Tracey DeCicco, President, AMU & APU Students for Life

“But you were always a good man of business, Jacob,” faltered Scrooge, who now began to apply this to himself.

“Business!” cried the Ghost, wringing its hands again. “Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!”

—Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

My favorite Christmas tradition each year involves A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. I re-read the book and watch the 1938 movie version. Only the 1938 version is acceptable. I do not acknowledge any other version, particularly Disney’s version (and don’t even get me started on the Muppet version). I truly enjoy re-living Scrooge’s transformation from self-centered miser to humble philanthropist, all in the course of one evening. The theme of the book, and the passage quoted above in particular, serve to reset my perspective of my real “business” for the coming new year. While my work as a technical writer is important to me and my family, my volunteer work in the pro-life movement is of equal or more importance. I try to make “mankind” my business as much as I can throughout the year.

I’m thankful for the fact that you do as well. I know you do, because you are a member of our group. Thank you for your support of the pro-life movement and of our organization. In this political climate, it is not always a popular stance, and many of you have experienced negative consequences because of your commitment to the preborn and their mothers. I want you to know how much I appreciate your bravery and your willingness to stand up for life, despite the cost.

May I ask you to do even more?

Although Roe is no longer the law of the land, abortion is still legal in many places in America and the abortion pill makes it available even in those states where it is illegal. We must increase our efforts to protect the unborn and to support mothers during unplanned pregnancies so they feel that they can choose life for their children.

I realize that many of you are already involved in this effort by donating to local crisis pregnancy centers and volunteering there as well. Thank you for this. I serve on the Board of Directors of First Source for Women, a crisis pregnancy center in my area, so I know (as you do) that funding and volunteers are always needed. I am asking you and myself to consider ways you can continue to help (and help even more) in the coming year. It may be a large one-time donation or a smaller monthly donation to a local or national pro-life organization (such as PreBorn, Heartbeat International, or Save the Storks). It may be a donation of your time as a volunteer at a local clinic. It may be throwing a baby shower for the clinic at your church or other organization to collect much-needed supplies. It may be volunteering to stuff envelopes for the latest fundraising campaign. It may be taking some cookies for the clinic staff to show your appreciation for their hard work (true angels on earth). Your help—at every level—is appreciated more than you will ever know.

If you have not been involved in the pro-life movement in a tangible way before, now is a fantastic time to start. We need you.

Again, thank you for your involvement in our organization. I am honored to serve as your president, and I hope you all have a happy and prosperous new year!