As lawmakers backed by gun lobbyists resort to their usual “thoughts and prayers” rhetoric following the tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida, students like Ava Johnson are calling out their empty promises. “Politicians sitting in their opulent offices, funded by the NRA, insist that nothing could have been done to avert this tragedy. We say enough is enough. They claim stricter gun laws won’t reduce violence. We say that’s false. They argue that a good guy with a gun can stop a bad guy with a gun. We say that’s not true.”
A surge of Americans, inspired by the courageous voices of Parkland students like Ava, are rising to advocate for gun violence prevention. Over the past five years, organizations like Moms Demand Action—part of Everytown for Gun Safety—have been tirelessly working on this issue, achieving significant milestones. However, our efforts will not rest until the gun violence crisis is effectively addressed.
Having volunteered in this movement since the Sandy Hook incident, I can attest that this moment is distinct. New voices are emerging in droves. In just over a week, over 115,000 individuals reached out to Moms Demand Action wanting to get involved, including approximately 8,000 students ready to become the inaugural Students Demand Action volunteers. Moreover, more than 70,000 people have opened their wallets to support this cause, and nearly 1.2 million have signed up to learn about the gun violence prevention movement.
Across the nation, the enthusiasm is undeniable. Recently, nearly 2,000 Moms Demand Action volunteers and survivors of gun violence gathered for an advocacy day in Georgia. In Raleigh, North Carolina, over 350 individuals participated in a new member meeting; Fayetteville, Arkansas saw more than 200 attendees at a similar event. In Rhode Island, we had to schedule daily meetings in different cities to accommodate our growing volunteer base.
This momentum is felt in both red and blue states. In response to the surge of interest, Moms Demand Action volunteers are organizing spontaneous gatherings in local spaces. At a recent meeting in Arlington, Virginia, over 200 attendees filled the restaurant, standing along the walls when chairs ran out.
We are channeling this energy into impactful action. Just days after the Parkland shooting, Moms Demand Action volunteers generated over 2,500 calls and 1,700 emails to members of the Florida legislature within a single day. Their collective voice was instrumental in halting a proposed bill that would have allowed guns in K-12 schools in Florida. Similarly, we have successfully blocked dangerous gun legislation in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Dakota, and Utah since the Parkland tragedy—NRA-supported bills that would have jeopardized the safety of our children and communities.
Additionally, we are facilitating the passage of beneficial legislation and influencing corporate policies. In the same week as the Parkland shooting, volunteers in Oregon played a crucial role in passing a law to close the state’s “boyfriend loophole,” aimed at disarming domestic abusers. Just recently, numerous businesses have severed ties with the NRA, responding to public pressure from their customers.
Without a doubt, gun violence prevention advocates are mobilizing, invigorated, and gaining momentum. Americans are increasingly prioritizing the need for change. While mass shootings represent a small fraction of gun violence in the U.S., the profound impact of these tragedies resonates deeply within the national conscience. It is vital to remember and act in remembrance of the countless lives affected by gun violence that don’t always make the headlines.
Every day, 96 Americans are shot and killed, with hundreds more injured. This reality is intolerable, and the time to act is now. We refuse to accept a world where guns are accessible to anyone, without question. We will not continue to endure the recklessness and inaction of lawmakers beholden to the gun lobby.
This issue transcends political affiliation; it’s a matter of life and death. Lawmakers have been warned by the American populace: they can collaborate with us to save lives, or we, the voters, will ensure they are removed from office.
For those interested in joining this important movement, check out this insightful interview with Diane Rinaldo on how to get involved on the Modern Family Blog. Additionally, if you want to learn more about home insemination, you can explore this post on artificial insemination kits. For more information on successful insemination methods, you can refer to WebMD’s guide on IUI success.
In summary, the movement towards gun violence prevention is gaining traction, fueled by passionate individuals and a collective demand for change. With increased engagement from communities across the nation, we stand firm in our resolve to create a safer future.