Gun Violence
SCHOOL LOCKDOWNS
A group of 4th graders chose to focus on the trauma created by a gun violence prevention method: school lockdowns. They wrote advocacy letters to nearly 50 elected officials urging them to support gun reform legislation, including a lockdown reform bill. The new law would decrease the number and frequency of lock-down drills; require drills to be implemented with a trauma-informed approach; and allow parents to opt out their children. They were thrilled to receive this message of gratitude from the sponsor of the bill, New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes.
School Shootings
After the horrific shooting in Parkland, high school seniors in Bay Ridge chose to focus on promoting school safety and advocating for increased gun regulation. Working in partnership with Students Demand Action (SDA), an Everytown for Gun Safety initiative, the students created a school-based Student Safety Coalition (SSC), a youth-led group through which teens promote a safer school environment and raise awareness around the issue of gun violence in schools. They organized a multi-faceted campaign to raise awareness in their high school – including a PSA, in-class presentations, and a school assembly- and created a How To Guide and video to inspire teens around the country to start SSCs of their own. Impressed with their advocacy , Everytown shared these resources with their extensive nationwide network of schools.
GUN REFORM
Third graders in Brooklyn Heights chose to help prevent gun violence through stronger federal gun laws. They produced a news segment to help raise awareness about the stalling of a national background check in Congress. The segment includes a call to action and instructions for how to contact Congressional representatives. They also created this resource: “I’m too young to vote, what can I do to help stop gun violence?”
Community Violence
Middle school students at Brooklyn Environmental Exploratory School were deeply concerned about the high rates of gun violence in their community. In response, they created a powerful PSA that aired on the radio, reaching hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers. Their message raised awareness about gun buyback programs and emphasized the importance of open conversations about community gun violence.
This message comes to us from a group of six grade students at the Brooklyn Environmental Exploration School:
Community gun violence is experienced by people and kids across New York City, despite the strict gun laws. When there is gun violence, people feel less safe in their neighborhoods, they have to worry when walking down the street and they shouldn’t have to. Kids and teens are at a higher risk of experiencing gun violence. Guns are the leading cause of death among American children and teens. 1 out of 10 gun deaths are age 19 or younger. Children living in poverty are more likely to die due to gun violence than their more affluent peers. Gun violence is also the leading cause of death for pregnant people.
When gun violence occurs people can die or be injured, it can also affect mental health. Family and friends of those impacted by gun violence are also affected. No one should have to experience gun violence. And no one should have to be afraid in their own communities.
Did you know that the NYPD offers $200 to anyone who surrenders a working gun? This program is part of an ongoing effort to encourage New Yorkers to get guns off the street. Just call your local precinct to get started. You do not have to identify yourself and you will not be asked any questions. TAKE ACTION today. Tell people about this program and continue to have conversations about the impact of gun violence in our communities.
Third graders in Bedford Stuyvesant decided to tackle their neighborhood’s constant struggle with guns and gun violence. During the Research Phase of their project, they conducted a peer survey which revealed heartbreaking statistics: 16% of third and fourth graders in their school had witnessed someone getting shot and 24% felt scared of guns while walking to and from school. To raise awareness about the pervasiveness of guns in their community, along with the resulting trauma experienced by far too many, these young advocates – all 8 and 9 years old – created a powerful Public Service Announcement (PSA).