Teachers Saving Children® Inc. - National

Newsletter
Volume 17 Number 4
April 2007

Home

National Newsletters


Contents


FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Connie Bancroft


“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”

-Romans 13:1-2

As I was reflecting and preparing some thoughts to share, I came across some tips on contacting and meeting with elected officials. Americans are very blessed to have the opportunity to share their concerns and convictions with their elected officials. Yet, even as we do express our concerns and convictions regarding certain legislation, we always must keep in the forefront that God established our government over 200 years ago and He is still in control even when things may look differently. The Apostle Paul understood this principle as he was writing this letter to the Romans. The Roman civil rulers were probably all pagans, yet even the possibility of a persecuting state did not shake Paul’s conviction that civil government is ordained by God.

So, how can we balance the importance of submission and respect of our elected representatives and still share with them our concerns and convictions regarding certain legislation. One of the best ways is building relationships through personal visits. Here are some tips on making personal visits to elected officials.

* Call your elected official’s office for an appointment. Then call to confirm the appointment shortly before the date set for the meeting.

* Recruit 2 or 3 friends to attend the meeting with you.

* Thoroughly prepare what you will share. If friends are going with you, get together before the meeting for a briefing/strategy session.

* When visiting the elected official’s office, introduce each person in the group. Let the elected official know who you are representing.

* Tell the elected official why you are there and clearly state what it is you want him or her to do. Be sure to name the legislation specifically. Briefly state your reasons for asking for a particular action.

* Support your position with facts. Personalize the issue whenever possible. Be brief and let the elected official respond. Use this time to build a constituent relationship.

* Keep the elected official on the subject. If the conversation wanders off to other issues, politely move the conversation back to the main issue being discussed.

* Try to get a firm commitment from the elected official to take action.

* Leave a short, one-page fact sheet with the elected official. This one-page fact sheet may assist them in formulating their position on the issue.

* Write a letter the week following the meeting thanking the elected official for the time spent and briefly restate your position on the issue(s) discussed.

* Keep track of the elected official’s voting record on the issue(s). When the elected official votes on a key issue – right or wrong – write a short letter to express your gratitude or dismay. A brief follow-up lets the elected officials know that they are being held accountable.


In the midst of our busy teaching schedules and summer vacations, let me encourage you to consider making plans now to visit at least one elected official this summer. Many of our associations have “lobby days”. Let’s plan a few “lobby days” of our own. Consider being a “Voice for Life in Education.” One voice can and does make a difference!


* * * * * * * * * *


NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP


As of March 31, 2007 there are 352 paid Teachers Saving Children® members. Teachers Saving Children® membership is open to all pro-life/pro-family educators and concerned citizens. Contributions and memberships are NOT tax deductible. Please note that according to the Constitution & Bylaws, the membership year is from September 1 - August 31. Our membership drive for the 2007-2008 membership year will begin June 1st. Renewal membership information will be sent to all current members in early July.

Remember, most individuals find out about Teachers Saving Children® from a friend or colleague. Consider requesting a few brochures to share with friends and colleagues as a gift before the summer vacation begins. Call 330-821-2747 for brochures and information.


* * * * * * * * * *


GRANDPARENTS GRIEVE, TOO

By John Massie as told to Judy Bruns

It is said that there are two victims of abortion, the child and the mother. John Massie, Celina, Ohio, begs to differ. “I stand before you as a third, the grandparent,” he says. In sharing his story, John begins, “It is my hope and prayer that God will use me to spare someone the guilt and the grief I have suffered, but more importantly, the life of an unborn child.”

In June 1983 John’s wife said she had something to tell him and asked him to promise not to “fly off the handle.” He sat down to hear what his wife had to say. Their daughter was pregnant. John’s first thoughts were “Why is this happening to me? How can I pay the hospital and doctor bills; for formula, diapers, the shots?” Though John now holds a fine job in a successful automotive manufacturing company, at that time, he was laid off and his insurance had long expired. When the boy’s parents brought up abortion and informed John that his portion would be $150, he thought he had found an answer for his dilemma.

“Shortly after, on a bright, sunny June day in 1983,” he says, “I loaded my daughter in the car, and we headed for Kettering, [Ohio] to end the life of my first grandchild. I don’t remember if there was any conversation on the way there, but there was not a word on the way back to Springfield [Ohio].” After that, John went about life normally, as if it were no big deal, and never thought about it again for 9 years. . .

“On a damp, chilly Sunday afternoon in 1992, I went to the Oktoberfest Parade in Minster, Ohio. As I stood watching floats pass by, I noticed the word ‘Jesus’ written across the top of one of them. As it got closer, I saw a picture of Jesus with 6 or 8 little ones at His feet, and they were each asking, ‘Jesus, what would I have been?’ Each child was dressed differently, as a nurse, fireman, policeman, and so on. It finally hit me what I had done. By that time, my wife and I had a grandchild (joined now by another six) who would put her arms around my neck, give me ‘squeeze hugs’ and say ‘Pa, I love you.’ It hurt to know that I had a grandchild whom I’d never experience that with; who I’d never hear giggle or laugh.

