Support Her Campaign Plan www.suportherne.wixsite.com/aclunebraska
Schedule: May 31: Connect with ACLU of TX about campaign June 15: Draft Plan for campaign June 30: Develop MOU with local partners July 10: Draft campaign assets July 25: Finalize campaign assets and plans July 29: Production draft of campaign August 12: Campaign ready to launch
Purpose: Nebraska's Support Her campaign will focus on supporting the woman after she's made her decision to get an abortion, along with involving the people of Nebraska and their mindset of supporting the access to abortion. The ACLU of TX was successful in their campaign mostly in part because of the research they did in preparation. We will likely use some of this research to help us in our own campaign.
Goals: The obvious goals for this campaign are to change people's minds on their support for abortion. We want people to understand that abortion is more or less a natural part of life. All they need to be is supportive towards the women who decide to get an abortion. We want to ensure people understand the purpose of this campaign, in the end signing the petition and sharing on social media in support.
Website: For the website, we are looking to kind of copy the format of the ACLU of TX's website. When you go to the Support Her page, the first thing you see is a big image with the support her logo and saying. It would be smart to change the image – something that relates more to Nebraska. The point of their image is to make it look like a hashtag, but using an image that embodies women in Nebraska would be something worth looking into. Next, they have a little introduction about the campaign and what it's all about: respect. I don't know if we want to copy what they have, or write something our own, but what they have is really good.
Sign the Pledge is the next section they have, which is pretty self-explanatory. We could say something about the Nebraskan's support of access to abortion in this section. Next, they have a social media sharing section. This is the part where they have a downloadable template where you can share why you support her. The hope is to get people to share this on social media and get the message out. They only have Facebook and Twitter listed on their page, but adding Instagram and maybe Tumblr would maybe be a smart move, as well. The did you know section is the last section they have. Here, we will list a couple national facts about abortion. Mostly though, we would want to state as many Nebraska-based abortion facts as possible.
Advertising/Promotion: Online and digital content will play a huge part in this campaign. The website, obviously online, will be the main factor, having at least one major page (maybe a couple smaller pages along with it). We will go about the page the same way the ACLU of TX did – a little background, pledge, share why, and did you know sections. People who visit the page are able to download a template sign, telling why they support her. They then share this on social media, another major aspect of our promotion. We would use social media to promote and get this issue in the minds of Nebraskans. We could easily kick off the campaign with a simple social media post (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram?). This would get people to the site and reading about the campaign. In the hopes that they post on their social media about it, there would continue to be more people viewing the page consistently. The main point here, is that social media would be our main way of promoting and advertising this website. Going off of social media, we could, like the ACLU of TX did, create a timeline and a short video on the history, legislation, and facts of abortion. We also wanted this to be a 'storytelling' campaign, so we could get people to tell their actual real-life stories of their abortions (like that girl in Cosmo magazine from NE living in NJ). I also think maybe doing an animated/infographic video telling facts of abortion would help explain a lot of information in a fun way. I think this would be a very good supplementary page to our campaign's website, letting people hear other's stories. Email blasts to our supporters would be another way to get people directly to the website right when it launches. One smaller way of advertising would be to create pamphlets or brochures to put in clinics and doctor's office across the state. I know the ACLU of TX mentioned they would like to do that, and I thought it would be a good idea, as well. (Also, the Shout for Abortion event in Omaha you mentioned would be a way to get an idea what people thought of the campaign before we launched it.)
If, after a couple months of the website being live, and if it's doing well, we could have an 'official' launch; hosting a Support Her event, inviting people to come and talk about the website, listening to speakers, and voicing their opinions, etc.
Strengths/Opportunities: We know people in Nebraska support the access of abortion, so playing on that, we could get more people on board and more people supporting the decision. The ACLU of TX had an awesome Support Her campaign we can continue here in Nebraska. People want to hear the truth, so telling them the facts of the matter will open their minds and change their perceptions on abortion and their support for it. Using social media and online content will help get the word out about this campaign. There was a 100% complication-free result of abortions in 2014 (this is very impressive to me, as people just assume abortion is a very unsafe procedure).
