Content warning: this article discusses topics revolving around gun-related violence
Unfortunately, gun violence has been an ongoing public health issue in the United States. There are incidents of gun-related violence occurring daily, and Americans have become desensitized to the news as gun violence has become so normalized. Since this is such a large issue that cannot be solved with one solution, you may find yourself wondering where you fit into the fight against gun violence.
I’ll be sharing five different ways that we can make an impact on gun violence prevention. Even if we can’t stop these devastating tragedies on our own, we can still make a positive impact and advocate for gun violence prevention. Here are five ways to make an impact on gun violence prevention as a college student.
- Support gun reform activists
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There are many activists advocating against gun violence who deserve all of our support. Aalayah Eastmond, one student who experienced and survived the shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School, is a huge advocate for gun violence prevention. Her work to fight for gun reform is inspiring.
Another inspiring gun reform activist is Delaney Tarr, who co-founded March for Our Lives after surviving the Parkland School shooting. People like Eastmond and Tarr prove that making a difference on such a large issue is possible as a college student. We can support them by following their social media and sharing their posts to spread their message.
- Support gun violence prevention organizations
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Several organizations that advocate for gun reform could use our support. Eastmond not only advocates against gun violence on her own, but she is also the national administrator and organizer for Team Enough. Team Enough is a youth-led organization which strives to educate people about gun violence and ultimately obtain gun reform in America. Additionally, Tarr co-founded March for Our Lives, which is another youth-led organization that helps people band together to support gun control through peaceful protesting.
Another organization working against gun violence is the Sandy Hook Promise, which has the goal of training adults and youth in violence prevention programs in order to avert problems before they arise.
The largest gun violence prevention organization in the U.S., Everytown, is another organization that conducts research to support gun reform. By endorsing these organizations, we are helping to spread the anti-gun violence message. These websites are great resources for gun reform education and finding effective ways to advocate.
- Vote, sign petitions and reach out to senators
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There are many bills that are being discussed which could lead to gun control. One bill is the Assault Weapons Ban, which would prevent the manufacturing and selling of assault weapons. This bill was passed by the Washington State Senate, which brings the bill one step closer to being put into action. We can help this bill get passed by messaging our Senators directly.
The March for Our Lives website provides a direct link to reach out to your local Senator to persuade them to vote to ban assault weapons. We can also show gratitude for the bills that have been passed, such as the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act which provides funding to support students and prevent problems before they occur. A link to thank Congress for their support towards gun reform is on the Sandy Hook Promise website.
- Donate to organizations
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All of the organizations that I previously mentioned are great ones to donate to if you are looking to help in that way. Although contributing money is not possible for everyone, this is an excellent way to make an impact in an easy way. Additionally, another way to contribute funds towards a meaningful purpose would be to donate to GoFundMe’s that were started to help those affected by gun violence.
Many families and friends will start a GoFundMe to support their loved ones and the financial burden that comes from firearm injuries. There are several GoFundMe’s created to support the victims and families from the Nashville Covenant School shooting, which happened this past March. Here are GoFundMe’s set up for victims of the Louisville, Kentucky shooting that happened on April 10.
- Social media
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Social media can be used to spread the gun reform message and endorse gun violence prevention organizations. Simply reposting one of their posts can help those organizations gain attention. Social media can be used to inform people of upcoming protests and marches occurring nearby. Following gun reform activists and organizations will help you keep up with important information so you can continue educating yourself on this topic.
This era of gun violence needs to end. Although it may feel as if one person won’t make a difference when it comes to such a large issue, that is completely untrue. Our generation could provide so much support to organizations and gun reform activists, which only benefits the fight against gun violence. Safety should be of utmost importance and this won’t be the case until gun violence is prevented.