"Not all tragedies can be prevented," said Mary Lewis Grow, national coordinator, Student Pledge Against Gun Violence. "But it's important for young people to know the power that they do have - both singly and collectively -- to reduce gun violence."

October 21 1999, will be the fourth annual Day of National Concern about Young People and Gun Violence. On that day, young people from coast to coast will sign a voluntary contract or promise: that they will never carry a gun to school, will never resolve a dispute with a gun, and will work to keep their friends from settling arguments with guns. Knowing that literally millions of other young people around the country are making a common promise at the same time will help young people understand the power of one, multiplied. If they take the Pledge - and mean it - others will too.

Grow said, "The months leading up to October's Day of National Concern provide an opportunity to send a message that is essential if we are to reverse the tide of violence in this country: that violence is neither inevitable nor an abstract force against which we are powerless. Violence is, rather, the sum total of individual decisions, and reversing the violence will occur individual decision by individual decision."

The Day of Concern can provide a unifying national focal point for dialogue and community involvement in reducing gun violence, especially if schools, faith communities, and other institutions build towards the observance with appropriate activities and discussion.

The Day of National Concern about Young People and Gun Violence was called for by unanimous Senate Resolution and Presidential Proclamation in 1996, 1997, and 1998. Last year, more than 1,000,000 students participated in pledge drives and signed the Student Pledge Against Gun Violence.

For more information on how to involve your school or community, contact us.