Our mission at North Carolina Family Policy Council is “Equipping North Carolina families to be voices of persuasion for family values in their communities.” But what does it mean to equip families to be “voices of persuasion” for family values?
Our mission at North Carolina Family Policy Council is “Equipping North Carolina families to be voices of persuasion for family values in their communities.” But what does it mean to equip families to be “voices of persuasion” for family values?
Admittedly, the phrase can sound clunky and redundant. Yet behind these words lies a profound conviction: that shaping the culture—and, by extension, politics and policy—often begins with families positively engaging their neighbors, friends, and communities. When grounded in Christian moral principles, this engagement has the potential to transform society, opening the door for laws and policies that reflect and promote Biblical values.
Reflecting on our mission of “equipping North Carolina families to be voices of persuasion,” it’s worth examining how cultural shifts and societal perspectives affect political realities. The interplay between cultural sentiment and political action is undeniable—culture impacts policy, and policy impacts culture. Understanding this can help us appreciate the importance of families living out their
faith publicly.
Transforming the Political Landscape: The shift in public sentiment on the transgender issue
In recent years, few issues have polarized the cultural and political landscape more than those surrounding sexuality and gender ideologies. Among conservatives, there has often been a general lack of political will to address these challenging and polarizing topics. In North Carolina, we are particularly familiar with the complexities of these debates, as exemplified by the controversy in 2016 surrounding House Bill 2, the so-called “bathroom bill.” This highly publicized legislation—that prohibited biological men from accessing women’s bathrooms, locker rooms, and other intimate spaces—brought national attention to the state, highlighting both the intensity of cultural backlash and the contentious nature of gender-related policies.
These dynamics have made the “trans issue” a politically sensitive topic, with many politicians hesitant to engage openly due to the potential for significant backlash from businesses, media, and advocacy groups.
Yet the tides have begun to shift. By 2023, cultural momentum around the trans agenda began encountering significant resistance. Corporate initiatives like Bud Light’s partnership with a transgender-identifying influencer and Target’s prominent “Pride” displays sparked widespread backlash, as consumers pushed back against what many perceived as extreme overreach. The cultural criticism wasn’t limited to conservative circles; it reflected a broader societal discomfort with the aggressive promotion of gender ideology.
Parents in particular, have become vocal advocates, forming what amounts to a quasi-voter bloc. From protesting school policies to demanding transparency in curricula, their activism has not only shaped local debates but also influenced the political landscape. For example, Republicans were emboldened to reintroduce and support issues addressing gender ideology, including policies on sex-based bathroom usage and legislation to prohibit males from competing in women’s sports.
The impact of this cultural shift is evident even at the national level. One of Donald Trump’s most effective 2024 campaign ads boldly contrasted his platform with progressive gender policies, proclaiming: “Kamala is for they/them; Trump is for you.” The ad resonated because it captured the growing sentiment that political activism pushing gender ideology has gone too far. When cultural resistance builds, politicians are empowered to address issues they might previously have avoided.
Life Support: How the pro-life movement is struggling
The shifting dynamics of the pro-life movement provide another powerful example of how cultural sentiment drives political action. In 2016, Donald Trump openly campaigned on appointing Supreme Court justices who would overturn Roe v. Wade, and that’s exactly what happened in June 2022. By 2024, however, Trump publicly opposed a federal abortion ban, likely as a pragmatic assessment of the current post-Roe landscape.
Since the Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade, thepro-life debate has become increasingly localized. This has created significant variability. In some cases, a strong pro-life stance can further a conservative candidate’s electability. In others, a decisively pro-life position is unsuccessful with a more pro-choice voter base. Pro-choice politicians have similar conflicting pressures, as some could express openness to some minimal limitations on abortion while many are pushed to reject or disavow all legislated limitations.
Across the nation, the Dobbs decision has led to a range of state-level pro-life victories and setbacks, showcasing the powerful impact of local societal views. States like Indiana and Florida have passed strong protections for preborn children, while others, such as California and New York, have doubled down on permissive abortion laws. Ballot measures nationwide have further demonstrated the divide, with pro-abortion initiatives succeeding in eleven of the fourteen states where they were proposed, and only one of the three pro-life initiatives succeeding where proposed. These outcomes highlight the importance of public sentiment in shaping what is legislatively achievable.
North Carolina’s recent experience with the pro-life Senate Bill in 2023 illustrates these dynamics well. While pro-life organizations like NC Family were advocating for a law that would prohibit abortion after a fetal heartbeat is detected (around 6 weeks of pregnancy), that proposal did not have sufficient legislative support to face and overcome the anticipated veto from the governor. Ultimately, the legislature passed—via veto override—a prohibition on abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy (with some restrictions and exceptions). This compromise reflects not only the political makeup of our state, but also the impact of public sentiment in shaping what is possible legislatively. Whatever their independent preferences may be, politicians also have to consider what is politically possible and the impact of legislation
on electability.
Media: Both Driver and Reflector of Culture
It is impossible to discuss cultural momentum without acknowledging the media’s role. The media can both reflect and shape societal views, serving as a barometer for public sentiment while simultaneously driving it. This dynamic has been evident in both the “transgender” and pro-life debates.
Coverage of “transgender”-related controversies, for instance, often amplifies cultural divisions. Yet it also reveals shifting sentiments, as stories about detransitioners or parents opposing school policies gain traction. Similarly, the framing of abortion debates before and after Dobbs has influenced how the public perceives pro-life policies, with media narratives often emphasizing personal stories or extreme positions on both sides—sometimes even presenting misleading information.
For Christians, understanding the media’s dual role is critical. While it can be a powerful tool for cultural change, it also requires discernment. By engaging with media wisely—and encouraging our families to do the same—we can amplify messages that align with Biblical values and counter those that distort truth.
Being Salt and Light: Living Good Lives to Win Others Over
If we want to see stronger pro-life policies and firmer rejections of progressive gender ideologies, we need to recognize a fundamental reality: politicians have to get elected. While it’s easy to criticize candidates who fall short of our ideals, their positions often reflect the cultural landscape they navigate. To elect candidates who champion Biblically-aligned values, we must ensure that public sentiment supports those values. This is where families being voices of persuasion plays an especially critical role.
At the heart of being a voice of persuasion is the Biblical calling to be “salt and light” in the world (Mt 5:13-16). When Christians and Christian families live out their faith fully, their lives bear witness to the goodness of God’s design. Living good lives in visible ways—honoring marriage, raising children with love and discipline, caring for neighbors—creates a testimony that is difficult to dismiss.
This testimony matters. When people see the fruits of Christian principles being lived out, negative perceptions often diminish. Even those who may not share our Biblical worldview can recognize the value of strong families, moral clarity, and a commitment to community. By living our values and being willing to articulate them, we present our beliefs not as abstract rules but as part of a flourishing life. This approach is persuasive in the truest sense, opening doors for dialogue and, ultimately, cultural transformation.
Conclusion: Equipping Families for Cultural Engagement
The transgender agenda and pro-life landscape illustrate the profound impact cultural sentiment has on political action. But they also reveal something deeper: the importance of equipping families to engage their communities with truth and grace.
When NC Family talks about being “voices of persuasion,” we mean more than just making arguments. We mean living lives that reflect the goodness of God’s design, building relationships that foster trust, and speaking truth in ways that resonate. This is how culture shifts—not through coercion, but through persuasion grounded in love and conviction.
As we look to the future, let’s commit to being salt and light in North Carolina and beyond. Let’s live out our values boldly and invite others to see the goodness of God through us. By doing so, we can help shape a culture that honors life, family, and faith.
Adamo Manfra is the Director of Research and Education at NC Family