In our different stages of life, we are called to different paths to building the kingdom of God. These different paths, however, share the same goal and the same divine call. From participating in peaceful protests to organizing sit-ins to simply being a voice for what is true, teenagers have positively impacted human rights movements throughout the history of our country. The high school students’ inability to vote does not negate their moral responsibility to work towards securing a country that protects and values life.  

During the civil rights movement, high school and college students played important roles in changing the culture of their communities, which had a broader impact of changing hearts and minds on a national level. In Adkins, North Carolina, a group of over 700 high school students walked out of their school in protest of the unjust treatment they were receiving in comparison to their white peers. Through this walkout, the students achieved their goal and received the same educational resources they were fighting for.

The youth who were involved in the civil rights movement played a huge role in the fight for racial justice, shaping the outcome of the movement and resulting in the nation we have today. Mother Teresa said, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” A singular protest, a singular sit-in, a singular student may not immediately change the world, but that singular action, that singular student can create a series of ripples that will change the world’s course. Our world is once again facing a human rights crisis, and we, the youth, are called to act and speak for human rights for all, just as the youth did 70 years ago in the civil rights movement.

High school students can impact the pro-life movement and elections through encouraging Christians to vote, living as witnesses to life and faith, educating citizens of all ages on the value of life, and praying. In every election, millions of Christians abstain from voting. Students in high school can increase the Christian vote through sending letters urging the faithful to perform their civic duty on election day. In addition to sending letters, high school students should engage in conversations with members of their churches and faith communities, encouraging them to vote and reminding them of the precious lives that count on their vote.

It is of paramount importance that high school students be living witnesses to Christ and life, demonstrating that the youth of the pro-life movement care deeply about the outcome of elections and will do all that they can to effect a change. This may be done by standing at the polls and handing out sample pro-life ballot cards, ensuring that the voters are educated about which candidates most align with their beliefs. Participating in open dialogue at pro-life tables on college campuses, at state fairs, and at other community events is another effective way to be a witness to life. Most importantly, high school students are role models for younger students and can educate them on the value of all life and the politicians who support life. By influencing the youngest members of our community, we will see a ripple effect, as the children will educate their families and win pro-life votes.

As part of living their call to be witnesses to life, high school students also have the opportunity to become influencers for life, employing the many different forms of social media available to them to educate voters on the stances of the different political candidates. Through using the media to spread truth, youth can promote life while combating the lies spread by the culture of death.

Finally, with faith, hope, trust, and humility, we must pray. High School students can pray individually and organize community prayer opportunities, trusting that our prayer is not a last resort, but it is our greatest weapon against the culture of death. We can be confident that God will change the hearts and minds of voters, giving them the grace to recognize the value of all life and the strength to defend it.

Abortion is the greatest human injustice of our time and the youth of America must take a stand by living as a witness to the pro-life cause. John 16:33 says, “I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” Changing our society to a culture of life is not going to be an easy task, but we must take comfort knowing that God is in control, and that through Him abortion will become illegal and unthinkable.