Is It Your Turn?

In this edition, we hear from CANFP Members, including several FOUNDING Members, who, like me, have been there from day one (before some of our members reading this, were even born! Oh my!)

It took faith, vision, and a lot of hard work from dedicated founding Board Members and supporters, to start something, from nothing. There really was nothing in existence like CANFP. All other organizations promoting NFP were national, and focused on the important work of developing and promoting a specific methodology. From the beginning, we had a very different vision for CANFP.

As the NFP teachers trained in those methods tried to establish services throughout California, they often found themselves alone, forging their way in uncharted, even hostile, territory. Some were fortunate to join existing programs established by the pioneers of the California NFP movement of the 1970’s, who were my mentors and inspiration. But most were trailblazers in their area, establishing programs in hospitals, clinics, parishes, chanceries, and private homes, often with no program to model their efforts after, or support.

The need was real, and the time was right, to unite those working in various roles to promote the different NFP methods, in order to expand impact and capacity, while providing support, education and resources.

At the time, I had been teaching NFP in the Monterey region for a decade, so I readily saw the need when this statewide coalition was proposed. But I was not so sure how I could contribute to the effort. And with my youngest only three, and five school age children, in addition to teaching NFP, I had plenty of reason to let this cup pass me by. But, I knew that without the sacrifices of others, I would not have had access to an NFP teacher, or been trained to become one myself. It was my turn to step up and do my part, so when I was asked to be part of this new effort that would become CANFP, my answer was YES.

Yes, like the YES of all our members and supporters, since, who have made all that CANFP does, possible.

CANFP is needed now, more than ever! The vision is the same, but the tasks are now much different—and bigger in scope. A hundred and some people attended the first CANFP conference, in 1993, on the 25th anniversary of Humanae Vitae. 750 attended the most recent CANFP conference, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Humanae Vitae!

As we enter a new decade of promoting and advocating for NFP, I ask you, for your YES. If you are not currently a member or supporter—I ask you to become one. And if you are already a member and supporter, I ask you to say YES to this invitation to expand your support, financially, or through an even more active role in an expanded CANFP.

Is it YOUR turn to step up?

You may be thinking, I have a lot on my plate already. Good! Because CANFP is built on the commitment of very busy people! You will fit right in!

We stand on the shoulders and sacrifices of the pioneers and trailblazers who gifted California with this organization that has impacted the lives of so many. Will you be part of taking it to the next level?