We started Never Again RVA because of a national conversation. What started in Florida with the tragedy at Parkland picked up the baton from activists trying to find ways to stop the slaughter of innocents like Orlando, Sandy Hook, Las Vegas, Columbine…
It becomes painful to list them all. But this groundswell has seen people all over the country engage in the kinds of debate and activism we’ve seen for several years from groups like Moms Demand Action and Everytown for Gun Safety.
On Monday, a group of mothers convened in Denver, Colorado to lobby their elected officials. The Colorado legislature was contemplating two bills. One would allow concealed carry for anyone legally allowed to possess a gun. The other would repeal a bill enacted after the 2012 Aurora shooting that placed limits on high-capacity magazines. Moms Demand Action began spreading the word, and 400 mothers showed up in their state capitol.
It’s happening here.
What we found when we launched this was that a number of folks around our region were having the same thoughts as us, and the same desire for dialog and action. Moms Demand has a Richmond chapter, and we’ll gladly help them spread their message. There’s also a new website called The Solution is Us that asks a simple question: “How can we keep our kids from being shot to death?” You can look on their site for upcoming events and community engagement meetings. We’ll try to share them on our calendar as well.
All of these groups are sharing the load to organize, promote, and invite their friends, neighbors, and fellow Virginians in actions that will show our collective resolve, and bring awareness and common sense debate to the table.
On Friday, April 20th at 10 AM, students across Central Virginia are invited to join their peers across the country in the Virginia National School Walkout Protest. This is the 19th anniversary of the Columbine tragedy, and serves as a sign that our future leaders are tired of being ignored. On that day at 1:00, there will be a rally in Richmond to make sure our elected officials know that we’re here and won’t remain silent any longer. This event was organized by a student.
Coming sooner, on March 24th, is the March for Our Lives. This event will bring thousands to Washington, DC to call for gun safety. Over 400 “Sibling Marches” have been planned in all 50 States.
Follow us. Follow other groups like us. Find an event near you. Your voice is not a lonely one.