Today is National Gun Violence Awareness Day, and organizers across the nation are speaking out for the lives lost and the people impacted by gun violence. I know it can be difficult reading about tragedy after tragedy, but we can’t allow ourselves to become numb. Today is an opportunity to recommit yourself to our fight. Can you chip in?

From wearing orange today to honor victims of gun violence to volunteering for the cause, folks across the nation are taking action. Young people are at the forefront of this movement because we know all too well the cost of inaction. Gun violence affects so many people in so many ways, so in the spirit of awareness, here are some reasons why we fight.

• We fight for Hadiya Pendleton, who was shot and killed in Chicago at 15 years old, and whose friends started the #WearOrange movement in her honor. You can show your support by wearing orange.
• We fight for those impacted by everyday gun violence -- which spikes in the summer months. In some cities, gun violence will increase by 200%. 
• We fight for the 100 lives lost to gun violence every day.
• As schools open up again, students will be traumatized by lockdown drills and murdered by school shooters. We fight for a world where young people can enjoy childhood and their innocence. 
• We fight for every mother, father, brother, sister, and child who has lost a loved one to gun violence.
• We fight for all victims of police violence, and we call for investments in our communities over surveillance. 

This fight is long, and we can’t do it without your support. While today is Gun Violence Awareness Day, we hope your attention stays with us long after the day ends; that you’re committed until no one dies from any form of gun violence in this country.

Let's keep up the work, 

Matthew Hogenmiller
Digital Manager
March For Our Lives