Weaknesses/Threats: People in Nebraska are sometimes very closed-minded, so changing their perceptions on abortion will be impossible. Finding the right people to partner with and help with this campaign may be tricky, since there are such few options in Nebraska. Evaluating results from this campaign may be a bit 'squishy.' There is not as extensive research here in Nebraska as the people in Texas had when they started their own campaign.
Partnerships: When looking at organizations to partner with, Planned Parenthood comes into mind. The Abortion and Contraception Clinic Center is also another option, but people tend to not like them, so that may be a little problematic.
Social Media Drafts: Twitter: •
When a woman makes the decision to get an abortion, your only reaction should be to #SupportHer. Sign the pledge here: (link)
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Abortion in a deep and personal decision for a woman to make. Once she’s already made her decision, respect her and #SupportHer.
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Stand up and make your voices heard. Sign the pledge to #SupportHer (link)
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Abortions are one of the safest medical procedures. When a woman decides to get one, #SupportHer in her decision: (link)
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93.2% of Nebraska abortions in 2014 were done before 14 weeks. Sign the pledge to #SupportHer in her decision: (link)
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You may not understand abortions, but you should understand safe and legal access to it. Find out more about #SupportHer here: (link)
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A 16-year old could not get the abortion she wanted because she "was not mature enough to make the decision herself." #SupportHer and find out more here: (link)
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How would you treat someone you knew if they decided to get an abortion? Think about it, and find out more: (link) #SupportHer
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Today, more than ever, judgment overpowers empathy. Let’s change that and #SupportHer. Find out more: (link)
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After looking at the facts, you can meet us halfway and #SupportHer.
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You can start the conversation on safe and legal access to abortion. Sign the pledge to #SupportHer (link)
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Check out our #SupportHer page and sign the pledge to make your voices heard: (link)
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Download the #SupportHer sign, write and message, and post it on your social media to show support for women
Facebook: •
More than forty years after the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, there is still a lot of negative stigma behind a woman choosing to get an abortion. You can change that by choosing to #SupportHer. Find out more and sign the pledge here: (link)
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In 2010 and 2011, the Nebraska Legislature passed four major anti-abortion bills. In 2010, Nebraska lawmakers passed a bill that prohibited abortions after 20 weeks and a bill requiring women to be screened before having abortions for mental health and other problems. In 2011, bills passed that required chemical abortions be administered in the physical presence of or in the same room as the performing physician, and another required a parent or guardian's consent for a teenager under 18 to get an abortion.
With these bills in action, it is hard for women to have safe and legal access to abortion. But, with your help, we can change that. Share your stories and sign the pledge to #SupportHer! (link) •
There are many misconceptions about abortions. One misconception is that abortions are unsafe. 100% of Nebraska abortions in 2014 were complication free; no problems. Another misconception is that most women get late term abortions. In 2014, 93.2% of women who got abortions did so before 14 weeks – well before the 20-week state law cut-off. Once people know the facts of abortion, we hope they change their minds about safe and legal access to abortions. Take a stand and #SupportHer in her decision to get an abortion (link)
Instagram:
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Everyday, women around Nebraska make the deep and personal decision to get an abortion. She needs safe and legal access to abortion, along with support from her closest friends and family. She’s already made her decision, so stand up and choose to #SupportHer.
