Pledging Against Guns

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SIGNS OF HOPE: PLEDGING AGAINST GUNS, PLEDGING FOR HISTORY
by Bernice Powell Jackson

Every now and then I like to write about the positive things that are happening in this world as people take on issues of justice. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by it all in this world, but there is something that each of us can do. Here are two stories of justice seekers at work.

Student Pledge Against Gun Violence

It’s really quite simple. A short pledge, signed by young people across the country:

I will never bring a gun to school; I will never use a gun to settle a dispute; I will use my influence with my friends to keep them from using guns to settle disputes. My individual choices and actions, when multiplied by those of young people throughout the country, will make a difference. Together by honoring this pledge, we can reverse the violence and grow up in safety.

Last year more than a million students signed this pledge. This year they’re hoping to double that number. There’s even a simpler one for elementary school students. Many schools are sponsoring a national day of concern about young people and guns on October 21 and churches, mosques, synagogues and community organizations can help. You can talk with young people about guns and you can encourage them to sign the pledge and then honor it. Ask your library to focus on it, your local radio station and newspaper to publicize it, your PTA and civic groups to talk about it. Let’s have no more Littletons, no more Jonesboros, no more Pearl, MS or Springfield, Oregons. Let’s have no more children killed in accidental shootings at home. This is one way you can help save a child. (For more information call (507) 645-5378 or fax (507) 663-1207 or e-mail migrow@microassist.com.)