The tragedy that took place in East Lansing has left us heartbroken. It also brought back memories of what happened in Oxford, not that long ago. It’s time for change. We won’t forget what happened. Together, we’ll fight for a different future for our children. We are taking action against gun violence.
We have seen so many posts on social media imploring us to use our voices to make a difference. There is so much that we can do, and it goes beyond sharing a post on social media. Let’s share, but then, let’s act.
So many moms in our community–and across social media–are wondering what more they could do. How else can they be taking action against gun violence? Who can they contact, and what can they say? So, we’ve put together a list of things that you can do right now, to make a difference.
Here is a list of ways you can take action, right now:
Contact your local state reps (and encourage family and friends to do the same).
Make your voice heard, loud and clear. You can find your State Representative based on your address. You can also see committees they’ve served on, and bills they’ve introduced. Or, compose an e-mail and send it to your senator (you can also find your specific senator based on your address).
- Debbie Stabenow: (202) 224-4822
- Southeast MI office: (313) 961-4330
- Or, send an e-mail using her contact form
- Gary Peters: (202) 224-6221
- Detroit office: (313) 226-6020
- Or, send an e-mail using his contact form
- The US Capitol switchboard: (202) 224-3121
A quick search online will result in scripts for making phone calls (see this script from Jamie Golden) and templates for e-mails that you can send. You do not need to recreate the wheel here. Sandy Hook Promise also has a pre-filled e-mail form for you to use, and all you need to do is type in your personal information for them to send the e-mail to your Senator.
From what we’ve read online, your best bet is to start with a phone call and then send an e-mail. You can also e-mail your elected official by texting RESIST to 50409. Join the other parents who are already voicing their concerns, asking state reps about their stance on issues, and pressing for change. Do some research and find out how your candidates stand on gun laws.
Inquire about safety.
Reach out to your child’s school. If you aren’t familiar with the security procedures, ask about them. Chances are, you won’t be the first–nor the last–person who wants to know this information. Find out what procedures are in place.
Additionally, you can contact your local police station. Let them know what kind of information you are looking for. Are they sharing information with the community about free gun locks? Do they offer educational opportunities for concerned citizens to learn more? How are they addressing these things at their local level?
Become involved with organizations.
There are so many organizations out there, and it can be hard to know where to start. So, here’s a list to help you build some momentum:
- Brady United is one of the oldest gun violence prevention groups. You can donate, join a chapter, or listen to their podcast.
- Everytown for Gun Safety is the biggest organization focusing on gun violence prevention in America. Their website has tons of ways to help, like through donating, contacting senators, or attending events. They also enourage you to join Moms Demand Action–and, your students can join Students Demand Action.
- You can text ACT to 644-33 for updates.
- Additionally, you can text CHECKS to 644-33 to let your Senators know you’d like them to take action on background checks.
- Giffords is another organization working to end gun violence in America and is led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. You can help by supporting their work, calling on Congress to make changes, and making donations.
- March For Our Lives helps those impacted by gun violence and their communities. You can also make a donation to support the work they are doing.
- Moms Demand Action works to keep families safe and pass stronger gun laws. They have more than 8 million supporters and also have volunteer chapters for each state. There is a chapter in Michigan. The local Facebook page for the chapter in Michigan is full of information and encourages you to contact your Senator.
- Newtown Action Alliance was started after the devastating events in Sandy Hook. They push for cultural changes and safer and smarter gun laws. They encourage website visitors to share on social media, attend events, and volunteer.
- Sandy Hook Promise focuses on taking meaningful action to prevent gun violence. You can make a donation, host a fundraiser, or volunteer. More information can be found on their website.
- Stop Handgun Violence is a non-profit working to prevent gun violence in a number of ways. They encourage donating and volunteering, among other things.
- The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence works to find solutions to reduce gun injury and death. You can donate to their organization or send a tweet directly to your Senator using the form on their website.
- Together Rising raises money to help individuals and families. The link in their Instagram bio will take you directly to a donation form.
- VictimsFirst helps victims of mass casualty crimes. According to their website, they worked as rapid responders in Oxford. On their website, you can donate funds currently to help the victims and survivors from the shooting in Colorado Springs at Club Q.
- Violence Policy Center is a wealth of knowledge, hosting many resources right on its website.
- Women Against Gun Violence is another organization which educates the public about the consequences of gun violence. You can support them through donations and by becoming a member of WAGV.
Attend events.
- Moms Demand Action will be hosting many in-person and virtual events; search on their website for your specific state.
- Additionally, there are some marches that may take place through March For Our Lives.
- Moms Demand Action hosts virtual Be SMART presentations to help adults learn more about the importance of safe gun storage.
Make a donation.
- There is a GoFundMe donation website set up for those affected by the tragedy in East Lansing.
- The Spartan Strong fund goes towards university enhancements in the wake of a crisis.
- There is a GoFundMe donation website set up for the families affected by the tragedy in Buffalo.
- First State Bank has an account specifically for the families of Robb Elementary. You can mail a check or donate through Zelle. There is also a GoFundMe donation website.
- Many of the organizations listed above also have the option to donate.
Individually, we are one voice, but together, our voices will be heard. And our actions will be seen. So, let’s all stand together and do whatever it takes to protect our children, our families, and our fellow citizens. Your voice–and actions–matter. It’s time for change.
