They are:
"Know what’s at stake
The key to standing up for the family, according to Slater, is to know what’s really at stake. Using statistical research to back up its pro-family positions on societal issues, Family Watch International submits,
“A lot of the ills we face in society stem from the breakdown of the family and the acceptance of sexual relationships outside marriage,” Slater said.
Slater continued, “Studies indicate that people do best in families with married parents.” Issues like financial wellbeing, education, sexual health, self-esteem and physical health are all affected by the role of the family. To understand the integral role of the family in society is to understand what’s really at stake.
Understand the “packaging”
According to Slater, an attack on the family isn’t necessarily a blatant assault. Often, these messages are disseminated subtly and strategically. A big step in standing up for the family is to understand how this ideology is packaged.
Slater recommends attending the Stand for the Family Conference in Provo on Sept. 19, which will offer internationally recognized pro-family speakers, sharing a wealth of information to recognize how the attacks on the family come packaged and what can be done to stop them.
“We’re hoping to open the eyes of parents to help them see the broader picture,” Slater said.
Among the topics discussed will be the sexualization of children, and how tax dollars are spent to create sexual education that is harmful to kids and families. Slater’s book also thoroughly addresses this “packaging.”
Continue to get educated
Whether it's the upcoming Stand for the Family Conference or another event, attending functions like these will connect parents with tools and resources for continued awareness and education.
Attendees can opt to receive ongoing alerts and newsletters from Family Watch or other organizations or to participate in volunteer opportunities through which they can stand up for the family within their own communities.
“If (parents) just spend a bit of time on the Internet regularly, they'll be able to keep up to date on these issues. A few minutes every week makes a huge difference,” said Slater.
Make your voice heard
Standing up for the family doesn’t mean you have to be a full-time activist. Just being available to sign petitions, attending pro-family rallies and writing to your local leaders on important topics can make a big difference in your community.
“Respond to newspaper articles, write editorials, write a blog — there’s so much that any person, no matter how busy, can do,” Slater said.
Learn how to defend your position
According to Slater, defending the family shouldn’t be a negative experience. In fact, with a bit of training, people can arm themselves with nonconfrontational methods of standing up for what they believe.
“It’s not us against them,” Slater said. “We care about all individuals enough to say that certain choices lead to negative outcomes. We are not a religious organization. We take our stance from social statistics.”
Standing up for the family may seem unpopular and even a bit intimidating, but anyone who is willing to put forth a little effort can make a big difference.
“I’ve seen over and over again where one person made a difference,” Slater said. “When a person will stand up for the truth, it changes the debate. We want to empower people to be that one voice — a voice that’s both courageous and kind.”"
