Written by Makyra Williamson, Community Outreach Director
“Tell me, and I forget; teach me, and I may remember; involve me, and I learn.”
It’s not certain where this quote originated, but it perfectly describes the importance of active learning.
Rote memorization has an important role in education, but knowledge isn’t enough — students need to know how to apply the information in meaningful ways.
As a student, my favorite classes were discussion-based. Through dialogue, I grasped the information in a personal way and applied the new knowledge to my life. When I became an educator, I incorporated active learning into my own classroom. Through dialogue and engaging projects, students took ownership of their learning, and I had a first-hand view of just how transformative active learning can be.
That’s one of the reasons I am such a big fan of Launch, Oregon Right to Life’s leadership retreat for students ages 16 to 21. Over four days and three nights, attendees learn about all aspects of the pro-life movement and build relationships with their peers. Students walk away from this retreat with more knowledge about the pro-life movement and understanding how to apply it.
At Launch, students learn about everything from embryology and abortion to apologetics and physician-assisted suicide. But it doesn’t end there. Students engage in active learning. They practice the apologetics strategies they learn with each other and with strangers, allowing them to take ownership of the material and prepare for a lifetime of advocacy.
Students learn about the pro-life movement and their place in it. They have the chance to actively engage with the content through practice dialogue, engaging games, and discussions with their peers. Launch attendees leave equipped to share their beliefs with others and make an impact on the world.
And these young pro-life advocates follow through. They don’t just learn; they act.
Launch students are changing our communities for the better. Whether joining (or leading!) Students For Life groups, working for ORTL or volunteering for pregnancy resource centers, Launch graduates are taking action and making a difference.
Do you know a 16- to 21-year-old student who would be a good fit for Launch? Tell them about this opportunity! For more information, see ortl.org/launch/ or email makyra@ortl.org.
Launch Highlights
- Hands-on training with Emily Geiger of the Equal Rights Institute
- Practice pro-life apologetics on a college campus
- Special session with Monica Snyder of Secular Pro-Life
- Field trips in Salem and Portland
Launch will take place March 24–27 in Salem. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and space is limited. Don’t wait to apply!
Learn more at ortl.org/launch.
Vikings for Life at Forest Grove High School. This group was chosen as the national Standing With You Group of the Month for their hard work in supporting pregnant and parenting students on their campus. Grace H., one of the pictured students, is a 2023 Launch graduate.
Emily Geiger from the Equal Rights Institute gives tips on apologetics.
Students practice responding to pro-choice arguments.
