decision but said that he would remain as president until a suitable replacement is found. Those in attendance to nominate such an individual, in future, with a two-thirds majority vote gave the executive.
CYPLO considers the conference a success, but all the generated enthusiasm will be best put to effective use if we receive many new members in 1984-85. We have ideas and we need yours too, but we need your financial support as well.
Our newsletter, Staff of Life, is our major source of income and is only $5 for three issues (1 year). CYPLO’s active members are between 14 and 30, but we will gladly accept your donation, as well as your prayers (which we need for inspiration) if you are not in this age group. We guarantee that your money will be used well.
Send us your contribution, send us your ideas become a member of CYPLO today!
