I went to the March For Our Lives in Greensboro, or, as I like to call it, Umbrellas for Gun Control.
It was great seeing people out on the streets in support of an important issue, but it will be even better when big sweeping changes are actually made. Here are 7 steps you can take to make a difference.
1. Watch this Last Week Tonight episode on the NRA
This video provides great background on how the NRA has affected gun control and gun laws. It came out right after the Orlando shootings, but could easily have come out yesterday. It provides insight into just how deep the NRA's effect runs. Let this fuel your passion when you feel it start to wane. This sign I saw yesterday really said it all.
2. Call your congressman
It really doesn't take much time. Go to this website to find out who represents you in congress. Then email them, call them, mail them, snapchat them, facebook them, tweet them, insta them, "omg Thom Tillis haha NO MORE ASSAULT RIFLES!"
3. Get edu-ma-cated
It is tempting to think that others have all of the answers, but they really don't. There is no clear solution on gun control, just like there is no clear solution on so many other issues. We are much better at making informed decisions though when we are actually informed.
It is also much easier to hold our representatives accountable when we have a clear idea of what we want. I might shout for gun control, but that comes in so many different shapes in sizes that if I don't have a clear idea of what it is that I am pulling for then it is a lot easier to get bamboozled. I like NPR. It's good for knowledge.
4. Figure out what you believe
It's so easy to fall into the trap of just saying who we are against. "I'm against Donald Trump," or, the Republicans, or the Democrats. I know I have fallen into that trap recently, finding myself opposed to things in the news just because of who was saying them - not critically evaluating the merit of what was being said, regardless of who is saying it.
The issues in our country extend beyond gun control, and if we don't know what we believe in politically, economically, socially, etc. then how will we ever stand up for it when the issue comes along? I say I'm Democrat, but what does that even mean? I had to take this quiz the other day just to figure out where it is that I stand.
I want the government to support the poor and help the disadvantaged. I also don't want a higher deficit. Where is the middle ground? What issue is most important? What is it that I and you believe? Not what the party we are registered for believes. Not our parents. Us.
5. Register to vote
Not registered to vote? Register to vote. Make your vote a statement of what you believe in this year and in every year after that.
6. Help other people register to vote
Organize a voter registration drive.
