The Parkland shooting has left many students distraught and fearful. Classrooms, places meant to be for education, are now considered in terms of what construction materials, location of chairs, and desks will protect students against an attack. Students around the country witnessed shooting after shooting devastate families. We all can think about the lives that were stolen from students and teachers at Marjory Stoneman Douglas. However, we also have the ability to have an influence on the issue. It is our responsibility to fight for gun control and medical measures that will combat mental illness. We hold the power to sustain change and to push for legislation through dialogue, protest and collaboration.
Here are 6 ways for you to make your voice heard:
- March For Our Lives: March 24
- Join thousands of activists to call for gun control in Boston Common
- Register to Vote
- Go to Abbot Hall where you can pick up a voter registration form at the town clerk’s office (16 and 17-year- olds can pre-register, and seniors should fill out an absentee ballot if they are attending college out of state)
- Upcoming Massachusetts Elections including:
- United States Senate, House of Representatives, and Massachusetts Gubernatorial Election – November 6
- Support local, state, and federal candidates by volunteering and campaigning for representatives who are dedicated to passing legislation that will combat gun violence
- Raise money and donate to a gun control organization
- Brady Campaign
- Every Town For Gun Safety
- Coalition to Stop Gun Violence
- Extend your engagement outside of school and bring it to college campuses after graduation. Amidst the classes, plans, jobs, clubs, checklists, texts and emails that demand your attention, do not abandon your drive for change…we can only achieve change with your efforts to continuously take hold of the responsibility and privilege to be the spokesperson of your own beliefs. Do not give up as we TOGETHER can accomplish change.