Here are answers for the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding the virtual option for Sidewalk Advocates for Life’s Basic Training 2.0 (Haga clic aquí para ver las preguntas frecuentes en español)
Anyone with a heart for pro-life ministry and openness to becoming a Sidewalk Advocate can be invited to participate. You probably know plenty of people who would enjoy pro-life work but have never gone out to the sidewalk. We’ve seen grandfathers, college students, introverts, lawyers, homeschooling mothers — people from every walk of life — help save lives on the sidewalk!
Even members of some groups that have different philosophies may decide that they are open to changing their strategies to embrace a loving, peaceful, law-abiding, women-centered method.
That being said, the application to access our virtual training option is designed to ensure that only those who are truly interested in demonstrating the spirit of our program and following the standards laid out in our Pledge of Integrity will be able to access our online portal.
Yes, already-trained Sidewalk Advocates can take Basic Training 2.0, if they have a 2.0 workbook, and they are highly encouraged to do so as soon as possible. However, the virtual training application is only for those who are brand new to Sidewalk Advocates for Life.
Those who have already been trained in person should already have access to the Online Training Headquarters (OTHQ) where all of the 2.0 videos are located (alongside all 21 Advanced Training videos). (Note: Please make sure to have the current password/login information to access the OTHQ; passwords are updated several times per year.) It is important to send updated passwords to official, active, Sidewalk Advocates every time a password change is made.
The virtual application link is a special link used to apply for the Virtual Basic Training 2.0 program. There is no cost to apply. This link is not accessible to the general public from our public website; once prospective participants click on the link, they will be directed to a special page on our website platform. The application is quick and easy (taking less than 5 minutes), and it will ask for some basic contact information, SAFL Location, local Program Leader, and two references. It will also ask a few questions that help us determine if someone is aligned with SAFL’s core values. (It is acceptable to put the names of local SAFL leadership as references with permission from the individual.)
We ask that local Program Leaders use their best judgment when sharing the virtual application link. Applicants will be required to provide references, so a good rule of thumb is to start with individuals you, yourself, would recommend, like inner circles of friends and family, or other groups who have a heart for pro-life ministry. It should not be shared openly on public, social media platforms.
The SAFL National Team does an initial screening of all virtual applications prior to sending the application to local leadership. We only call references if we have concerns. However, local Program Leaders are permitted to call references if they prefer to do so. If there are any reservations after meeting a new trainee in person, please email the Programs Department for additional guidance.
Once the virtual application has been approved and the participant has all of the training materials (i.e., workbook and password info), there is a total of about 5 hours of video content for the Basic Training 2.0. Virtual training participants watch the videos independently on their own time schedule, and they are asked to complete all ten video modules within 4 weeks of receiving their workbook.
The virtual training is accessed the same way that already-trained, official Sidewalk Advocates (those who have completed the Basic Training and signed the Pledge of Integrity) access Basic Training 2.0: through the Online Training Headquarters (OTHQ). However, specific instructions are provided for participants opting for the virtual option along with a special letter, the “Online Training Headquarters Login Letter,” which is inserted into the training workbook.
Virtual trainees should wait until after they have completed our full Basic Training 2.0 before they sign the Pledge of Integrity. It can be signed electronically or a hard copy can be turned into the local Program Leader(s) prior to the virtual participant officially affiliating with SAFL ministry (e.g. using the name “Sidewalk Advocate” or saying things like, “I am with Sidewalk Advocates for Life,” or using SAFL branded literature or supplies on the sidewalk).
There is a large, bolded section that says “Click Here to Certify Your Completion” and “Click Here to Submit Your Pledge of Integrity” which can be found under Module 10 of the Basic Training 2.0 videos. The electronic version or the paper version of the Pledge of Integrity from the front of the workbook is sufficient for local leadership to collect. (Note: Whichever Program Leader email is submitted by the virtual participant will be the local leader to receive an automated email with the Pledge of Integrity and/or the Certificate of Completion.) These forms are in a simple email format. For example, the electronic Pledge will look different from the hard copy version found in the front of the workbook.
In addition, a blank copy of the Pledge of Integrity is also available for leaders under Training Tools in the exclusive leaders’ Online Program Headquarters (OPHQ). An English and Spanish version can be found there. (Please note: a Sidewalk Advocate may want a copy for their records.)
Yes, with prior permission from a parent or guardian. There is a consent form for minors in the OPHQ. This consent form should be signed by the minor’s parent or guardian prior to them viewing any training materials, and it should be collected by the local Program Leader. As long as a parent consents, and he/she is fully aware of the sensitive and mature content of the Basic Training 2.0, there is no minimum age for taking the training. However, we do recommend a minor be at least 13 years old, with parental consent.
Yes, we have made our original version of our Basic Training (Spanish) available through the Online Training Headquarters (OTHQ) and the application link and application approval process is the same. Please consult with our Programs Department if you are wanting to utilize this pathway. (If a Program leader speaks only Spanish, we do require that he or she have a co-leader who can speak both English and Spanish.)
Yes, we recommend local Program Leaders charge a fee of $10-20 to compensate for materials and other ministry expenses.