In 2020 gun violence became the leading cause of death in American children. It’s a parent’s worst nightmare. We send our kids off to school in the morning, praying that they will come home safe at the end of the day. But what if we can’t protect them? What if something happens while they’re away from us? It’s hard to think about, but it’s a reality that many of us face every single day. In light of recent events, it is more important than ever for us to take action and protect our kids and community against gun violence.
Real Steps You Can Take to Protect Our Kids and Community Against Gun Violence
The hardest part about gun violence is that it often leaves you with a feeling of helplessness. You may want to take action but not know how. To help, we have compiled a list of some ways that you can get involved and make a difference.
Support Organizations to End Gun Violence
Get involved with an organization working to end gun violence. These organizations need your support in many ways – volunteerism, raising awareness, and donating funds are the most critical ways to support.
Moms Demand Action
Find a Moms Demand Action event in your area – just enter your ZIP to find nearby opportunities to take action
Students Demand Action
Everytown for Gun Safety
Brady Campaign
Demand Change From Elected Officials
Reach out to your elected officials and tell them how you feel and what changes you want to see in legislation. Call or email them and tell them that you want stricter gun control laws.
Call your congressperson
Contact Senators
Links to contact senators who have received NRA contributions
Sample Emails/ Letters for politicians
Sample Emails/Letters for politicians
Do Your Own Research
Educate yourself and others about gun violence prevention. Spread the word on social media or in your community. Sign up for any of the organizations listed above, as well as these organizations:
Path to Progress – Path to Progress is a youth-led media campaign that engages the American people with easy-to-understand multimedia content that demonstrates a clear path to progressive legislation.
Have Hard Conversations
Talk to your kids about gun safety. Teach them what to do if they ever see a gun. Ask if there are firearms present when your kids are at someone else’s home.
Here’s some additional resources on how to talk to your children about school shootings:
Talking With Your Child About Difficult Subjects
Talking to Students About the Texas Elementary School Shooting
Be Kind
This is difficult time for everyone and a small act of kindness can go a long way. Check out Local Anchors resources on Kindness, Empathy, and Giving Back for lots of simple ideas.
More Resources & Ways to Help
Resources for emotional, medical, financial, and legal support:
Moments That Survive by Everytown for Gun Safety
Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary– Please consider donating to this funeral home. They are donating services to the victim’s families.
No one should have to live in fear of gun violence. It’s up to all of us to protect our kids and communities against gun violence. We can no longer sit idly by while innocent lives are lost. We have to take action to protect our kids and community today.
Will you join us in taking a stand against gun violence? Together, we can make a difference.
