After coming across multiple posts and photographs of some friends surrounded with other vibrant young faces dressed in blue, I decided it was my turn to try out Project Truth for myself. I have been passionately pro-life since my late teens and have continued to educate myself more on the subject as I’ve gotten older. The more passionate I became, the more I was drawn to becoming a part of Project Truth.
A few of my closest friends had been on the roadshow before, but I had never heard their thoughts on it, until one day, one of the leaders of the group and my friend, Louise, had sent me a message asking if I would be interested. I was flattered to be asked to join the team, as everyone I had seen from the pictures looked like happy, confident people who were comfortable spreading the word on such an important topic, and so publicly. In the mood for a new challenge, I gladly accepted and was eventually chosen to join Project Truth’s 2021 team.
Despite knowing it was going to be a smaller group this year, due to Covid-19 restrictions and what-not, I was filled with excitement and nerves as the first day drew closer. I had a look over the training pack we had been given and tried to familiarise myself with some of the facts, figures, and apologetics when speaking to others during the roadshow. Within no time, the training night had arrived and I made my way into the SPUC office; awaited by Louise and other members of the team, some familiar faces and some new.
Despite my nerves, I was comforted after being greeted with cheery smiles and introductions. As we sat around the table to discuss what was to await us during the week, we all got to chatting, and I was surprised to find out just how similar the team was to myself in many ways. It was also a pleasure getting to hear about everyone’s lives, stories, hobbies and goals for the future. It was fair to say that we all clicked immediately, and knew this was something I wanted to continue to be a part of; but I was still wary about how I would address the public when out and about.
The following night the group and I set out on our first adventure to Edinburgh. After sharing accommodation with one of the team members, I was happy to have made a friend who shared in my commitment to the pro-life movement. We loaded the van full of equipment and supplies, and spent the ride getting to know one another while listening to a few cheesy hits. I was surprised at how comfortable I felt after a short amount of time – and I knew we would help each other in any way we could. As it was some of the other team members’ first times at the roadshow too, I was put more at ease.
The first day proved to be a slow success, as I eased my way into a groove. After helping to set up the stall, my main aim for the day was to take some pictures of the team at work, hand out some leaflets, and have a chat or two with some individuals who were willing to stop. In the midst of this, I observed some of the other more skilled team members who were more confident in speaking to the public. It was indeed enlightening to see those with different views and opinions, or perhaps those who didn’t have any particular opinion, just stop and chat with us. While we were met with mixed reactions from the public, I continued to feel inspired throughout the day and proud of the message we were spreading.
Our central focus was the humanity and development of the unborn, while posing the question: ‘What is the unborn?’ For many people I had spoken to throughout the week, the unborn meant something different. This made me realise that it was important to emphasise the fact that life begins at conception during these conversations, if and when I could. I found myself gaining strength and reassurance in myself, even if certain conversations didn’t always go to plan. I realised the importance of listening to others when they stopped to chat, as well as spreading truth and facts.
As the days progressed and we travelled to Motherwell, Dundee, Coatbridge and Glasgow, the team grew closer by learning from one another during the roadshow and having a giggle during games nights. I learned more about myself and my capabilities, and the fact that I am confident to communicate with others and start discussions in an encouraging way, while learning more about the pro-life message as I go. As a team we also managed to successfully gain multiple signatures against the ‘Pills by Post’ initiative, and perhaps left many individuals with some things to think about. By the end of the week, I was ready to do it all over again.
Despite being a smaller group than usual, we successfully completed a roadshow not to be forgotten. For the most part, my first year at Project Truth taught me not to shy away from important issues. Our intention wasn’t to harass or judge, but to enlighten and educate. It made me realise that it’s important to allow everyone to recognise that no matter what situation they are going through, they are never truly alone, and there’s always support out there – beyond abortion.
