We start in a seminar that gives participants an opportunity to analyze ideas and dialogue tools, imitate them in role play with a partner using pre-written dialogue scripts, and then improvise their own dialogue using their own voice. We've seen this approach transform hundreds of pro-life advocates from fearful and timid to courageous and willing. The experience isn't an end in itself as much as a preparation...for outreach. That's Seat Work.
Then we encourage all volunteers to join us on a college campus for a turn-key outreach. Why do I say "turn-key"? Because our exhibit kiosk and other dialogue tools (free speech board, poll table, survey, Open Mic, and mentors) virtually start the dialogue for you. People gather around to see the Exhibit or to listen to Open Mic. To start a dialogue, all the volunteer has to do is walk up to one of these people and ask, "What do you think?" It's very easy to get the conversation started. Our vounteers regularly leave this Feet Work experience excited that they (almost) effortlessly talked to strangers about abortion. One student recently said it was the "proudest moment" of her life.
So, Seat Work and Feet Work work well as a combo. But we have this idea that we're still working on. It's the next step. It's called "Repeat Work." In other words, can you create the same kind of life and mind-changing dialogue with those who disagree...but on your own, in your daily life, in your own sphere of influence? That's the problem. This blog is a place we're working on the solution.
What do we need? Step-by-step instructions for creating dialogue in everyday life. The biggest hurdle for most of us in doing Repeat Work is getting the conversation started in a natural way without it seeming "weird" or "out of the blue." If abortion is the killing of innocent human beings, then we shouldn't be worried about bringing it up "out of the blue," but if we can make things more natural, we'll have a better chance of getting lots of our volunteers to convert their Feet Work experience into real Repeat Work.
Let's see if we can work together to come up with stories and instructions that will make Repeat Work less mysterious, more concrete, and more doable for the average person.
