John,

Like so many across the country, I am sending my kids back to school this week. The excitement is always palpable in our house as my kids look forward to seeing friends and teachers after months and I am always shocked at just how much they’ve grown since the last time we sent them back to school…

But the excitement is always tainted with an undeniable fear that going back to school means the renewed threat of school shootings. 

School shootings have become the norm in the United States. My children are part of the Lockdown Generation – a generation that our lawmakers have created with their empty thoughts and prayers while the NRA and their pocket politicians steamrolling common-sense gun violence prevention legislation at every turn. 

John, I’m sick and tired of sending my kids to school, scared they might not come home. I’m sick of the constant lockdown drills, the constant fear. It’s not the reality that we have to live in – but we must work together to push our lawmakers toward action. As we start another school year, will you join me in calling on Congress to act in the interest of our kids and stop school shootings?

Our kids should not have to live in fear of being gunned down in their schools. Should not be subjected to lockdown drills and metal detectors – bandaids to a systemic issue of gun violence that Congress has still failed to address despite over 390 school shootings since Columbine. But the harsh reality of our country is that gun violence is the number one killer of children and teens and kids will continue to die if we don’t do something.

John, it is long past time for Congress to protect our children from gun violence. They have the power to pass common sense legislation that is proven to save lives – like an assault weapons ban – and we have the power to push them to act.  

Our children deserve to feel safe when they go to school, their curiosity, creativity, and thirst for knowledge should not be stifled by the threat of gun violence. Our kids deserve to grow up, not be gunned down. I’m fighting for a future where fear is not a part of going back to school – are you with me, John? Add your name to Brady’s urgent petition to Congress now and demand they take action to stop school shootings and save lives:

Thank you for taking urgent action today. 

Liz Dunning

Gun Violence Survivor

Chief Development and Engagement Officer