Students for Life of Illinois

"Our Mission is to ensure a pro-life future by providing high quality personal mentoring of pro-life student leaders on a maximum number of Illinois campuses that results in the exponential creation of compassionate, capable and passionate pro-life leaders and a contagiously pro-life campus environment." ==Activities==

The organization generated net revenues (revenues less fund-raising expenses) of $154k, $151k, $101k in 2012, 2011, and 2010. Students for Life of Illinois has engaged in various activities for Illinois students: • State-Wide Conference (summit): Since 2007 - Nationally known speakers are brought in to train student activists. • March for Life (Washington, D.C.)March for Life Trip (Washington, DC): Since 2006 - Bus trips are organized for students from around the state. • March for Life Chicago: Since 2012 - SFLI serves on the planning committee and provides speakers. • Student Lobby Days - Students for Life of Illinois organizes lobby days for students from around Illinois to participate in the legislative process in Springfield, IL at the Illinois Capitol. ==Speaking==

SFLI staff, interns and students provide speaking services in Illinois and nationally. Topics focus on abortion and anti-abortion student involvement. SFLI speakers focus on speaking for student organizations to train student leaders. However, their audiences and venues have also included: • The National Students for Life of America Conference • Knights of Columbus • Local Right to Life groups • The March for Life Chicago • 40 Days for Life • Fundraisers • Academic Conferences • 40 Film Documentary - SFLI staff and students interviewed regarding youth anti-abortion movement ==Coalitions==

Students for Life of Illinois has started or participated in several state and national coalitions. • Defund Planned Parenthood - Coalition to stop government funding of Planned Parenthood including a youth contest. • Let Parents Know - Coalition to get Illinois to enforce their parental notification law. Started by SFLI. • SpeakOut Illinois - Coalition of anti-abortion organization in Illinois. • Arrested for Praying - Coalition to protect an anti-abortion protester from unlawful arrest. • Stop Illinois Foca - Coalition to stop abortion legislation in Illinois. • Stand with Carleton - Coalition to support free speech rights of Canadian anti-abortion students. • Stop the Abortion Mandate - Coalition to block portions of the Affordable Care Act that would mandate funding of abortion. ==Other notable projects==

Students for Life of Illinois has launched these other community initiatives. • What the FOCA?! - Students for Life of Illinois created the What The FOCA?! campaign, website and T-shirts gained national attention in 2009. It was a response to President Obama's campaign promise to implement the Freedom of Choice Act. • 40 Days for Life Champaign - Students for Life of Illinois started and led the local 40 Days for Life campaign in Champaign, Illinois in 2009. This anti-abortion community outreach occurs each spring and fall for 40 Days. • Biking for Babies - Students for Life of Illinois created the anti-abortion fundraising event Biking for Babies in 2009. Biking for Babies split off and became a separate non-profit organization in 2012. ==Awards==

Students for Life of Illinois's founder, John-Paul Deddens, received the 'Witness for Life Award' from Illinois Citizens for Life in 2013. ==References==