Dear John,
Do you know a young adult who is interested in learning how to advocate and stand up for life?
Our young adult leadership retreat, Launch (coming up in March!), has ignited young hearts for the pro-life movement for decades—and I can’t recommend it enough.
During these four days of intensive training and formation, participants are challenged, inspired, and equipped. In fact, some Launch graduates have gone on to pursue pro-life advocacy as a career.
I would know—I’m one of them.
When I submitted my application for Launch, I had no idea what to expect. I was a lifelong Catholic who believed abortion was wrong, but the injustice was more of an idea than a lived reality in my mind and heart. My reason for attending was likely the same as many other students in the room: my parents thought it would be a good idea.
But those four days changed me forever.
I experienced shock, anger, and grief. For the first time, I confronted the unfiltered reality of the evil that exists in our world. The truth about abortion was crushing.
Yet something even more important happened during that retreat. I was shown how to stand up against this injustice—and how one person can truly make a difference.
I even had the opportunity to see in practice how powerful our hearts and minds can be when we engage others in thoughtful, compassionate conversations about abortion.
I left Launch knowing I had found my calling. I wanted to inspire others to action. I wanted to build up a pro-life culture. I wanted to save lives. And Oregon Right to Life gave me the tools to do it.
After graduating from college, I found my way back to Oregon Right to Life, with a resume full of pro-life leadership experience, new lifelong pro-life friendships, and the confidence to put what I had learned into practice in the nonprofit world.
I truly believe I wouldn’t be writing this email today if not for the seeds that Launch planted in my heart.
Launch makes a difference. And if you know a young adult who is hungry to make a difference in this world, I encourage you to have them apply.
They just might discover their calling.
Because everyone deserves an advocate,
Helen Doran
Development Specialist
