Students continue to build a stronger network to promote the pro-life message in high schools and universities across the province.
While individual schools have long had pro-life groups, many operated in isolation with little interaction with colleagues from other schools. More recently however, students have begun forming new and effective alliances with their peers.
Using latest information technology, including the internet and e-mail, students have become a stronger presence on the pro-life scene.
This new approach to networking was evident April 5 at the Students Against the Violation of Life (SAVOL) conference, which adopted the theme “activation,” attracted more than 60 young pro-lifers from Toronto and southwestern Ontario.
SAVOL is the Toronto area branch of Ontario Students for Life (OSFL), a province-wide organization offering support, information services and other resources to individual student pro-life groups. OSFL seeks to connect with high school and university pro-life groups to help unify the pro-life voice in Ontario.
A second group, the National Campus Life Network (NCLN), was established in January to link post-secondary pro-life students. The NCLN, currently headed by University of Toronto student Vanya Gobbi, publishes a regular bulletin and organizes a national symposium to build on the young adult pro-life network.
Vanya said youth can play an important role in networking with their peers and in promoting a society where positive values are favored over the abortion/contraception mentality.
Student interest in right to life issues is evident not only through the information superhighway, but in the travel schedule of OSFL leader Emma Maan. Emma spends the majority of her time visiting schools in Ontario to discuss pro-life and pro-family themes. The spring has been especially busy for Emma with invitations from throughout the province.
Emma offered the keynote address and led a workshop on defending pro-life beliefs at the SAVOL conference.
Father Tom Lynch of St Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto, discussed the pro-life issue from a faith perspective. He said it is important to appeal to reason, as much as faith, to convince a skeptical public of the morality of the pro-life position.
Other speakers included Toronto Right to Life president June Scandiffio who shared the facts about abortion, and Susan McKay-Scandiffio, who presented the video After the Choice, dealing with post-abortion syndrome.
Following the workshops, students reassembled for a presentation on chastity and to share ideas on how best to promote pro-life word in their local communities. In addition to encouraging prayer for the protection of the unborn, students emphasized a positive, non-judgmental approach in educating peers about the sanctity of human life.
Future reference
Participants at the SAVOL conference were impressed with the day’s activities. Ada Wong, an OAC student at St. Joseph Morrow Park High School in Willowdale, said the information discussed at the April 5 conference will be included at an Ontario Students for Life conference scheduled for October.
Ada, who helped coordinate the SAVOL conference, said some students remain neutral on right to life issues. She suggested greater education and awareness will bring more young people into the pro-life camp.
Meanwhile, Ereny Bassilious, 18, a Grade 12 student at Loretto Abbey in Toronto, said any student who honestly examines the abortion industry would have little choice but to support the right to life. Ereny was given a bold reminder of the humanity of an unborn after seeing photos of aborted children. She admitted that while the images were graphic and upsetting, they are often necessary to see through the mistruths of the abortion industry.
The Ontario Students for Life can be reached on the internet at www.odyssey.on.ca/-osfl. The group can also be accessed via e-mail at right-to-life@sympatico.ca
The National Campus Life Network is available on e-mail at 95delpie@fissure.scar, or by telephoning (416) 622-9271.
