John Pisciotta, director of Pro-Life Waco, recently sat down for an exclusive interview with Live Action founder and president, Lila Rose. Pisciotta spoke about the importance of pro-life activism on a local level, offering actionable advice to anyone looking to make a difference standing for life in their local community.
Pisciotta began noting that for many years he considered himself a “pro-life fan,” cheering for pro-lifers but doing nothing to actually advance the cause. The trajectory of his life was changed after he attended a pro-life rally in his hometown of Waco, and he made the decision that working for the pro-life movement was going to be a part of his life. At his church, he started an organization, Pro-Life Waco, which over time became the leading pro-life organization in the city.
Pisciotta said that all of his pro-life work is done on a local level. “I don’t want anyone to live in Waco for 10 days without seeing the pro-life challenge in our city,” he said. Right now, his organization is protesting outside CVS once a month over the pharmacy chain’s commitment to distributing the abortion pill.
He noted also that just because abortion is currently restricted in Texas doesn’t mean the work is done. There is still a high demand for abortion in the state — something he says needs to change. “We need to change sexual morality,” he said, adding, “Pregnancy centers are wonderful, but I think we’re wrong if we think that politics and strong pregnancy centers will carry the ball down the field.”
When Rose asked him for tips to offer anyone looking to start local, grassroots activism, Pisciotta said that he recommends holding a pro-life event at least once a month, noting, “You have to have traction.” And, he said, signs are important.
Pro-life Waco gives out many yard signs, which he says is a very impactful way to spread the pro-life message. In addition to placing yard signs, he recommended that local activist groups set up a booth at fairs or festivals, hold signs outside abortion facilities, and place billboards around town to attract attention.
Finally, he stressed that local activism, which he calls “public square outreach,” is more effective than many people realize. “We can do much, much more than we think we can do” to reach “the middle of America.”
