Now, we march for our lives.
Rock the Vote with The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, Giffords: Courage to Fight Gun Violence, and Sandy Hook Promise
Gun violence has become the third-leading cause of death for Americans under 18.
In less than two decades since Columbine, 150,000 people under 18 have been shot in the United States — that’s the same population as Kansas City or Savannah. An additional 150,000 have experienced serious trauma by witnessing a school shooting. We stand in solidarity with the students from Parkland: enough is enough.
On Saturday, March 24th, Americans across the country will join together and March for Our Lives. As we take to the streets and demand an end to gun violence in our schools and communities, Rock the Vote worked with The Brady Campaign, The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, Giffords, and Sandy Hook Promise to develop three ways you can make a difference on gun violence today and after the March.
Hold your elected officials accountable.
We need federal legislation to end our country’s gun violence problem — which takes 93 lives per day — and this starts by holding our elected officials accountable. The majority of Americans support legislation to reduce gun violence, and our elected officials need to act now. You can look up your elected officials and ask them to take action on the following:
● Banning assault weapons, which were used in the recent deadly mass shootings like Parkland, Las Vegas, Orlando, Sutherland Springs, Aurora, and Sandy Hook.
● Extreme Risk Protection Orders that temporarily keep people with a significant risk of harming themselves or others from buying or possessing a gun.
● Closing loopholes and requiring universal Brady Background Checks on all gun sales in the US to ensure those prohibited by law from buying a gun are not able to — no loopholes, no exceptions. Brady checks have stopped 3 million prohibited gun sales since 1994, but loopholes still allow 20% of gun sales to go unchecked.
● The STOP School Violence Act, which would bring life-saving violence and suicide prevention programs to all students and schools in the country.
Register and turn out to vote.
This year, we have the power to influence the direction of our country and elected leaders who will work to end gun violence. 36 states will elect a new Governor, one third of the Senate is up for election, and every single seat in the U.S. House of Representatives will be on the ballot. 88% of state legislatures have elections, and voters will decide countless ballot measures and local races.
● Register to vote today! If you’re already registered, check your registration status.
● If you’re 16 or 17, check out your state’s policy here: you may be able to pre-register to vote.
● Sign up for election reminders so you never miss an election date or deadline.
● Can’t vote? Make sure your friends and family are registered, and ask them to back candidates with the courage to stand up to the gun lobby and fight for safer gun laws.
Engage your school and community.
Nearly 60% of high school students are afraid of a shooting happening at their school or in their community. About 1 in 5 (14 to 17-year-olds) will be exposed to a shooting in their lifetime — this needs to stop.
● Start or join a SAVE Promise Club, where you can organize conversations, awareness activities, and actions to help prevent gun and all forms of violence in your community.
● Speak out! Share what you know on social media and with the people in your life, and show up to town halls and campaign events in your community.
● Bring in a Know the Signs program to your school, which will teach your fellow students, teachers, and school staff how to recognize the warning signs, get people the help they need, and prevent violence before it happens.
We’re moved by the incredible strength and determination of the Parkland students and young activists across our country.
Enough is enough: ours and future generations can no longer afford to live in fear of gun violence. Together, we will march and make our voices heard.
