This weekend, over the course of less than 24 hours, two mass shootings occurred in America — leaving at least 29 dead and 53 injured and much of America mourning what was yet another tragic weekend for our country.
On Saturday morning, a gunman opened fire in a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, leaving 22 dead (as of Monday morning) and 24 injured. Police said the alleged gunman had purchased his weapon legally.
Less than an hour before the shooting at Walmart, he allegedly posted a 2,300 word hate-filled manifesto. It began by praising the gunman who killed 51 people at a mosque in New Zealand earlier this year and included, “This attack is a response to the Hispanic invasion of Texas.”
Hours later in Dayton, Ohio, another gunman opened fire and killed nine people and injured 27 more in less than one minute. The alleged shooter used an assault-style rifle that was legally purchased — his 22-year-old sister was among the victims.
This isn’t an issue of us versus them or liberal versus conservative; this is something that affects every single person in this country, regardless of ideology. The victims are not exclusively Democrats or people who support stricter gun laws — owning a gun won’t make someone immune to being in the wrong place at the wrong time the next time this inevitably happens.
This morning, I overheard a woman sitting next to me on the train on my morning commute. “Living in 2019 is exhausting,” she said to the receiving end of her phone call. I believe that this is how many of us feel: completely and utterly exhausted. The series of events leaves many of us wondering, “What now?”
If you are looking for actions to take to help prevent more unnecessary deaths by mass shootings, these are steps you can take:
1. El Paso Victim’s Fund
The El Paso Community Foundation is accepting funds to help the victim’s families — they are waiving the administrative and credit card fees for every donation.
2. The Dayton Foundation
The Dayton Foundation is accepting funds to donate to those affected by the Dayton shooting.
3. Moms Demand Action
Moms Demand Action is a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence. Their website provides assistance for multiple methods of action.
4. Public Good Campaign
This campaign supports families of the victims of both tragedies with donations. You can also support the campaign by sharing it on your social media.
5. Everytown for Gun Safety
Everytown is a movement of Americans working together to end gun violence and build safer communities. They provide multiple ways to act on their website — including where to donate and six other places you can take action.
6. Support the Violence Policy Center
The Violence Policy Center educates the public about gun violence and advocates for solutions. You can support them with a donation, or read their list of things you can do to help stop gun violence now.
Call your representatives
Although this is commonly the response to tragedies, it is still an effective way to have your voice heard — among the most impactful things you can do is call your members of Congress. Dial (202)-224-3121.
The post Take Action With Mass Shootings: 6 Things to Do Besides Just Calling Congressman appeared first on The Everygirl.