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Newsletter | March 28, 2000 Hello! For many reasons, not the least of which is the latest school shooting in Flint, Michigan, I wanted to be in touch. We have many reasons to be more ambitious than ever in the year 2000. This year, we hope to extend activities for the Day of National Concern about Young People and Gun Violence to parts of the country that haven't previously taken part and to encourage those millions of students who have already been part of the national pledge drive to reaffirm their commitment. Together, young people can mark the new millennium as the beginning of the end of gun violence. Pledge totals continued to be reported for weeks and even months after last October's Day of National Concern. The latest tally of reported pledges is 2,026,164. Many thanks to those of you who collected pledges and reported the numbers. There is strength and power for young people in knowing that they are among millions who are committed to ending gun violence. Already we've had many requests for this next year's date, which will be October 17, 2000. In the past, we've always put it on a Thursday so the early part of the week can build towards the day. But putting it on a Tuesday this year will keep the date within National Safe Schools Week, and take into account those states whose teachers’ associations meet during the latter part of that week. Please mark your calendars now! Other news: Leadership Magazine, the wonderful publication of the National Association of Student Councils, features the Student Pledge as its cover story in the February issue. There are some very nice photos, so take a look at it if you have a chance. The story highlights student-led efforts in various places around the country during this last year's pledge drive. I will be out of the country for most of the spring. My husband is directing a term-long political economy seminar in China for thirty-five college students, so he and I will be out of the country for the next three months, and we are leaving on March 7. But Zach Pruitt will be here, answering requests for materials and information, so please direct your inquiries and your news updates to him. He can be reached at this e-mail address or via telephone at the same number. And our Chinese university promises us that they are now wired for internet access, so I expect to be in regular contact with Zach via e-mail. Keep up the wonderful work that you are doing to reduce gun violence, and best wishes for the coming months of spring! Mary Lewis Grow National Coordinator