What is a Spiritual Youth for Reproductive Freedom chapter? Spiritual Youth for Reproductive Freedom (SYRF) chapters are interfaith and multicultural pro-choice groups affiliated with the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. SYRF chapters are comprised of young people ages 16-30.
What do SYRF chapters do? SYRF chapters make religious pro-choice perspectives visible on campus, in congregations, and in local communities. They work to protect or implement pro-choice policies, challenge the work of anti-choice groups, and hold events and educational forums to raise awareness about religious support for reproductive choice!
Are all SYRF activists religious? Most SYRF members are either part of an organized religious faith group / denomination or have personal spiritual feelings and beliefs. All pro-choice people (ages 16-30), regardless of their faith background (or lack thereof), are welcome to participate in SYRF chapters. We value religious liberty and do not proselytize.
Why should I start a SYRF chapter? The support and resources of the Religious Coalition will make your SYRF chapter much more effective than if it were a group working without the Religious Coalition's assistance. In addition, the Religious Coalition has been the leading voice of religious, pro-choice Americans for more than 30 years. By becoming a part of the Religious Coalition's family, your chapter will become connected to a critical piece of the pro-choice movement.
What resources are offered to SYRF chapters? The Religious Coalition can help SYRF chapters find pro-choice religious speakers for campus events, provide funds for SYRF projects, give free materials about religion and reproductive choice, training and technical assistance, participation in pro-choice listserv networks, internship opportunities, networking opportunities and pro-choice career preparation.
What do I do if I want to start a SYRF chapter in my congregation? Does a congregational SYRF chapter have to be interfaith? Congregational chapters do not have to be interfaith. In communities where there is more than one congregational chapter, we encourage these groups to work together on some interfaith programming.
How do I start a SYRF chapter? First, reach out to campus groups of Religious Coalition member organizations, religious student groups, local Religious Coalition affiliate organizations, local socially progressive clergy, campus clergy including chaplains, women's studies programs, nonreligious students, pro-choice activists, and progressive student groups. What are some pointers to make our SYRF chapter successful? Successful SYRF chapters are rich in religious, racial and cultural diversity; use collaborative and inclusive styles to make group decisions; share responsibility; differentiate roles fairly and equitably; recruit the support of community leaders, faculty, staff and campus clergy; stay in frequent conversation with the Religious Coalition and ask for help when it is needed; and remember to reward themselves for their hard work and reflect on the positive change that they have created in their communities!
If you want to start a chapter or associate your already-existing student group with SYRF, please let us know by e-mailing info@syrf.org.
