There are many factors that influence a person in making choices while on their life journey. I am no different in that my faith, my family, and my country have all influenced my choices.
Raised in a Catholic family, attending Catholic schools, grammar, high and colleges, I was able to look at my life as having a purpose beyond my own needs and wants. I was married in my early twenties and had children during the period that Roe v. Wade was getting approval nationally, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was being introduced into state legislatures. I evaluate the ideas and actions that are popular and see if they fit into my cultural, moral, and personal beliefs of right and wrong. The ERA seemed reasonable at first, but as I learned more about it and learned what it might do to women and families, I had reservations.
Providentially, I received an Eagle Forum report from a friend of mine written by Phyllis Schlafly. I read that the “right” of taking an unborn life would be codified into law through the ERA amendment and I knew I could never agree to this. I also found out later, that “the Dublin Declaration of Human Life” developed by doctors in Ireland found that abortion is never medically necessary. So, what was the truth? I was on a journey to discover it, all the while asking God for guidance through prayer.
Phyllis Schlafly was a role model to me and so many others. She was able to articulate how the current liberal women’s movement would impact the lives of women, our families and of course the country. I heard her speak in Springfield, Illinois with two small children who were acting up during her speech. She turned to me and said,” I am here for you,” the mom who acknowledges her role to be a mom, wife, and educator not only of her children and husband but herself first.
Illinois, with the help of Phyllis and like-minded Illinois voters, defeated the ERA in Illinois and across the country.
Since that encounter, I had been busy with my family until my last child was on their own. I then entered the realm of politics to make a positive difference. In 2022, I ran for state representative with the Republican party in Illinois, who more closely aligned to the principles I held near, and dear – “Faith, Family and Country” governed by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America.
The political process taught me to respect another person’s opinion but still hold true to my beliefs. Though often challenged, I continued conversations out of respect for the person, and by sticking to the facts.
I also found out that most people want things to improve in their life, country, and the world. They would like to see change happen for themselves, their family and their country but do not know how to go about making this happen. I believed I could help them with this challenge.
I inquired into leadership opportunities with Eagle Forum. Once approved, I became President of Eagle Forum of Illinois.
Researching how to change laws begins with an understanding of the process of change. I am a Six Sigma Black Belt, which trained me to look at a problem through the lens of solving it by instituting needed improvements.
I look forward to collaborating with like-minded people who would like to bring about change in Illinois so that our laws align with God’s Law and our U.S. Constitution.
If you are reading this, and you are looking to make a difference and support Eagle Forum’s mission to enable conservative and pro-family men and women to participate in the process of self-government and public policy-making so that America will continue to be a land of individual liberty, with respect for the nuclear family, public and private virtue, and private enterprise, you came to the right place.
I invite you to be a part of Illinois Eagle Forum and together let us work to make positive changes in our state and country that honor God, family, and country.
I would love to hear from you!
Donna Russell, President of Illinois Eagle Forum
