Suggested Format for Save the Family Community Meetings

• Play the song Save the Family as people come in.

• Welcome and congratulate everyone for caring enough to come. Make the point that we can no longer stand by and accept what is happening. We must be actively involved in defending and protecting natural marriage and the natural family. “As members of society, and as people of faith, we must work together to restore the family to its proper strength and function.” (Richard G. Wilkins, Director, BYU World Family Policy Center)

• Inform them about what is happening that is harmful to marriage and the family, expressing your own concerns. Read and select points to discuss from the following list of articles and pamphlets, or involve others by having a panel read and come prepared to discuss these issues. You are free to copy these items, giving credit to the author and/or site. To access these materials scroll down to the bottom of this page and click on Discussion Materials. These are only suggested items for discussion. Any subjects supporting the family may be used.

1. The Social Role of the Family
2. UN and Family Policy (may also be viewed and copied at http://www.state.gov/g/wi/31215.htm)
3. Summary: The Doha International Conference for the Family
4. Why Marriage Matters
5. Hardwired to Connect
6. Debate-Tested Sound Bites on Defending Marriage

• Plan of Action: Help them clearly see what they can do by suggesting the following plan of action, also ask for their suggestions.

1. Stay informed about what is happening in your city, state, and country regarding family values.

2. Express your views regarding these issues to your elected officials and your local media.
(If in the United States, give attendees this Web site so they can easily access their government leaders: http://www.capwiz.com/fof/dbq/officials, and encourage leaders to pass the Federal Marriage Amendment. If you live out of the U.S., please locate the website they could use in your country.)

3. Talk to others about these issues and urge their support.

4. Strengthen your own marriage and family-be your children’s and your community’s example of a stable family. Talk about marriage and family values with your children. Sing the song Save the Family in your home. Music has the power to cement these values into family members' minds.

• Ask the attendees this question: What statement do we want to make to the leaders of our nation and the leaders of the world concerning protecting marriage and the family?

This statement will be a major part of the short report of your meeting that you send to us. (For basic principles to consider in your statement visit the World Congress of Families III website http://worldcongress.org/WCF3/wcf3_dec.htm for ideas.)

• Give your group an identifying name, such as Voices for the Family Seattle, or Pine Valley Concerned Citizens, or whatever you may choose. This name, along with yours, will be used when you submit your report. Choose it before the meeting.

• Keep a positive approach throughout the meeting and express appreciation for their support. Encourage those in attendance from other neighborhoods or friends and family out of your area to hold and report their own meetings. For complete instructions they can visit www.savethefamilyworldwide.org.

• To conclude your meeting, distribute the handouts and play or sing Save the Family, inviting all to join in singing along. This song can serve as a rallying call to action and a positive finale to your meeting.

Handouts:

• Words to Save the Family
• List of pro-family websites, including website to easily access government leaders:
www.capwiz.com/fof/dbq/officials