As lawmakers, supported by the NRA, cling to their familiar “thoughts and prayers” rhetoric following the tragic mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, young activists like Sofia Martinez are fighting back against their complacency. “Politicians, sitting in their opulent offices funded by the NRA, claim there was nothing that could have been done to avert this tragedy. We reject that notion. They say stricter gun laws don’t reduce gun violence. We reject that notion. They assert that a good person with a gun can stop a bad person with a gun. We reject that notion,” she declared.
A significant wave of Americans, inspired by voices like Sofia’s, is rising to combat gun violence. For over five years, the grassroots organization Moms Demand Action—part of Everytown for Gun Safety—has been mobilizing efforts in this critical fight, achieving notable milestones. However, until the gun violence epidemic is eradicated, our work is far from complete.
As someone who has actively volunteered in the movement since the Sandy Hook tragedy, I sense a profound shift. A surge of new advocates has emerged. In just over a week, over 115,000 individuals contacted Moms Demand Action eager to contribute, including around 8,000 students who will form the inaugural Students Demand Action group. More than 70,000 donations have been made, and nearly 1.2 million have signed up to learn about the gun violence prevention movement.
The excitement is palpable nationwide. Recently, approximately 2,000 Moms Demand Action volunteers and survivors of gun violence gathered for an advocacy day in Georgia, while in Raleigh, North Carolina, more than 350 people attended a new member meeting. Fayetteville, Arkansas, saw over 200 attendees for a similar event. In Rhode Island, we had to organize new member meetings daily in different cities due to the overwhelming interest.
This grassroots movement is flourishing in both red and blue states. To accommodate the influx of new supporters, Moms Demand Action volunteers are even convening informal gatherings in homes and local cafés. At one recent meeting in Arlington, Virginia, more than 200 individuals filled the space, forcing some to stand as chairs ran out.
We are translating this energy into tangible actions. Just days after the Parkland shooting, Moms Demand Action volunteers generated over 2,500 calls and 1,700 emails directed at members of the Florida legislature within a single day. Their collective voice was instrumental in defeating a bill aimed at allowing firearms in K-12 schools. Additionally, we have successfully halted harmful gun legislation in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Dakota, and Utah—bills backed by the NRA that threatened the safety of our children and communities.
Our efforts also extend to passing beneficial legislation and influencing corporate policies. Following the Parkland shooting, volunteers in Oregon succeeded in enacting a law to close the “boyfriend loophole,” which aimed at disarming domestic abusers. Recently, numerous businesses have severed ties with the NRA in response to public outcry from their customers.
Make no mistake: advocates for gun violence prevention are mobilized, energized, and gaining momentum. From legislative chambers to corporate boardrooms, we are achieving success.
Americans are finally prioritizing gun violence prevention. While mass shootings may represent a small fraction of overall gun violence, the impact of these events resonates deeply within the national conscience. It is vital to remember and take action in honor of all the lives affected by gun violence that do not receive daily media attention.
Every day, 96 Americans are killed by gunfire, and hundreds more are injured. This reality is unacceptable, and the tipping point has arrived. We refuse to endure a status quo that allows unfettered access to guns without accountability. We will no longer accept the recklessness and inaction of lawmakers beholden to the gun lobby.
This issue transcends political affiliations; it is a matter of life and death. Lawmakers are on notice: they can collaborate with us to save lives, or we, the voters, will ensure their removal from office.
For those interested in joining the movement, check out this insightful interview with Jessica Lane on the Scary Mommy Speaks podcast.
In summary, the fight against gun violence is a collective uprising that is gaining strength across the nation. With unprecedented participation and growing public support, advocates are working diligently to create meaningful change and protect communities from the devastating effects of gun violence.
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