This might be my most hastily created post, and I hope you will be able to forgive me. But it is 11:15 on the day after the deadly shooting near San Antonio, Texas where 19 children and 2 adults were gunned down in cold blood in their elementary school and I cannot sit on my hands any longer. I’m normally quiet about my politics. I keep my views to myself and toe the line, sharing only small bits when things get just out of control and ridiculous, as they are wont to do these days. But this, this is beyond politics. This is OUR FREAKING CHILDREN and I’m tired of it and that’s why I’m throwing this post together to help us all figure out how to get involved in the fight against gun violence.
There aren’t enough words in my head right now to break down how I feel about this situation. I don’t have powerful enough verbs and adjectives without resorting to deep profanity yet. But what I do have is an army of moms who are behind me, researching where and how to help and what to do to get involved. I have moms asking me (why me of all people I’ll never know) if I know of any places they can join or what they can do. And this messy post is my best way of connecting the two together.
So here we are. A list of resources for you. Both short-term relief for the victims and their families as well as bigger, long-term organizations you can join to help stop this senseless violence in its tracks by fighting for gun control, mental health, and school safety.
Because enough is freaking enough and it’s time, Moms. It’s time we mount up and fight for our children and for our countries. Lives over Rights any day of the week.
Where To Go To Provide Immediate Relief To The Victims and Families
GoFundMe Validated Funds for Robb Elementary School Victims:
- The Texas Elementary School Shooting Fund
- The Robb Elementary School Shooting Fund
- The Garcia Family Fund
The South Texas Blood and Tissue Org is currently requesting blood donations. They held an emergency drive in the San Antonio area which is filling up, however they are asking donors to continue to sign up in their immediate area (and beyond). Please visit their website for more information.
724 Bagger Company has teamed up with Built with Love to create a microdonation drive. They are accepting $1 donations (and up) and every penny will go directly to the victims. Please Venmo @Builtwithlove (it’s $1 people!)
Here are a few resources for how to talk to your children about school shootings.
- https://www.agirlandagun.org/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-in-the-wake-of-a-school-shooting/
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/stress-relief/201805/16-tips-talking-children-after-school-shooting
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/local-experts-explain-how-to-talk-to-children-about-the-texas-school-shooting/ar-AAXHiWY
When Thoughts And Prayers Aren’t Enough: Where To Go For Long-Term Change
This is a big category and will be a running, growing list as I will be continually updating and adding to this list as I do more research and my army of moms continues to help as well. These are organizations, both local and national, that are working to make a change and currently accepting both donations and volunteers. There are so many, so find the one that works best for you, and please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have one you don’t see on this list.
First Of All, Contact Your Senators and Representatives
- To contact your State Senator: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm?Class=1
- To contact your State Representatives: house.gov
- To contact your Governor: https://www.usa.gov/state-governor
- Use this general resource for guidance: https://www.ala.org/everyday-advocacy/virtual-library-legislative-day/contact-your-us-senators-and-representatives
Then Get Involved
These organizations are currently fighting for gun control, advocacy, education, and victims’ rights. All are non-profits and many have local chapters which you can join immediately.
- Newton: many of these organizations were formed after the school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary. This community of parents has mobilized in an amazing way. You can join any of the following organizations and either donate or sign up to be a volunteer in your local community. I highly recommend them all.
- When Moms Get Mad: These two organizations were born out of the anger of moms who are fed up with watching babies die by gun violence. You can easily sign up for text alerts and use their “Take Action” buttons to join the fight.
- Everytown: the largest gun violence organization in America, this is a strong lobby with a loud voice.
- MomsDemand: This grassroots movement fighting for public safety measures to protect people from gun violence might be my favorite on the list. They have a chapter in every state and are organizing Wear Orange Events on June 3-5 nationwide to honor victims and survivors of gun violence. I may or may not be working to bring one of these events to Frisco. Just sayin’. Find your local Wear Orange Event HERE.
- Other Great Orgs: These are other great orgs to register as a volunteer or send donations to.
- Brady United: founded after former Press Secretary Jim Brady, who was critically injured during an assassination attempt on President Ronald Regan, the Brady United is an incredibly powerful gun-control organization that works on all levels to help stop gun violence. The website is easy to navigate and also has a one-stop-shop for contacting your representative included.
- Giffords: Led by former Congresswomen Gabrielle Giffords, this strong organization “brings decades of political, legal, and policy expertise to the fight for gun safety. Our efforts shift culture, mobilize voters, and challenge injustice.” This is a great place to start and get involved. Check out their Take Action Page for more info.
- Community Justice Action Fund: This organization works specifically in black and brown communities to fight gun violence through advocacy, education, and organizing efforts.
Really, REALLY Mad?
Are you really, really mad and hopeless that the current leaders in your community or state are going to make a change? RUN FOR OFFICE. (No, I’m not really kidding on this one). Check out the Run For Something Action Fund for more information on how to get started.
As I said, this is just a drop in the bucket and more a place I created so I don’t feel so hopeless right now. But my hope is that by putting all of these in one place, maybe (just maybe) you can find an organization or two to get involved with. After all, I’m convinced this is going to require ALL OF US to rise up and get involved for anything to change. And it’s time for this to happen!
If you have any other organizations or ideas to add, please DM me. I would be happy to add them.
Major thanks to my “research team,” Megan Fish, Katie Yuen, and Britt Fischer. Everyone else, join us!
Peace, love, and rising up,
Meg
Welcome to BurntToast! My name is Meaghan, and this is my safe space, a place where we can share stories, share recipes and share life. It’s my dream that you can come here, kick your shoes off and pour yourself a glass of wine while you read, laugh, and maybe even hop into the kitchen. This is my heart, for all of you to see. And ALL are welcome here.