Largest SFLI Student Conference!
Over 80 student pro-life leaders flooded Chicago, IL on October 20th, 2012. Hosted by Loyola Students for Life on the downtown campus, students from 16 schools gathered to learn how to save lives at their colleges.“It was awesome,” raved one student.While another proclaimed, “this was obviously a huge success!”Designed to educate, equip, and empower, the Conference opened with Nancy Kreuzer from Silent No More. Her gripping personal testimony taught students what abortion is and how it hurts women. Executive Director of SFLI, John-Paul Deddens laid out the basic premises of abortion arguments and how to respond. SFLI’s Kevin Grillot taught how to dialogue with dignity in order to navigate the college environment, which is so tragically impacted by abortion.By noon, students had questions about law, religion, biology, and more answered. The special leader lunch with John-Paul Deddens taught student leaders the most effective methods to direct their group.The afternoon brought presentations on the fastest way to grow student groups and how to overcome common problems.The keynote speaker, Melissa Ohden, opened the students’ eyes to the face of the child. Melissa’s birth through a failed abortion gave inspiration for students to stand up for life. “Melissa Ohden’s message really brought…the most powerful perspective imaginable,” said one energized student.The dinner following the Conference enabled students to network and build community. After dinner students shared what the Conference meant to them.“I learned that change can start on campus, with me. I am truly called to make a difference…to inspire others to join our mission.”Now students have been sent back to their 16 campuses to build a culture of life. When asked how he will go forth, one Students for Life President answered by, “being the best president ever and increasing the group in size and spirit.”Students for Life of Illinois continues to build the future and the present of the pro-life movement at an ever growing rate.