March 15, 2019

Sidewalk counselor training for Indianapolis North chapter set for May 4

Training at the Indianapolis North chapter of Sidewalk Advocates for Life will take place at 1st Choice for Women, 5455 W. 86th St., in Indianapolis, from 9 a.m.‑3 p.m. on May 4.

The training is open to anyone wanting to be a sidewalk counselor or a prayer partner who serves with a sidewalk counselor at the driveway entrance to the Planned Parenthood facility at 8590 Georgetown Road in Indianapolis.

According to its national website, the mission is “to be the hands and feet of Christ, offering loving, life‑affirming alternatives to all present at the abortion center, thereby eliminating demand and ending abortion.”

Sidewalk counselors peacefully approach cars pulling into the drive, ready to speak with the driver or to give them information on pro-life organizations that can help with their needs for no charge. Prayer partners stand or sit by in constant silent prayer.

Those who complete the training and wish to serve are asked to commit to at least one shift of two- to two-and-a-half hours a week during regular weekday working hours.

Prayer partners may sit while volunteering, but counselors must be able to stand and approach a slowly moving vehicle.

Volunteers must be able to serve when the facility is open, regardless of weather conditions.

The training was developed by the national organization based on years of experience. It addresses the logistics of abortion, common characteristics of those seeking an abortion facility’s service, various scenarios and how to handle them, legal information and more.

Volunteers are asked to sign a pledge of integrity to uphold the mission of Sidewalk Advocates for Life, to show Christ’s love, to always serve in a peaceful manner, to only use approved signs with peaceful messages, to abide by laws, and to have no association whatsoever with any abortion business.

The cost is $10, which covers lunch and training materials. Registration ends on May 1.

Online registration is available at bit.ly/2tw3U9d. For questions or more information, contact Sheryl Dye at 317-407-6881 or sheryl@goangels.com. †

 

Related story: ‘Loving sources of hope’ help women entering abortion centers choose life

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