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Nebraska lawmakers have made it hard for women to have safe and legal access to abortion. In 2010 and 2011, they passed four anti-abortion laws that have made it difficult for women to get an abortion. Since then, no other anti-abortion law has been passed, but lawmakers are still trying to get bills through. You can help and have your voice be heard here: (link) #SupportHer
Email Blast: Coalition Partners:
The ACLU of NE has been at the forefront of many civil liberty issues that most people in Nebraska care deeply for. From youth and schools to LGBTQ+ rights; to immigrants’ rights and basic criminal justice, we here at the ACLU of NE work hard to protect the basic rights of people across the state. And we know that you do, as well. That’s why we need your help. One of the biggest issues on the table right now is women’s reproductive rights. We know most Nebraskans aren’t necessarily in favor of abortions, but many of them are open to the safe and legal access of it. And when a woman close to them decides to get an abortion, their first instinct should be to support her. That’s why we are asking you to be apart of our newest campaign: Support Her. Support Her is a campaign about respect and, of course, support. Just like our colleagues in Texas did with their amazing Support Her campaign, we want to help shape the minds of Nebraskans to support women who make the deep, personal decision to get an abortion. With your help, we can put together an awe-inspiring campaign, changing the minds of Nebraskans each day. Supporters:
Here at the ACLU of NE, we know Nebraskans like you have big hearts and open minds. We know you care deeply, just like we do, about various issues affecting people across the state. That’s why we are coming to you and asking for your support. But not just support for us; support for her: the woman who makes the deeply personal decision to get an abortion. Support Her is a campaign about respect and, of course, support. Just like our colleagues in Texas did with their amazing Support Her campaign, we want to help shape the minds of Nebraskans to support women who make the deep, personal decision to get an abortion. Even though you may not be in favor of getting abortions, we can all agree that each women should have the right to safe and legal access to abortion. We can also agree that when the time comes and you know a woman who chooses to get an abortion, the first instinct you should have is to show respect and support her decision. With your support, this awe-inspiring campaign can change the minds of Nebraskans each day. Sign the pledge below and show support for women across the state.
Video Ideas: Support Her Video Idea
At the start of the new year in 1973, thirty states, including Nebraska, deemed abortion to be illegal. Sixteen states allowed abortion only in certain cases such as rape, incest, potentially damaged fetus, or health concerns for the mother. Abortion was legal in four states, but only upon request. But on January 22nd, of that year, in the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, the United States ruled that it is the right of a woman to be allowed access to abortion, making it legal in all 50 states.
Since that day, more than 40 years later, there is a lot of negative stigma behind a woman choosing to get an abortion. The fact of the matter is that when a woman makes the decision, her decision, to have an abortion, the only thing she needs from you is respect and support. Respect her. Support her. ______________________________________________________________________________
My thoughts for this would just to make a short, one-minute video with people talking straight into the camera, saying different parts (kind of like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64G5FfG2Xpg). We could have five or six or so people talking.
The purpose of this video would be an introduction to the page in a sense, getting out that the main message is to respect and support the women who choose to get an
abortion. This would give a short history on abortion and allow people to see all they need to do is be respectful and supportive.
SCRIPT:
Person 1: At the start of the new year in 1973,
Person 2: Thirty states,
Person 3: Including Nebraska,
Person 4: deemed abortion to be illegal.
Person 5: Sixteen states allowed abortion only in certain cases,
Person 6: such as rape,
Person X: incest,
Person X: a potentially damaged fetus,
Person X: or health concerns for the mother.
Person X: Abortion was legal in four states,
Person X: but only upon request. Person X: But on January 22nd, of that year,
Person X: in the landmark Roe v. Wade decision,
Person X: the United States ruled that it is the right
Person X: the right
Person X: the right of of a woman to be allowed access to abortion,
Person X: making it legal in all 50 states.
Person X: Since that day, more than 40 years later,
Person X: still, 40 years later,
Person X: there is a lot of negative stigma
Person X: negative stigma
Person X: behind a woman choosing to get an abortion.
Person X: The fact of the matter is, that when a woman makes the decision, her decision
Person X: her decision,
Person X: her decision,
Person X: her decision, to have an abortion,
Person X: the only thing she needs from you
Person X: is respect
Person X: respect
Person X: respect
Person X: and support
Person X: support
Person X: is respect and support.
Person X: Respect her.
Person X: Respect her.
Person X: Support her.
Person X: Support her.
ALL: Support her.
The order of the people here shouldn’t matter, just as long as we would distribute and edit it out evenly. Each person would say the whole script, we would just edit it to which parts they say. I think this would be a sentimental video, having people tell others all they need to do is respect and support the woman. Again, this is just a “supporting her” video. I think it would be smart to make one with some more facts about abortion.
Nebraska Abortion Laws Video Idea
In 2010, Nebraska became the first state in the nation to pass a bill that prohibited abortions after 20 weeks. In the same 2010 session, Nebraska lawmakers passed a bill requiring women to be screened before having abortions for mental health and other problems. The following year, Nebraska put two more anti-abortion bills into law. One
requires that chemical abortions be administered in the physical presence of or in the same room as the performing physician; the other required a parent or guardian's consent for a teenager under 18 to get an abortion.
