Dispute
over
ownership of "Rock for Life" brand
First came this statement from American Life League on May 21:
The following statement was issued today by Judie
Brown, president of ALL:
"American Life League has temporarily suspended
the operations
of our Rock For Life project. This is being done to allow us the
flexibility to structure the organization in a manner that best fits
the needs of the pro-life youth movement in the coming decades....
"As we go through our restructuring efforts, RFL
chapters across
the country will be served by ALL's associate program. RFL merchandise
will continue to be available at our online store and by calling our
resource department (866-LET-LIVE).
"ALL remains dedicated to serving the pro-life
educational needs of
the youth of this nation. We are grateful to all those fine individuals
who have staffed and supported our RFL project in the past and expect
to be able to issue further announcements on our plans for RFL later
this year."
Then came this statement this afternoon via Facebook, meaning the
following fellows are controlling that aspect aspect of RFL, at least
for now (and according to the new website also controlling Twitter,
YouTube, MySpace, and podcasts)...
Media Contact: Erik Whittington / 540-840-9764
Business Contact: Jeff White / 909-744-4479
Los Angeles, CA. "We are excited about this next
phase in our
ministry," said Erik Whittington, executive director of Rock For Life.
"There have been many changes throughout the years with RFL but one
thing stays constant - We will fight for the human rights of preborn
individuals through music, education and action. Our work will not, and
has not ever been suspended. We have many things planned and look
forward to announcing them throughout the summer."
RFL and American Life League separated ways on
Thursday, May 20th,
2010, ending an 11-1/2 year relationship that has seen the pro-life
youth movement grow tremendously during that time. "We are thankful for
the support American Life League has shown us throughout the years,"
said Whittington. "We wish them and all their staff the best as they
work to defeat the culture of death in our country."
RFL began as a one-time concert event in the Fall of
1993 in
Southern CA to raise funds for a pregnancy help center and raise
awareness regarding the travesty of abortion. This event, hosted by
Bryan Kemper - the Founder of RFL and the current President of Stand
True Ministries - ended up being a huge success. This event, under the
guidance of Jeff White, led to the official launch of RFL as a legal
entity. Following the success of the first concert, including a story
on MTV and a baby saved, RFL launched several more concerts and joined
the Lollapalooza tour through out the summer of 1994.
In January of 1995 Erik Whittington joined forces
with Bryan Kemper
at the March for Life in Washington, DC. Erik had been doing pro-life
booths at concerts in Portland, OR, while Bryan was starting RFL in
Southern CA; realizing that their work was so similar they decided to
combine their life-saving efforts.
"I too am excited about this new phase of ministry
for RFL," said
Bryan Kemper. "Music is a powerful tool that RFL has used successfully
to raise awareness, raise funds and save babies from abortion. I am
looking forward to a renewed friendship and partnership between RRL and
STM."
To celebrate this exciting change, RFL will be
hosting a concert
during the Survivors Pro-Life Boot Camp June 28th in Los Angeles, CA.
Stay tuned at TheRockForLife.com as this exciting news is developing
quickly.
So the good news is Rock for Life, Stand True Ministries, and The
Survivors have mended any broken fences, while the bad news is the RFL
team and ALL have obviously parted company and are currently at odds
over who owns the brand.
We pray that this ends amicably. The pro-life movement doesn't need
another waste of money and energy over turf, such as we have seen with
the struggle over the Operation Rescue brand.
Contact: Jill Stanek
Source: jillstanek.com
Publish Date: May 25, 2010
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The IFRL is the largest grassroots pro-life organization in
Illinois. A non-profit organization, that serves as the state
coordinating body for local pro-life chapters representing thousands of
Illinois citizens working to restore respect for all human life in our
society. The IFRL is composed of people of different political
persuasions, various faiths and diverse economic, social and ethnic
backgrounds. Since 1973 the Illinois Federation for Right to Life has
been working to end abortion and restore legal protection to those members of the
human family who are threatened by abortion, infanticide and euthanasia. Diverse though we are, we hold one common belief - that
every human being has an inalienable right to life that is precious and must be protected. IFRL is
dedicated to restoring the right to life to the unborn, and protection
for the disabled and the elderly. Click here to learn more about the IFRL.