01/13/2007

Common belief binds teens together

By Gretchen Murray
Local columnist

When people share a common faith-based belief they might join a church.

Then again, they might join an organization.

That's the way it is with a group of teens from Grand Traverse, Leelanau and surrounding counties who are members of Grand Traverse Area Students for Life.

According to their coordinator, Marie Hahnenberg, the group currently has about 30 active members willing to keep informed and educate their peers on the pro-life issue of abortion as well as euthanasia, infanticide and other means of assisted death.

"Part of the message that appears on our letterhead is, 'This is our generation, these are out brothers and sisters, and we commit ourselves to fighting for their lives,'” she said.

Each month the group of junior high through college-age students meet to discuss ways to present their beliefs to the community.

"There are enough members who attend the schools so that there is usually someone to answer questions and tell others what we're all about,” she said.

One thing members shared with other students this week was information on the upcoming March for Life taking place Jan. 22 in Washington, DC. to recognize the 34th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in the United States. Hahnenberg said some of the students will participate in the march, along with other area Right to Life advocates who will depart Traverse City by bus on Jan. 21.

"I made this trip twice while I was in high school, It was really amazing to see the thousands of people, all united in a peaceful and positive, silent protest,” Hahnenberg said.

For those who can't go to Washington, a silent march is set for 2 p.m. Jan. 21 that will begin at the Governmental Center on Boardman in Traverse City.

"It's exactly about being a witness,” she said. "You discover there are people in the area who believe what you do.”

Students for Life has a growing list of events that relay their message. The group sponsors an annual fundraiser in its "Baby of the Year” contest, with the winner selected during the Focus on Life Dinner held each November. The 1,000 attendees at last November's dinner each paid $1 to cast a vote.

Their "Silver Ring Thing” event in April that addressed pro-life issues was attended by 500 teens who took a pledge of abstinence. It was so successful that Hahnenberg is assembling a drama team as an outreach to high schools and youth groups.

"We're a group made up of all faiths who share the belief of pro-life and that God is the creator of all,” Hahnenberg said. "We all attend different churches but are linked by this common belief.”

Seats still are available for $110 per person for the charter to Washington D.C. For reservations or to learn more, call 946-9469 or e-mail gtastudents4life@yahoo.com.