Dear supporters,

COVID-19 has disrupted nearly every facet of American life – including our schools. Staff and students have turned to digital tools to facilitate remote learning. Many states have already canceled in-person schooling for the remainder of the academic year.

We, like many other organizations and businesses, are shifting our plans in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. However, we are continuing to make your voice heard in all levels of government on the need to secure our nation’s schools, improve mental health screening and support programs, and ensure responsible firearms ownership.

Today is #GivingTuesdayNow, a new global day of giving and unity developed as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.

Students and staff might be away from the classroom, but their safety and security are no less important and they deserve our support during this difficult time. If you are able, please consider contributing to Stand with Parkland today to support our work as we advocate for practical public safety reforms that ensure every child’s right to attend school free of fear.

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We launched our Resources hub to ensure everyone has access to online materials to help communities navigate the triad of school safety and address it in a real and impactful way despite the remote nature of work these days.

• Mental health screening and support programs have and will continue to be one of our pillars of change and the public health crisis we are all going through may exacerbate feelings of loneliness. The Columbia Protocol is a valuable tool to increase your awareness of suicide risk and how you can help prevent it. This period of social distancing can be hard. If you are struggling, please reach out for help to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
   
• Many children and teenagers are using virtual learning programs and spending more time online these days. Parents should be familiar with the platforms and technologies their kids are using. Stand with Parkland recommends Safer Schools Together's Parent's Guide to Raising Digitally Responsible Youth to all parents looking to learn more about online spaces.
   
• With school buildings now vacant, administrators should explore campus security updates and enhancements ahead of the fall semester. We encourage everyone to visit SchoolSafety.gov – developed by the Trump administration in consultation with Stand with Parkland – and use the “Safety Readiness Tool” to see what your community’s schools can put into place.
   
• Please exercise responsible firearms ownership. Whether a firearm has been in your family for generations or was newly acquired, be sure to educate yourself and your entire family on firearm safety. Please take the time to make certain your firearms are safely stored where they are not likely to be stolen and where your children cannot access them. This is especially important as our nation’s schools remain closed, keeping students at home, while parents return to work as many states begin to reopen for business.

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Our mission continues online today, but we are already looking ahead to the fall when students will return to classrooms after months away from teachers and friends. It will be a difficult transition for many, and we are getting to work now, encouraging administrators, lawmakers, and community stakeholders to prepare our campuses and ensure students have the resources they need when they return.

With your help, we will build consensus in our communities and across our country regarding the changes we can make today to protect our kids and teachers in schools. Your donations allow us to amplify your voice, that of compromise and pragmatism, as we focus on these vital issues and the concerns of America’s families.

Will you support our mission to make America’s schools safer and give to Stand with Parkland today, in honor of Giving Tuesday Now?

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Thank for you for your support,

-- Stand with Parkland

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