John,

This. Isn’t. Normal. No other country has to live this way.

But, in the United States, we are witnessing another devastating massacre – this time in Uvalde, TX, at an elementary school where 18 children and two adults were shot and killed. We are holding our kids and grandkids a little closer tonight. I have a pit in my stomach that this is the nation that my kids, all of our kids, have to grow up in. One where they have to worry if they are next, when they go to school.

This tragedy is horrifying, enraging, but not surprising. Not anymore.

This is the norm in our country, and it’s the only country of its kind. Where a school is not a safe place, but one where our children practice school shooter drills because they are at constant threat of gun violence. 

This is our country: Elementary school children have once again been massacred because we refuse to address the nation’s gun violence epidemic. Congress’s inaction remains as constant as the tragedies we witness.

Our country is in mourning agains and families, forever changed, are overwhelmed with grief. It’s grief like mine and like anyone’s who has lost a loved one to gun violence. This cycle will continue in our country unless we take bold, lifesaving action once and for all.

So, I remain steadfast in this fight while making space for grief. Because I know a better country is possible, but only if all of us fiercely support this work and each other.

Thank you for continuing to fight, even when it’s hardest. We won't stop until our children are finally safe. 

Yours, 

Liz Dunning

Gun Violence Survivor

Vice President, Development