Last summer, a young woman from Portland stopped by our booth at the Tillamook County Fair with her baby and thanked the volunteers for being there – and for the life of her baby!
Just the year before, she had walked by the same fair booth as a pregnant eighteen-year-old. Everyone she knew was telling her she should have an abortion. She was confused about what to do, but when she saw the 12-week fetal models at the booth, she realized that she was truly carrying a baby. This young woman was so excited to share what a joy and light her child is to her life, and she was so thankful for the volunteers who had made that first booth possible and showed her the immense value of her baby’s life.
Stories like this one are an incredible reminder that having a pro-life presence in the community matters!
Your presence matters. Your voice makes a difference. And while we can’t control the outcome, we can control our effort, making sure that the pro-life community shows up in every way possible to support women and families – and save lives!
So, what exactly is an Oregon Right to Life Education Foundation (ORTLEF) fair booth?
An ORTLEF booth is a volunteer-run, organized pro-life presence at a local fair or event. It has three main purposes:
- Reach pro-choice or undecided fairgoers with the truth about abortion and human development.
Many Oregonians are unaware that Oregon law has no restrictions on abortion, making abortion legal until birth for any reason. In fact, according to a 2019 Marist Poll, 72% of pro-choice people think there should be restrictions on abortion.
Through pro-life fair booths, volunteers connect with pro-choice people and engage in productive conversations explaining the pro-life position. We don’t expect everyone to change their mind, but these conversations help people consider the pro-life perspective by using quality apologetics and science-backed educational resources.
- Connect women and families with resources for pregnancy care and abortion healing
By promoting pregnancy care and abortion healing resources, we offer hope and support to moms and families. Conversations with volunteers (and provided resource cards) can be crucial in directing abortion-vulnerable or post-abortive women and families to the life-affirming support they need.
- Encourage pro-life advocates with resources, information, and involvement opportunities.
Pro-life advocates can often feel alone in their views. At these fair booths, pro-life fairgoers meet volunteers who can encourage them to stand strong in their convictions and direct them to advocacy opportunities. It’s empowering to know there’s a strong community around you!
Last year, ORTLEF booths provided a pro-life presence at fairs with over one million people in attendance! Through 23 fair booths across the state, we gave away more than 17,000 twelve-week fetal models. Thousands of people are impacted each year by pro-life fair booths – and none of this is possible without volunteers.
Would you consider volunteering to make these booths possible this year?
If you’re new to volunteering, don’t worry. Our team will provide everything you need, including FREE access to the Equipped for Life Course from the Equal Rights Institute (email outreach@ortl.org to request access). You’ll also have access to local and virtual fair trainings, and ORTLEF staff will answer any questions you have.
When the pro-life community shows up together, hearts are changed and lives are saved. Will you be part of the change?
Contact outreach@ortl.org or call 503-463-8563 with questions.
