After 17 victims were killed in the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last month, gun control has been a topic of high debate. Many students are taking control by advocating for stricter laws. 

On March 14th, thousands of students around the world participated in the National School Walkout. Students from the Natick Public Schools district participated in this walkout on March 20th. On Saturday, The March For Our Lives took place, with marches in many cities including Washington DC and Boston. Now that these protests are over, many people are questioning, “what’s next?”

Citizens of the United States are not giving up until new gun control laws are implemented. Want to get involved in the protest? Here are 5 ways you can get involved:

1. Administer or Participate in Another School Walkout

April 20th marks the 19th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting. Following the walkout on March 14th, many students across the country are once again planning to walk out in advocacy for a change. Though Natick will be on school vacation during the time, your ideas and participation can help future walkouts. Don’t be afraid to reach out and organize a protest! More information on how to plan a walkout can be found here.

2. Learn More About Current Laws. What do You Want to Change?

Currently, Massachusetts has some of the strictest gun control laws in the country. However, there is still more that can be changed both in Massachusetts and in America as a whole. A hot topic of discussion is a law that allows private sellers to distribute guns without background checks. This law is in effect nationally, and that includes Massachusetts. The law creates a loophole in which it becomes easy for virtually anyone to obtain a gun. Another topic of debate is the idea of banning semi-automatic and automatic rifles nationally. Some are already banned in Massachusetts, but others still pose a risk of use in a shooting. Learn more about state and federal gun control laws on www.mass.gov and www.nraila.org.

3. Contact Massachusetts Congress Representatives

After becoming educated on gun control laws in the United States, you can put your knowledge into action by contacting representatives in the congress to advocate for a change to be made. Every voice makes a difference! Senator Elizabeth Warren can be contacted here, and Senator Edward Markey can be contacted here.

4. If You Can Vote, Do It!

After advocating for new gun control reforms to be passed, new laws still need to be voted on! If citizens get a chance to vote on gun laws, you can help them pass by registering to vote. Once you’re registered, make sure to stay in the loop on when voting takes place!

5. If You See Something, Say Something!

If you encounter any suspicious behavior in the community, make sure to report it! Talk to a trusted adult, fill out the bullying form, or contact the police (depending on the severity). You alone may not be able to change the United States laws, but you can help to protect the Natick community!

There are many ways to get involved in the advocating for gun control laws, whether it be national, state, or community events. Your involvement can help the fight against shootings and gun crimes!