When I started blogging, I grouped my posts in several categories. One category is called “On Speaking Up”. I guess it’s just my nature to be an outspoken advocate for what I believe is right. Some might frown on that, but I am proud of it.

Like many in my generation, we protested the Vietnam War, we marched for women’s rights and gay rights, and yes even worked to impeach a president. But we didn’t worry about mass shooters in our schools.

In 1988, when my own children were in grade school, there was a school shooting in a Chicago suburb several miles away. One child was killed, and 5 children were wounded. It shook the larger community.

Fast forward 30 years. Mass shootings in schools, churches, theaters and other public spaces have become so common we don’t hear about them all. But we can’t let this become the new normal.

We are witnessing an accelerating movement of students telling our government at all levels that something must be done to protect them from gun violence in their schools.  Fueled by their anger and social media savvy, they are taking a very personal fight for their own lives to the streets, to the White House, to the Capitol, and to the media.

You can’t escape their presence. Nor should you want to. Yes, it’s hard to watch the raw stories being shared by parents, siblings, and friends of those who have been killed. But it is nothing compared to the anguish those families feel every single day. So, we must watch. We must pay attention. And we must support them.

Parents everywhere are faced with difficult conversations as their own kids watch what is happening nationally, process their own fears, and decide to participate in walkouts. To those parents, I say support your children if they choose to be active and be by their side.

Teachers choose their profession because they want to teach and inspire young people. Because their greatest reward is watching children learn and explore as they grow up to become smart, strong and caring adults. Teachers don’t want to learn how to carry and fire a concealed weapon in the face of someone with an assault weapon intent on mass murder in their school.

Two inspirational quotes have great significance these days:

We must become the change we wish to see in the world. – Mahatma Gandhi

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. – Margaret Mead

The messages I’m hearing from the Parkland students are strong and confident – “You messed with the wrong people” and “If the adults can’t fix it, we will”. I am optimistic the gun control issue will finally get the attention it deserves, and we will get the changes we all need for our safety and security.

Legislators should take note of the number of new 18-year-old voters in the mid-term elections. A new organization, 2018 New Voters, says there will be 7 million new voters in 2018. Their mission is inspiring:

We are the youth of America.  We did not have a say in the 2016 election, but we will in 2018.  We unite to safeguard our future, champion transparency, and have our voices be heard.  

We will observe our Senators and Representatives.  We will not vote for those who blindly put party above country.  We will vote for those who speak for us and our future — those who advocate for the wellbeing of the planet, fight for equality, and hold the government to the American ideals.

Members of Congress, in 2018 there will be 7 million new voters.  We will vote.

And we will be watching.

Voter registration efforts are critical to ensure these young people get out and vote. Every parent of a 17 or 18-year-old should give their child the help they need to register to vote as a birthday present.

There is no lack of social justice issues to care about, speak up about and fight for these days. Our students have made gun control front and center for the past week because they want to live. How much more basic a fight for life can there be? Are you with them? I am!