Ways to respond to mass shootings
When news of the most recent mass shooting hits, I sometimes have the dubious privilege of being a resource for friends or friends of friends who have been affected, and I’ve been asked the inevitable “what can I do?” more and more. I’m typically stymied but I’ve been giving it some thought, and this is what I have in answer so far:
⏩ Vote. Vote often and do everything you can to make sure others do, too.
⏩ Call or write or email your senators and representatives a few times a month to tell them how you feel. Put it on your todo list so you don’t forget (i.e. grocery shopping, pick up dry cleaning, dinner with brother, call Chris Murphy). Don’t just call in the aftermath of the next big one — be a regular.
⏩ Find an organization and get involved. This is tricky and there are so many out there, all with varying degrees of success and a myriad of tactics and techniques. Find the organization that works for you, keeping in mind their message and reputation. Consider local versus national and the pros and cons that go along with each. Join one or two. Go to their events. Tell your family and friends. Volunteer. Send money.
⏩ Keep your mouth open. Engage with others in a respectful way — in real life, not just on social media, and even (especially) when you are uncomfortable. Don’t be shy, we no longer have the luxury. When your child goes to a friend’s house to play, make sure you ask their parents if they keep a firearm in the house and, if so, how it is stored; even if they don’t have guns, you’ve taught them it’s appropriate to ask this question. When you are at the doctor’s office, ask your doctor if she inquires about firearm safety in wellness visits and encourage her to do so.
⏩ Reach out to and thank companies who are supporting gun violence prevention. Patronize those stores. Invest wisely. Put your money where your mouth is.
⏩ Build bridges. While the NRA leadership sometimes seems beyond reach, the vast majority of American gun owners (and NRA members) are reasonable and want the same things we all do — a reduction in gun violence. Finding common ground and working toward mutual goals is more effective than alienating a segment of the population that also doesn’t want their kids shot at school, a festival, or Walmart.
⏩ Know your stuff. Read about statistics, studies, and research, so you can know when people are offering false information to prove their “points.” Call BS when you hear it.
⏩ If you have a personal story of gun violence, tell it when you can. Bringing this issue home is the best way to reach some people. It’s not all about facts and stats — it’s also about unimaginable loss and deeply personal grief.
⏩ There is only one of you in all the universe and you specifically can bring something special to bear on this problem: Find your way. If you are an artist, make posters for marches. If you are a teacher, become an advocate for school safety. If you are a musician, sing your heart out. If you work for an insurance company, investigate how that company insures firearms dealers or businesses with open carry policies. If you are an attorney, engage in pro bono work that deals with firearm safety. Everyone has something unique to bring to the table.
Pass it on and add whatever else you think might help. Enough is enough.