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STRUCTURE
Tennessee
Right to Life is composed of three major entities:
- The social welfare
501c4 is Tennessee Right to Life.
- The educational arm is
a 501c3 incorporated as Tennessee Right to Life Education Foundation.
- The political action
component is the Tennessee Right to Life Political Action Committee (TRL
PAC) which works to elect pro-life public officials.
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Tennessee Right to Life is governed by a board of directors composed of one
director from each of the 12 district regions (see above map) of the state
with additional directors chosen at large from the membership without regard
to residence. Each district has one district chapter and various
numbers of county chapters. The number and distribution of these chapters
varies from district to district. TRL coordinates
activities of local affiliates sharing the commitment to the protection of
each individual's basic right to life. In particular, TRL initiates and
coordinates public awareness activities in order to foster a true respect for
all human life; initiates and supports political, legal and legislative
efforts so that the full protection of the laws of our state and nation will
once again be afforded to all human beings; and coordinates Tennessee
pro-life activities with those of other states and the nation as a whole.
TRL is the parent group. It is the state umbrella organization to which the
local county and city groups affiliate. Together these groups work toward the
common goals of education and legislation by informing the public of our
priorities through a bi-monthly newspaper, with pro-life educational
materials and with pro-life speakers. Our pro-life viewpoints are presented
to our elected representatives through citizen grassroots lobbyists and our
state legislative director.
Tennessee Right to Life plays a unique role within the pro-life movement. Our
membership is composed of people of all walks of life, from all educational
backgrounds and religious faiths. Our unifying and coordinating efforts reach
across the whole state covering all our affiliates and networking with other
specialized pro-life groups. We also work hand-in-hand with numerous crisis
pregnancy agencies.
Tennessee Right to Life Education Fund is the tax-deductible educational component. It is
solely educational and as a result, the IRS permits a taxpayer to deduct any
contribution to the Fund. There are several aspects to the work of the
Educational Fund.
Tennessee Right to Life Political Action Committee (TRL PAC) is the political action arm of Tennessee Right
to Life. Since, by law, TRL cannot endorse or actively support candidates for
public office, a political arm is necessary. Experience has shown that
election time is a most important time to build legislative support for laws
to protect life.
Before endorsing or aiding candidates, the Political Action Committee must
follow a carefully established criteria which
includes a candidate survey and interview, an examination of past voting
record, a gauging of the candidate's credibility and a judgment of the
particular circumstances of each race.
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