These four bills have been the cornerstone of abortion in Nebraska since they were implemented, as no anti-abortion bills have been passed in the Nebraska legislature for almost five years. But just because no bills have been passed, doesn’t mean there hasn’t been any trying for further movement. Lawmakers are trying everything possible to make abortions impossible.
For example, in 2013, a 16-year old could not get the abortion she wanted because she "was not mature enough to make the decision herself." The anonymous teen, a ward of the state, was forced by the Nebraska Court system to carry her unwanted child to full term. This case shows that parental involvement legislation overlooks wards of the state, leaving pregnant young adults who have no legal parents in the hands of the court system.
This law, along with the following restrictions in Nebraska, make it hard for women to get abortions:
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A woman must receive state-directed counseling that includes information designed to discourage her from having an abortion and then wait 24 hours before the procedure is provided.
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Health plans that will be offered in the state’s health exchange under the Affordable Care Act can only cover abortion when the woman’s life is endangered.
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The use of telemedicine for the performance of medication abortion is prohibited.
These restrictions and actions make it difficult for women to use their right as a woman to get an abortion.
Notes from the ACLU of TX meeting: This campaign was really shaped off of research the ACLU of TX did on abortion messaging. They found that what was needed was support for the woman after she made her decision to have an abortion, hence #SupportHer. Their main question for this campaign: How would you treat someone you knew if they decided to get an abortion?
The ACLU of TX did research on abortion messaging and really wanted to visualize the project, find a way to engage people in an interesting way, but also have a friendly and positive outlook on the whole campaign. They wanted their research to lead to a closer, more engaging discussion of this issue. They based the campaign of off both a pro-life and a pro-choice framework. They wanted to show empathy and support, rather than judgement.
For outreach, they wanted to use both online and on-ground ways to reaching their audience. They formed focus groups for their messaging research, using both urban and rural people for these groups. The main thing they found was that people just want to hear the truth, so just tell them the facts. Once people knew the facts, they were surprised and it was a very eye-opening revelation. The ACLU of TX said that the people "met us half way after realizing the important facts on the matter."
On their website, they took advantage of the "just tell us the facts" and had a 'Did You Know?' section, where they told the facts of abortion nationwide and those specific to Texas. Also, on their website, is a link to the Progress Texas page. Here, they have a short video over abortion in Texas, along with an interactive-like timeline, where it shows all the laws and restrictions put in place by Texas legislation, and other noteworthy facts. The ACLU of TX said that this page – the timeline and video – was the most effective piece of online content they used for this campaign.
Ways they are promoting this campaign are with email blasts, a multiple city launch, and having their partners have brochures, signs, and other information to hand out to their patients. For the multiple city launch, they plan on having events in four major Texas cities. Evaluation is "squishy," but they are looking at engagement as a key way of how this
campaign is going. They also would like to get organizers on the ground and teach people,
or see, how they are using the site and other tools provided. The main thing they want as a result of this campaign is just opening up conversations about support for woman and abortion. They really key on the empathy and support aspects. NE Abortion Facts: In 2010, Nebraska became the first state to ban abortions after 20 weeks or pregnancy Abortion procedures must be done by a licensed physician Minors must have written parental consent There is a waiting period of 24 hours before an abortion can happen, which includes a consulting session where the doctors are required to talk about physical and psychological risks, give information on the benefits of going to term with a baby, and the developmental process of the baby. Abortion is covered in private insurance policies, insurance policies for public employees, and has public funding, only in cases of life endangerment, and some cases of rape, incest, etc. 2014 had 2,270 abortions, compared to 5,324 in 1994 33% of abortions in 2014 were woman between the ages of 20 and 24; 26% were 25-29 35% of abortions in 2014 were done because no contraception was used; 33% because of socio-economic reasons A total of 6 physicians did abortion procedures in 2014, with 1 physician doing 1,359 of them and another one physician doing 887 Of the 2,270 abortions, ZERO had complication; 100% complication free in 2014
73% of woman who had abortions have never married 63% of woman who had abortions are white 93.2% of abortions were done before 14 weeks of pregnancy; 0.1% done at or after 20 weeks
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