Where can I participate in the 2018 National School Walkout?

The latest tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida has inspired a wave of social consciousness dedicated to passing desperately needed gun reform. This past Friday, February 16th, Florida teens protested gun violence by staging a walkout atSouth Broward High School. On Saturday, February 17th, the community came together for a rally and students, like survivor Emma Gonzales, gave impassioned speeches demanding gun reform. And now, the protest is entering the national stage. The organizers behind the Women’s March are planning a national school walkout for Wednesday, March 14th. So, you might be wondering: Where can I participate in the 2018 national school walkout?

Good question. The short answer? Everywhere. The Women’s March Youth EMPOWER urges communities all across the U.S. to participate in the walkout. For 17 minutes — a number meant to honor the 17 individuals who lost their lives in the Parkland shooting — protesters will gather to demand action.

“We are not safe at school. We are not safe in our cities and towns,” the organization wrote in a Facebook event. “Congress must take meaningful action to keep us safe and pass federal gun reform legislation that address the public health crisis of gun violence. We want Congress to pay attention and take note: many of us will vote this November and many others will join in 2020.”

So, back to the question: Where can I participate in the 2018 national school walkout?

Here’s the longer answer. If you want to show your support for this crucial protest, there are plenty of opportunities for you to join. Type in your ZIP code on the Action Network event page and you can find planned gatherings in your area. With the help of Women’s March organizers, you can also host your own event and offer an opportunity for others to join.

This tragedy impacts children of all ages, but some schools may be less willing to participate in a walkout. If a walkout is not an option, you can still encourage a primary school in your area to hold an assembly about gun violence to educate students and answer questions.

Survivors of the Florida shooting are also planning the March For Our Lives, a national march against gun violence.

Set for March 24, 2018, the national demonstration will call for lawmakers to back much-needed legislation and take action.

Regardless of how you choose to show your support for gun control, we can’t let this go. No child should be afraid to pursue their education. No parent should fear never seeing their child again when they send them off to school. Enough is enough.