While I was preparing to testify, I thought a lot about the new school year. Over the past couple weeks, students across the country, from pre-schoolers to graduate students, went back to school. I couldn't stop thinking about how unsafe all those students are going to be because both the Senate, and Mitch McConnell, have refused to take action to protect our schools.

Because of this political inaction, parents are buying their kids bulletproof backpacks. New schools are being built with curved walls and nooks to hide during a shooting. Students and teachers spent their summer writing their wills in case they're killed in a school shooting. And it's not without reason. On average, 21 kids and teens are shot everyday in the United States. Generation Lockdown has been taught from an early age to run, hide, fight. 

But, despite all the terrible in the world, I do, actually, have hope. 

I'm hopeful because of the Peace Plan, our bold and comprehensive plan to end gun violence. And all the student activists from around the country who came together for our first annual summit and are organizing their communities. Not to mention the fact that after people around the country spoke out, Walmart stopped selling handguns and ammunition for military-style weapons, leading dozens of other companies to take action as well. 

Our schools, shopping malls, neighborhoods, and communities are still not free from the gun violence epidemic. But we are moving in the right direction, thanks to the work being done by activists around the country. Thanks to YOU. 

If we continue to work together, we will make our schools ⁠— and our country ⁠— safe again.

Thank you,
Ariel Hobbs
Board Member, March For Our Lives