Dec. 14 marked the sixth anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. Since that day, we have seen an ever-increasing rise in incidents of gun violence at schools and mass shootings in this nation.

As we reflect this holiday season, let us honor all victims of gun violence by turning tragedy into transformation. There are many seemingly simple — yet incredibly powerful — things we can do today to prevent gun violence, including advocating for sensible gun safety laws and access to programs in our schools and communities that help us identify the signs and signals before a shooting might happen and intervene to get help for at-risk individuals.

More and more people are uniting to bring the change we need. The phones in Congress are ringing off the hook with calls for “common-sense” gun reform, peaceful rallies are growing in cities across the country, and families and friends are gathering together in their own living rooms to talk about bringing violence-prevention programs to their schools.

The movement is growing, and we must keep the momentum. To keep this hope alive and bring the change we need, I am asking everyone to take three simple actions today. First, call your member of Congress and ask that he or she support gun violence prevention legislation to keep guns out of dangerous hands. Secondly, “Know the Signs” to prevent gun violence at sandyhookpromise.org. And thirdly, “Make the Promise” at www.sandyhookpromise.org/promise and truly honor victims by turning tragedy into transformation.

Sincerely,

SHPF Team & Promise Leader

Sean Weierbach

Nesquehoning