Sidewalk Counseling

Step 1

Choose a facility. Check with other organizations.

1. There may be multiple facilities in your area. Choose one that your members want to go to and research which days abortions are performed.
2. Check what kind of access you will have to the women arriving for their appointments and check city ordinances so that you know your rights as a sidewalk counselor.
3. Some facilities already have full coverage of sidewalk counselors organized by other organizations. Check with local organizations in the area to see if they are going to the facility and let them know that you’ll be joining them. They may have materials for you to use while you’re there.

Step 2

Pick a day and schedule members.

1. Check on annual events. Keep an eye out for 40 Days for Life campaigns that occur twice a year (see more information below), and the National Pro-Life Generation Sidewalk Takeover Day that happens in August!
2. Ask anyone that has gone through the training when they will be available to counsel on the chosen day. You may all choose to go at once or you may want to spread out the times so that you can cover the facility all day.
3. If someone has not done the training or is uncomfortable with counseling, encourage them to come and pray in front of the facility.
4. Never go by yourself. Always have at least two people go together at a time.

Step 3

Contact the local pregnancy help center.

1. While counseling, it is critical to be able to offer alternatives to women going into the facility. Contact your local pregnancy resource centers to ensure that they do not refer for abortions and to see what kind of resources/services they offer. Ask them if they have literature or materials that you can hand out to women that you counsel on the sidewalk.
2. Print off the address and directions to the center so that you can easily show women where to go. If you have the means and ability to give the women a ride to the center, that is even better!

Step 4

Go to the facility.

1. Sidewalk counseling can be an emotionally and spiritually draining experience so make sure you are in the right headspace to go through prayer or meditation.
2. Once again, never go by yourself. If you are under 18, obtain your parents’ permission to go.
3. Once you are at the facility, follow all laws and try to remember your training!

Step 5

Detoxify and do it again!

• Never leave the facility sad or angry. Try to detoxify from the stress of the day and do not own any of the guilt or sadness that comes from being on the front lines. Remember that “pro-life” means being pro-life to yourself as well so take care of yourself before heading back out there!

Step 6

If you want to participate in a 40 Days for Life campaign:

1. 40 Days for Life is a community-based campaign that takes a determined but peaceful approach to show local communities the atrocity of abortion through praying outside of abortion facilities. 
2. Look up your local 40 Days for Life campaign at https://40daysforlife.com/ to learn more about what is happening in your area.
3. Poll group members to determine the level of interest for participating in an event.
4. Reach out to the organizer to sign-up for a few hours of the campaign or you can create an account online to sign-up.
5. Set-up a Doodle form or have a sign-up sheet for group members to commit to a time slot. 
6. Attend the 40 Days for Life campaign event. Pray to end abortion and speak with women who may pass-by to enter or exit the facility. Remember to show love and respect no matter what since you not only represent yourself, but your group, SFLA, and the pro-life movement.

Five Point Method – Sidewalk Advocates for Life

1. Smile and greet in love.

2. Give literature and explain the help.

3. Ask and listen to her.

4. Solve the perceived problem.

5. Empower her to leave.

Sidewalk Counseling Do's:

1. Pray for guidance.
2. Be peaceful and helpful.
3. Smile and be pleasant.
4. Have compassion.
5. Stay vigilant.
6. Bring and know your literature.
7. Back up what you say.
8. Stand side by side with the person.
9. Show her you care about her.
10. Project your voice.
11. Have one-on-one conversations.

Sidewalk Counseling Don'ts:

1. Yell.
2. Cross your arms or appear grumpy.
3. Block the entry.
4. Wear a pro-life t-shirt.
5. Be aggressive.
6. Evangelize.
7. Touch the person.
8. Break the law.
9. Carry a sign.
10. Have multiple people talking to one person.
11. Goof around.