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MAY 2, 2023 IN DANVILLE
MAY 2, 2023 IN DANVILLE
In early 2023 Danville, Illinois became the center of anti-abortion organizing when the news leaked that an abortion clinic, which had previously operated across the border in Indiana, had purchased a building in Danville. Although the clinic and all participants had signed non-disclosure documents during the sale, the news that an abortion clinic was going to open in Danville sparked anti-abortion activists to action in Danville. Among these activists was Mark Lee Dickson of “Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn."
On May 2, 2023, Danville passed the ‘Sanctuary City for the Unborn’ (SCFTU) Ordinance. Unfortunately, we did not have the resources needed to effectively organize against the ordinance at the time it was passed. The anti-choice protestors were more organized and had already been in Danville for months.
The day of the vote, the antis brought in groups of school children, likely associated with “Students for Life Action." They arrived at 3 pm to take all the seats in the City Council meeting room and give the appearance of being the majority (a similar tactic later used in Quincy). They had speakers sign up to give public comment (most of whom were not local Danville residents but activists from out of town and out of state). They were ready and organized.
Still, Personal PAC mobilized considerable opposition to the ordinance one week before the vote. We called all the aldermen and Mayor of Danville. We sent thousands of turnout texts, notifying pro-choice supporters in the area of the vote. Between our text campaign and local leaders organizing on social media, over a hundred pro-choice supporters showed up that day.
Through our outreach, we were able to sway some votes and get the ordinance to a tie. The tie-breaking vote in favor of the SCFTU Ordinance was cast by the Mayor of Danville. That mayor won his election just weeks prior by 57 votes.
It was a powerful lesson for us on how quickly events like this can move, and how a small but organized group of local residents can change minds and move policy.
Quincy the night of their 'Sanctuary City for the Unborn' vote
Months later in Quincy, when a similar SCFTU ordinance was called for a vote, we were prepared. Organizing with leaders in the Adams County Democratic Party and an existing group of pro-choice grassroots activists, Personal PAC deployed the same tactics--voter outreach through texting, direct calls to City Council members, coordination with partner organizations like the ACLU--and achieved a victory.
Quincy, a much more conservative-leaning community than Danville, defeated the SCFTU Ordinance.
In Danville, we have been building off the momentum from this time to establish the first Personal PAC chapter which consists of:
In Danville, we have been building off the momentum from this time to establish the first Personal PAC chapter which consists of:
An Executive Board
70+ Active Members
Political Committee for local races
Our chapter has been very active, here are just a few of their achievements
Our chapter has been very active, here are just a few of their achievements
Our member Ben Sears received local radio news coverage in September for speaking at the meeting and reminding the council “We’re still here, and we’re still pissed.”
Held a rally on the anniversary of the overturn of Roe v Wade
Hosted a "Jane's" movie showing with a Q&A with an original Jane which also garnered media attention
Recruited three chapter members to run for County Board seats in 2024
and we are planning more for 2024 and 2025.
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