This past weekend, we lost 31 people in mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton. Another 51 were shot and injured. In Chicago we lost 7 people, while another 48 were shot. That’s not counting the likely hundreds more lost to everyday forms of gun violence, like suicide and accidental shootings. We are in the middle of a gun violence epidemic and our country is dying. 

Our hearts go out to every family and community member facing the immeasurable loss of a loved one. In their honor, we are more focused and determined than ever. We will keep turning our outrage into action. That’s why we have a few updates for you on what we’re doing and how you can help:

• We demand presidential candidates have a plan: We’re co-hosting the first presidential forum on gun violence with Giffords. So far, Elizabeth Warren, Beto O’Rourke, Amy Klobuchar, Andrew Yang, and Jay Inslee have signed on. 
  • Tweet at your favorite candidates and ask them to make a plan to save lives and attend this forum

• We’re holding leaders who refuse to take action accountable: 97% of American support background checks. But Mitch McConnell and the rest of his NRA-funded colleagues have refused for 210 days (and counting) to bring S. 42, the background check bill, to a vote. Tell him that you are sick of this partisan BS -- it’s time to save lives.
  • Email McConnell and tell him to bring S. 42 to a vote
  • Tweet at McConnell to demand #BackgroundChecksNow

• We’re training local chapters to lead in their communities: 300 young activists from across the country joined us in Houston for the first annual March For Our Lives summit, OurPower. We focused on harnessing our power through organizing, legislative advocacy, and the power of sharing our stories to drive change. Young people are changing the game on this issue and we will win.
  • Donate $15 to support our youth organizing around the country

The last few days have been really tough. But it’s going to get worse unless we do something. Please take action. Speak up. Your voice is your power. We can do this. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow. But if we keep at it, we will end this epidemic. 

In solidarity,
David Hogg
March For Our Lives