I got involved in the political process in the 1980s. I was a new mom and a farm wife at the time, and I was concerned about the country my children would inherit. So, I spent time praying for those in authority on the local, state, and federal levels. I learned more, and as time passed, I became more involved in the social issues of that era, in particular, opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment, and how children were being educated.
Then I was introduced to Naomi Brummond of Nebraska Eagle Forum. I listened to her testify at public hearings, watched her with state officials, lobbying on issues she was concerned about, and observed how she presented herself to others. Naomi became a mentor to me as I navigated my way through the maze of state government.
In 1996, Naomi introduced me to a member of the Nebraska State Board of Education, Kathy Wilmot. It was encouraging to find another person, in addition to Naomi who believed in conservative ideals, threw her hat into the ring and won! The three of us soon became good friends and I “soaked” up any information these ladies had to offer. I learned how to handle controversial issues, and so much more from them, eventually joining Eagle Forum myself whereby I learned about its founder, Phyllis Schlafly, her immense intellect, strength, and impact. I’m just sorry that I never had the privilege of meeting Phyllis; however, I believe from all I have read, watched, and heard from others that Anne Schlafly Carpenter, Chairman of Eagle Forum, is very much like her mom.
My husband and I moved from Nebraska to Pennsylvania so we could be near our daughter and her family. After settling in and learning a bit about our new state, I felt compelled to get involved and to try to start a Pennsylvania Eagle Forum chapter which has been a bit of a challenge. But, when God calls you to step up, well, I guess I could have said ‘no.’ So I set on a course to first educate myself about my new state’s government, learn about the issues impacting it, discover who the various state representatives are and what issues they are working for or against, build new relationships and alliances, and then try to narrow things down to just a few issues to tackle and that others care about as well and then invite them to join in a cause larger than themselves. Easy, right! Well, it helps tremendously that Eagle Forum has a longstanding (more than five decades) reputation for being fearless, a proven track record of effectiveness in Washington, D.C., and in the states. Not too many organizations can boast of this type of faithfulness and longevity.
I am inspired by the example of Naomi, Kathy, Phyllis, Anne, and so many others affiliated with Eagle Forum in fighting to retain strong traditional family values, advocate for limited government, safe and drug-free communities, promote good schools that are accountable to the parents, protect all life from cradle to grave, and so much more. These are the values Eagle Forum has championed over the years, and they are values I hold dear as well.
And so, as I, along with a handful of family and friends, endeavor to be faithful and active citizens of Pennsylvania, the home of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we are working to launch and establish the Pennsylvania Eagle Forum. It’s a weighty call, which is why we cling to God’s promise: “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” We aren’t doing this on our own, and as we lean on Him, I believe He can use us to speak out on issues and make a difference for good in our great state and beyond.
I’ve heard it said, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” We cannot stand by and do nothing. Can you?
I invite you to join forces with Pennsylvania Eagle Forum. Please reach out to me at [email protected] and I will get in touch with you to talk about what that might look like.
