Regional Workshops in Upper Ottawa Valley
By Stan Callaghan

The pro-life groups of this region explored a novel idea in 2006. Two workshops were held which brought together seven pro-life organizations in this region: three high schools–Bishop Smith, St. Joseph’s and Madawaska Valley– and representatives from Renfrew County Right to Life, Lutherans For Life, Pontiac Pro-Vie/Pro-Life, Calabogie/Renfrew Right to Life and Pregnancy Support Services. Both events were held at the Pentecostal Tabernacle, in Pembroke, Ontario. The facilitators were Mike Vande Wiel and Stan Callaghan. Both workshops were sponsored by Renfrew County Right to Life. This was the first time that such a pro-life event was held in this area.
           
In the first workshop, held in May 2006 and titled “Using the Media to Our Advantage,” there were three presenters. Marie Zettler, former editor of a local newspaper, offered tips and several do’s and don’ts when using this media to present the pro-life message. Next, Stan Callaghan, a local radio announcer, offered several ways to use a community radio station to deliver the message, i.e. preparing scripts, cost, ad samples, how to connect. In his presentation, Mike Vande Wiel spoke about other means of communicating our message, i.e. the internet, outdoor advertising, banners, churches, door-to-door, and newsletters.
           
The students reported about the numerous pro-life activities that they were offering in their respective schools. These young pro-lifers were accompanied by the pastoral animator from each school.
           
Evaluation sheets were completed and collected at the end of the day. Participants were invited to bring the word back to their groups. By common agreement, it was decided a follow-up workshop would be held in the fall.
           
On October 13, 2006, another workshop “Pro-Life In Action” was convened in the same location with virtually the same participants and the same facilitators. A review of the evaluation results from the previous spring workshop was presented.
           
Then our guest presenter was introduced: Carroll Rees, Executive Director of LifeCanada.  Carroll began with a brief introduction urging us to keep on doing what we were doing, and emphasized the importance of planning: “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”.
           
Using a flip chart, Ms. Rees gathered ideas for action randomly from the floor. In the afternoon the group reps huddled together to construct a one-year action plan. This produced a plethora of ideas for action. Some samples–from students– included a lunchtime Rosary, picketing and praying outside an abortion clinic during March for Life week, in-school activities: “find the baby”, youth conferences, and announcements on school P.A. systems. Other group reps suggested: local radio ads, newspapers, pregnancy support services, visits to MP’s, MPP’s, MNA’s.
           
These results were posted on flip chart sheets which were then posted on the walls.
           
Participants left with high hopes of transferring these ideas into action. Both workshops were received with much enthusiasm. Besides the camaraderie, members got to know one another, and most important of all:  the students and the adults “discovered” one another! All were more than pleased with the experience of coming together.
           
Again there was common agreement for another follow-up workshop on “Volunteerism” – How to Attract and Hold Volunteers–date?  Probably in the fall of 2007.

Stan Callaghan lives in Pembroke, Ontario.  He has been a pro-life activist for many years.  He and his wife Barb spearheaded the formation of Pontiac Pro-Vie/Pro-Life.  He is also a part-time DJ and volunteer at a local community radio station.