Frequently Asked Questions about 40 Days for Life-Old Town
Q: Where is the vigil located?
A: Planned Parenthood, 1200 N LaSalle in downtown Chicago.
Q: Where is the closest L stop?
A: The Red Line Clark & Division stop is one block east. The Red Line runs 24 hours and there is always an attendant in the station.
Q: Which bus lines run nearby?
Buses 11 (Lincoln/Segwick), 22 (Clark), 36 (Broadway), 70 (Division), and 156 (LaSalle). Bus 22 runs 24 hours. See www.transitchicago.com for bus schedules.
Q: Where can I park?
Metered street parking is readily available in the area. Meters are active between 8 am and 9 pm. Parking on Division is for 3 hours, but is a tow zone west of LaSalle between 3 am and 7 am in the winter; additionally, rush hour tow zone times are eastbound, 7 - 9 am and eastbound, 4 - 6 pm. Wells (one block west) has 2 hour parking and usually has spots available. The nearest paid parking facility is Standard Parking at 1130 N Dearborn (a block south of Division on Clark, in the Treasure Island building, enter on Elm).
Q: Which stores near the vigil location are open 24 hours?
Jewel-Osco, 1210 N Clark St (one block east). Store open 24 hours except Monday 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m. There is no pharmacy at this location.
CVS, 1165 N Clark St (one block east). Store open 24 hours. Pharmacy open regular hours.
Walgreens, 1200 N Dearborn St (two blocks east). Store and pharmacy open 24 hours.
Dunkin’ Donuts, 1201 N Clark St (one block east). Open 24 hours.
Q: Which restaurants are near the vigil location?
Domino’s Pizza (across the street)
Mr. Gyros, 109 W Division St (one block east)
Subway Sandwiches / Popeyes Chicken, 1162/1160 N Clark St (one block east)
Treasure Island, 75 W. Elm Street (one block east and then one block south, at Clark St)
Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches, 51 W. Division Ave. (two blocks east),
Starbucks, 39 West Division St (two blocks east)
Sarpino’s Pizza,158 W Division St (half block west)
Quiznos Sandwiches, 164 W Division St (one block west)
La Serra Café, 1143 North Wells St (one block west and then half block south)
House of Gluntz, 1206 North Wells St, (one block west and then half block north)
Garlic & Chili Thai Cuisine, 1232 North LaSalle Dr (one block north)
Q: What should vigil participants do? What if a pregnant woman asks for help?
See the Guidelines for Vigil Participants.
Guidelines for Vigil Participants
· Statement of Peace: Bring a signed Statement of Peace with you the first time that you come to pray and leave it in the supply box. If you don’t have one, there are blank copies in the supply box. You MUST sign this to be a part of 40 Days for Life.
· Bubble Zone: The Chicago “bubble zone” ordinance prohibits us from blocking the sidewalk and from “approaching” (i.e. walking toward or trying to hand information to) people who are entering or exiting the abortion clinic. The Chicago Police Department has confirmed that the 40 Days for Life prayer vigils do not violate the ordinance. Simply stand (relatively) still and don’t walk toward or talk to people unless they approach you first.
· Public Assembly Ordinance: Stand so as not to impede pedestrian traffic.
· Supply Box: The supply box contains prayer resources, pamphlets, and weather gear. The supply box cannot be left on the sidewalk unattended. If you must leave and the next scheduled person has not arrived, please phone the vigil organizers (773-340-DAYS) and they will tell you where to drop off the supply box.
· Women Who Need Help: If a pregnant woman approaches and wants help, give her a brochure for Aid for Women, the closest pregnancy center, and the number for Option Line (800-395-4357), a 24-hour counseling line. If possible, call Aid for Women (open 9 am – 4 pm M-F and 10 am – noon on Saturdays) and have someone go there with her. Also call the vigil organizers to let us know (773-340-DAYS).
· Groups: Some groups (church groups, pro-life student clubs, etc.) are volunteering to cover certain days. If a group is scheduled, those not with that group are still welcome to join the vigil during that day.
· Conversation: We are primarily at the vigil to pray, not to socialize or have long conversations. Use prayerful judgment about conversations. If someone approaches you, it’s okay to say, “I’m sorry but I can’t talk now. Here is a pamphlet that explains why we’re here,” and offer them a “We are standing vigil, praying for” card, which has the leadership team contact information on the back. If you want to spend time talking to someone, suggest talking at Dunkin Donuts or at another nearby eatery after your shift.
· Sidewalk Counseling: If you feel called to sidewalk counsel, Aid for Women pamphlets, as well as pamphlets about abortion, prenatal development, adoption, contraception, and abstinence are available in the box. Please do not leave the box unattended and respectfully follow all instructions from local law enforcement.
· Camera/Video: Feel free to bring a camera or phone that takes video. Normally the vigil is uneventful, but start recording if someone becomes argumentative or a difficult situation arises. If you do not have a camera, a disposable camera is available in the box.
· Signs: Signs are on display at the vigil site. If you want to hold your own sign, please get approval from the leadership team. Signs with graphic pictures or political messages are not allowed.
· Emergency Contact: If you are alone and uncomfortable being out alone, or if any unusual situation arises, don’t hesitate to call the vigil organizers (773-340-DAYS).
Remember
DON’T block the sidewalk or the door into the building. Leave room for people to pass.
DON’T be distracted by people walking or driving by who might say unkind or annoying things. Keep praying and don’t respond.
DON’T act in a manner displeasing to the Lord, such as by shouting prayers or being confrontational.
DON’T be discouraged or concerned if you feel that prayer is difficult. Persevere!
DON’T leave anything behind at the vigil location. Make sure to “hand off” the signs and supply box to the next group.
DO read the Statement of Peace for 40 Days for Life and sign it.
DO be respectful to police officers and thank them for their service. Follow their instructions.
DO focus on prayer and have at least two people present at all times to pray.
DO use the prayer books to assist you in praying, but DON’T feel you must use the same prayers as other people. If you are of a different faith or wish to pray in other ways, all peaceful prayer is welcome! Prayer can be spoken, sung, or silent.
DO respond with love to those who ask you questions by providing them the 40 Days for Life flyer or other literature in the supply box.
DO bring a camera if you want to take video of the group praying.
DO take a break if you need to.
DO remember that you are part of an international movement and you’re not alone in this prayer!
DO call us if you have problems or questions.
Contact phone numbers
40 Days for Life-Old Town Leadership Team: 773-340-DAYS (773-340-3297)
Aid for Women (help for pregnant women – better if taking public transportation):
312-621-1101; 8 S. Michigan Ave, Suite 1100; www.aidforwomen.org
The Women’s Center (help for pregnant women – better if driving): 773-283-1400;
5116 N. Cicero Ave.; www.abortionchoices.com
Option Line (24 hour help line for pregnant women): 800-395-4357 and www.optionline.org
Thomas More Society (pro-life law center for questions regarding the vigil): 312-782-1680
Thank you for participating in the peaceful prayer and fasting activities for 40 Days for Life!