How to Get Involved with 40 Days for Life in Kane County
In Kane County, many residents who support the pro-life movement take part in a peaceful campaign called 40 Days for Life. The campaign focuses on prayer, community support, and offering alternatives to abortion. For people who want to help, there are simple ways to volunteer locally.
What 40 Days for Life Is
40 Days for Life is an international pro-life campaign that organizes 40 days of prayer, fasting, and peaceful presence outside abortion facilities.
The campaign typically happens twice each year:
- Spring campaign: during Lent
- Fall campaign: late September through early November
During these 40 days, volunteers sign up to pray outside abortion clinics so that there is a peaceful presence there throughout the day.
More information about the campaign can be found here:
https://www.40daysforlife.com
Where the Kane County Campaign Takes Place
The main vigil location for Kane County is in Aurora.
📍 Planned Parenthood Aurora
3055 E. New York St.
Aurora, Illinois
Volunteers gather on the public sidewalk or nearby public areas across the street from the clinic.
Just across the road is Waterleaf Women's Center, a pregnancy resource center that offers free services and support to women facing unplanned pregnancies.
How to Volunteer
Anyone can volunteer. You do not need special training or experience.
Step 1: Sign Up for a Prayer Shift
The easiest way to volunteer is to sign up online for a time slot.
Choose a shift here:
https://www.40daysforlife.com/vigil-hours-signup.aspx?l_id=405
Typical volunteer shifts are:
You can sign up as an individual, with family members, or with a group.
Many volunteers choose morning or afternoon hours, but you can select any time that works for your schedule.
Step 2: Go to the Vigil Location
On the day of your shift:
- Travel to 3055 E. New York St., Aurora.
- Park in nearby public parking areas (local campaigns usually provide parking guidance).
- Walk to the public sidewalk across from the clinic.
- Join others who are peacefully praying.
Volunteers are asked to remain calm, respectful, and follow all local laws.
Step 3: Participate in Prayer and Peaceful Presence
Volunteers typically:
- Pray quietly
- Stand or walk peacefully on the sidewalk
- Hold pro-life signs
- Offer kindness and support
The goal is not confrontation. The campaign encourages volunteers to remain peaceful and respectful at all times.
Join With a Church or Group
Many churches in Kane County organize group participation days.
Churches from:
- Aurora
- St. Charles
- Batavia
- Sugar Grove
often schedule members to cover a full day of prayer shifts.
If your church participates, you can volunteer through your church group or sign up individually online.
Campaign Events
Local campaigns often include special events such as:
- Opening kickoff rally
- Midpoint prayer gathering
- Closing rally
These events bring the community together and help recruit new volunteers.
Local churches often share these events through their bulletins and websites.
Nearby Ways to Get Involved
If Aurora times do not work, other nearby campaigns exist in northern Illinois, including:
- Downers Grove
- Chicago
- Rockford
- Waukegan
You can find those campaigns here. https://www.40daysforlife.com
Why Many Volunteers Participate
People who take part in 40 Days for Life say they do it because they believe every human life has value. They want to support women facing difficult decisions and offer hope and alternatives.
For many volunteers, the campaign is also about community. Friends, families, and church groups often volunteer together, creating a peaceful and supportive environment.
Getting Started
If you want to participate in Kane County, the next step is simple.
- Visit the Aurora campaign page:
https://www.40daysforlife.com/aurorail - Sign up for a shift:
https://www.40daysforlife.com/vigil-hours-signup.aspx?l_id=405 - Go to the vigil location during your chosen time.
Even one hour of volunteering can make a difference.
