5 WAYS YOU CAN CREATE CHANGE AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE

In the aftermath of last week’s shooting at Marjory Stoneman Parkland Douglas High School, I’ve found myself searching for something- answers, next steps, or a call to action. Something that I can do. Something that we all can do.

I have said it before, and I will say it again. I am, by no means, equipped to speak on the record about this topic and am fully aware that no one is following me for my political opinions. But in the wake of one of the deadliest school shootings in history, and as the U.S. regrettably solidifies its place as the country with the highest rate of mass shootings in the world, (I REPEAT: We are the only. country. in. the. world. where this repeatedly happens.) this topic is no longer a political issue. It is a human issue. And silence and lack of action is as good as acceptance.

It’s understandable that there is a certain level of “I don’t know what I can possibly do to make a difference here” that slowly creeps in when reacting to such a horrible tragedy. We read the articles, we pray, we send our best thoughts to the victims and their families, and we move on. One voice doesn’t feel like enough to move the needle. And this is where we fail.

If you’ve seen the video of the rally in response to the shooting, then you’ve seen how the voice of one (in this case, 17 year-old student Emma Gonazlez) can represent the thoughts and feelings of many. You’ve seen how one person can create a tidal wave for all. You’ve seen how lighting one single candle can be just enough to curse the dark.

As a heartbroken citizen that cannot more firmly stress the word ENOUGH, I leave you with this. Be the one voice. Be the one person. Be the one light. And do something.

5 WAYS YOU CAN CREATE CHANGE AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE

1. Participate in a peaceful #NationalSchoolWalkout.

At 10:00 a.m. in each time zone on March 14th, Women’s March Youth Empower is asking students, staff, teachers and allies at high schools around the country to take part in a 17 minute walk out- one minute for each victim of the Parkland shooting. For more information, visit: https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/18/us/national-student-walkout-womens-march-trnd/index.html

On April 20th, at 10:00 a.m. in each time zone, Change.org is also encouraging a walkout from high school students across the country. The event will take place noticeably on the 19th anniversary of the Columbine shooting in Colorado, as the organization hopes this exemplifies the lack of change in gun laws in the last two decades and the need for immediate action. This walk out effort includes a petition in which the organization hopes to collect 50,000 signatures. For more information, and to sign the petition, visit: https://www.change.org/p/u-s-senate-national-high-school-walk-out-for-anti-gun-violence?source_location=discover_feed

2. Wear orange.

Not a student? You can still do your part. Change.org is encouraging all to don orange clothing on April 20th to coincide with the #NationaSchoolWalkout.

3. Make a donation to Everytown.org, a movement of Americans working together to end gun violence and build safer communities.

“Gun violence touches every town in America. For too long, change has been thwarted by the Washington gun lobby and by leaders who refuse to take common-sense steps that will save lives.” For more information on Everytown’s approach and to check out their groundbreaking research, visit: https://everytownresearch.org/resources/?filter-issue-by=all&filter-by=all&sort-by=DESC

4. Take a walk.

On March 24th, in Washington D.C. and in communities across the country, students will rally and march to demand action from our leaders. Join in the #MarchForOurLives, as we all fight for an America that is free from gun violence. For more information, visit: https://www.marchforourlives.com/

5. Pick up the phone.

Calling Congress is actually pretty simple. Dial the Capital Switchboard at (202)-224-3121. Ask to speak to the representative from your state. Tell them you want to see votes and action on gun control. Demand it. Be firm. And perhaps add that you’ll be watching how they vote on gun control measures, and that those votes will impact how you vote in future elections.

Not big on the phone? Contact your representative online by visiting: https://contactingcongress.org/

To find the representative from your state, visit: http://people.com/crime/people-call-to-action-contact-congress-stop-gun-violence/

Make a difference. Wear you are now.

xx

Natalie