Students are Taking a Stand Against Gun Violence. Here’s How You Can Join Them.
“We are going to be the kids you read about in textbooks. Not because we’re going to be another statistic about mass shooting in America, but because, just as David said, we are going to be the last mass shooting. Just like Tinker v. Des Moines, we are going to change the law.” — Emma Gonzalez
Days after the Parkland mass shooting left seventeen of her teachers and fellow students dead and thousands of her classmates with a lifetime of emotional baggage, Marjory Stoneman Douglas senior Emma Gonzalez stood resolute. Wiping tears from her eyes, she stared straight into the crowd at a gun reform rally, daring them to challenge her as she demanded change from the community.
Rage, desperation, and indignation filled the voice of a young girl who was still learning to cope with the fact that members of her community were senselessly destroyed with the pull of a trigger.
“They say tougher guns laws do not decrease gun violence. We call BS!” she shouted as her voice trembled with sadness and anger. “They say no laws could have prevented the hundreds of senseless tragedies that have occurred. We call BS. That us kids don’t know what we’re talking about, that we’re too young to understand how the government works. We call BS!”
Like Gonzalez, the students of Marjory Douglas High School, the children who endured agonizing fear and pain as gunshots engulfed the screams and cries of their classmates, were resolute. They were determined to ensure that their school would be the last place that tragedy would strike, claiming young lives with brutal weapons.
Junior Jaclyn Corin spoke with a congresswoman about gun reform and encouraged her peers to do the same. Juniors Alex Wind and Cameron Kasky, as well as senior Sofie Whitney, immediately launched a group for rallies and marches to advocate for gun control. Senior and journalist David Hogg recorded the emotions and terror of his classmates during the shooting to raise awareness for the severity and consequences of gun violence.
“I don’t care if you’re a Democrat. I don’t care if you’re a Republican. Stand up for what you believe in. Let’s make some compromises and save some children’s lives,” Hogg declared.
All around them, teens from across the country are joining them in the movement against gun violence. Here’s how you can help:
1. March for Gun Reform and Lives.
Students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School created a movement entitled “March for Our Lives” in which children, their families, and community members will march together in protest of gun violence and pro-gun laws. The marches will take place in Washington D.C. and other communities. Visit their website here.
2. Participate in a School Walk-Out.
Teens all over the country are planning to walk out of their schools in protest of current gun ownership laws. Organizers of the Women’s March are holding one on March 14th, exactly one month after the Parkland shooting. Students, teachers, and administrators are invited to join here. A similar walk-out has been planned on April 20th, the anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre that killed thirteen victims and the two perpetrators, at 10 A.M. More information and updates can be found here.
3. Sign a Petition in Seconds
As a way of protesting current laws and political decisions, several students have created petitions against gun violence. Getting enough signatures to gain national recognition is crucial to the petitioning process. You can sign one here.
4. Donate to Anti-Gun Violence Organizations
Many organizations committed to fighting against anti-gun control groups such as the National Rifle Association and gun violence have emerged since the wake of modern shootings. However, funds are integral to their operation as they help them conduct research and spread awareness about their cause. You can donate to one, The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, here.
5. Write Tweets Instead of Letters
Teens can create social media campaigns directed to your senators and congressmen, immediately urging them through the internet to take action against gun violence. Organizations like Sound Off At Congress help activists join together to raise awareness about their causes and write messages to politicians. Join here.
Know that no matter what you do to help the cause, your actions do have a profound impact on your community and the nation. Whether it lasts for a second or a lifetime, the time you spend advocating for gun reform raises awareness and encourages others to keep fighting for sensible, comprehensive gun control.
