THE OPEN BOOK

The fourth Annual Day of Remembrance will be held this year on Friday, April 12 in schools across the country to recognize the loss of 44 million aborted children, as well as to create an awareness of the harm done to thousands of women as a result of abortion.

The focus of the Day of Remembrance will be the public and private schools of the nation. The great advantage of the Day of Remembrance is that it allows teens to take a stand for the unborn...to make a personal statement about the loss of the unborn.

At public schools, teens will wear identifying T-shirts, distribute literature during non-instructional time, and remain silent throughout the day as a way of identifying with the unborn. The literature distribution gives the teens an opportunity to exercise their constitutional and legal rights.

At the discretion of the school principal, private schools will have the opportunity to display white roses on their campus wherever deemed necessary. Students will be informed that the white rose represents the innocent life lost to abortion on a massive scale during the last three decades.

Students will be respectful of authority, and refrain from engaging in arguments during this very special day. It is hoped that parents will play a strong role with their prayers and other forms of support. JBB

Lynda Rogers is one of those bubbly personalities who can inspire confidence with great enthusiasm. A pro-life warrior, she has been working for the unborn...for pregnant women...and for women harmed by abortion, for eighteen years. In addition, this President of Lee County Right-To-Life has been named woman of the year by the diocese of Venice.

Our vicepresident, Deacon Joseph Jolin...a warrior himself, was told about Lynda's talents and resourcefulness. Joseph explained to her the Day of Remembrance, as well as the other aspects of FREEDOM TO LEARN. Lynda was so excited about the opportunity that she was immediately bubbling over with enthusiasm. I (John Beasley) had my first chance to meet her at I-Hop restaurant just before Christmas. Her questions were on the mark and her enthusiasm was contagious. In just a few minutes it was apparent that she was ready for total involvement in serving as Freedom To Learn coordinator for the entire Lee County.

We welcome our Lee County neighbor as a partner in this important effort. In addition, just as this document is being developed for printing, we got great news. Josh Turk, has agreed to be the community coordinator in Manatee County. Josh is in his early twenties, a polished speaker, and one who is willing to County. Welcome, Josh and welcome Manatee! JBB

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A COMMUNITY COORDINATOR AND A PARTICIPANT?

Lynda and Josh are community coordinators. They are also experienced organizers. The have committed themselves to ask at least 15 youth groups to get involved in the Day of Remembrance. Their goal is to create a significant turnout and help spread the word about this important upcoming event.

Consequently, we also expect many teens and parents to contact us asking to hand out literature at a given school. People who want to make a difference. Or, it may be a mother who is active in the youth group and wants to share the message with them.

WE WANT COMMUNITY COORDINATORS... AND OF COURSE WE NEED INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANTS! JBB

We are lucky to have the energy and determination that Suzanne and Bob bring to FREEDOM TO LEARN. JBB

WHEN WILL THE GOVERNOR TAKE A STAND?
The position of Freedom To Learn is that our public officials need to be willing to deal with controversial issues. Anyone can handle the easy calls. But if communities can responsibly support the pro-life message, or show both sides of the story, the leaders of those communities should tell the people that live in them what they can do with their money. It is too easy to avoid controversy. But good leaders inform the people of their rights. Governor Bush, Lieutenant Governor Brogan, and every member of the Senate and House Committees on education will soon receive a letter from FREEDOM TO LEARN with a simple message: tell the people the truth. We will see. .

WE WANT COMMUNITY COORDINATORS... AND OF COURSE WE NEED INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANTS! JBB

1. The Charlotte County School Board has taken an official position that FTL is correct in its legal interpretation...that the abortion story (or life ethics) is a topic that can be legally addressed. Very positive talks were held with Sue Seifert, the Board Chairperson, this summer. Involved in several hours of discussion were John Beasley, President of FREEDOM TO LEARN, Joseph Jolin, Vice-president and Ray Fiedler, Treasurer. In addition, Rick Robertson, the principal of First Christian, and Father Nick McLoughlin, Priest at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, played important roles in supporting a more expansive curriculum. Barbara Rendell, school board member, while not actively involved, was also supportive of academic freedom in this area.
2. Talks are coming up with the School Advisory Committees of four schools in Charlotte County. Ray Fiedler, Secretary of Freedom To Learn is asking for presentations in January and February. Four principals and SAC presidents have been contacted.
3. Joseph Jolin has been instrumental in opening talks once again with the Lee County School Board. He has argued that:
   a) the State Representative from this area, Jerry Paul, recognizes the legality of dealing with Life Ethics;
   b) the Florida Department of Education agrees;
   c) so does the Charlotte County School Board. Looking at the board members squarely in the eyes, he asked: "And what is holding Lee County back?"
4. Joseph Jolin has also advanced discussions with the Catholic Diocese of Venice. Again, he would like an opinion...is it legal to deal with Life Ethics in a public school based upon the legal documents we have available? The matter has been forwarded to the attorney for the Diocese. JBB

   Great stuff.

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   "It Is very Important to ask the Board to do something. They may say, "yes," or "no," but they need to be on record."
   (Quote of an April 21st participant.)

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   A PLUG FOR
   
   "ROCK-FOR-LIFE"

   Rock For Life, www.rockforlife.org, is a companion organization of Whylife. Both of these group have ROCK FOR LIFE young leaders in their 20's who speak boldly for the unborn. They simply are not embarrassed because they are speaking for unborn children lost to abortion. Erik Whittington and crew of Rock For Life had a coup in June. Gary Charone, the lead singer for Van Halen, wanted to make a public statement in support of unborn life...to counteract the position of several other rock groups. He chose Rock For Life as the vehicle to make this public statement. It is beautiful and well worded. We needto ensure that Charone's effort receives public notice. Some of the Rock For Life crew are joining a group of college students and walking across America. That's right, LA to New York. Let's keep them in our prayers and respect the sacrifice they are making.

   More info:
   call...540-659-4171.
   e-mail: whylife@all.org, or rockforlife@all.org.

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   Snail Mail to:
   FREEDOM TO LEARN
   P.O. Box 511231
   Punta Gorda, Fl. 33952-1231
   
   E-MAIL: Phone: 941-639-9192

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   "Freedom To Learn News Summaries, "
   by Dr John Beasley, Phd and Rev Mr Joseph Jolin, B.A.
   YOUR DONATIONS HELP!
   As the President of Freedom To Learn, I am often amazed at how much our Board of five to seven people manages to get done. Needless to say, the Lord has lead each one of us along the way. For the last two years we have had and essay scholarship program. This year we hope to give a stipend of $1,000 to that person in his or her public school environment that does the most to promote a strong and positive life ethic(including the unborn). Our biggest effort each year is the Day of Remembrance and the April Project. I will fly to D.C. for THE MARCH....and while there ask others to take a stand on April 12. Stand with us...Stand with the unborn...please, for the sake of dear life...give generously.
   John Beasley, President

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   "Lest they be forgotten, we shall remember" Guiding Quote, Day of Remembrance
   "We may disagree about abortion, but I want to thank Freedom To Learn for recognizing the child I lost years ago, and who I think about every day of my life." This phrase, as yet unspoken, helps to direct our efforts
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