“Please, don’t make my mistake. I know in my heart that Jesus has forgiven me this terrible sin, and I just praise His name and am so thankful that He is so much better at this forgiveness thing than I am. Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28, ‘Come to Me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’ He is where I find my rest.”

Editor’s Note: Mrs. Bruns, a member of the Teachers Saving Children® Board of Trustees, is a writer and a Language Arts teacher living in Coldwater, Ohio. John Massie lives in Celina, Ohio, is available for speaking engagements, and can be contacted at jnsmassie@aol.com.


* * * * * * * * * *


"THE WONDER OF LIFE"

Words cannot express our appreciation for the gracious monetary gifts that have been received to assist with “The Wonder of Life” exhibit. The application has been processed! The Lord continues to expand our territory of ministry opportunity and individuals are rising to the occasion in support! Thank you!

This year a mission field in Philadelphia is being laid out before us. From June 30 – July 2, 2007, hundreds of exhibitors will participate in the NEA Expo 2007. Through our exhibit, thousands of educators, their guests, and NEA staff will be reached with the pro-life message.

Volunteer help is needed while we are in Philadelphia. Please contact the National Office ASAP if you can help in any way. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.
With God’s help our exhibit puts the facts and the wonder of human development before the largest assembly of decision-makers among educators across this nation. We have found over the past several years a high interest, especially among science and health teachers, in the materials that we have purchased for our exhibit. These materials include approved brochures which are age-appropriate, positive, colorful, and scientifically accurate. We also include videos, CDs, and books that encourage a respect for human life.

By faith, these decisions, the application, and purchases of materials are made. With this decision there is an investment of over $1800 for the exhibit space rental fee and miscellaneous fees alone. It is our hope to raise the additional money needed to purchase a reasonable quantity of these materials that will be given away free of charge.

Due to the high volume of individuals who visit our booth, lots of materials are needed for distribution. Currently we have approximately $250 available to purchase pro-life brochures, books, and videos. Only as funds are available, are materials purchased for distribution. Each year we rely on the goodness of God and His people to raise the money for this effective pro-life education ministry. We have never been disappointed with His provision. Please prayerfully consider being a part of this special endeavor by sending in your contribution today.

Note: Please make checks payable to “TSC Inc. – National”. Please carefully note how the amount given is to be designated (“NEA Exhibit”) so that the contribution will be appropriately allocated.


* * * * * * * * * *


AFFILIATE STATE & REGIONAL CHAPTERS


At the present time Teachers Saving Children® has Affiliate State Chapters in 3 states: Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. We have been encouraged with the progress that has been seen within these three states.

The Michigan Affiliate State Chapter Board of Trustees will hold its spring board meeting on June 23, 2007. The Ohio Affiliate State Chapter Board of Trustees will hold its spring board meeting on May 5, 2007. The Pennsylvania Affiliate State Chapter Board of Trustees will hold its spring board meeting on May 19, 2007.

Although the time for formal application may not occur until later, there is definite potential for an affiliate state/regional chapter within other states/regions. Right now the best strategy for beginning an affiliate state/regional chapter is to first build a foundation through a solid membership base. If you are interested in increasing the membership base and/or getting a Teachers Saving Children® Affiliate State/Regional Chapter started in your state/region, please contact Teachers Saving Children® for further information.


* * * * * * * * * *


NEA CONVENTION 2007


The 2007 NEA Representative Assembly will be held in Philadelphia PA from June 30 – July 5. If you are an NEA member, it is vital that you contact your delegates to the convention, letting them know your philosophy on various issues. If you have a delegate(s) from your local attending the NEA RA, contact should be very easy. However, many locals do not or can not send delegates to the NEA, either because of the financial burden or because of their small membership size. Regardless, know that someone will be representing you! Check with your local president as to who will be representing you – either as a local delegate, an at-large state delegate(s), or possibly a clustered local delegate. By the first part of May, local presidents should know who your delegate representative(s) will be. If they don't know, ask them to find out by contacting your state affiliate NEA office. Get involved by contacting your NEA delegates! They are your representatives!


* * * * * * * * * *


BE A “VOICE FOR LIFE IN EDUCATION”
PLAN TO PARTICIPATE IN
PRO-LIFE T-SHIRT DAY – APRIL 24, 2007

For more information about Pro-Life T-shirt Day,
contact American Life League (Rock for Life) at 1-540-659-4174 or
www.all.org



For more information contact: tsc-life@juno.com
©2007 Teachers Saving Children® Inc. - National
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED


Home

National Newsletters