Day of National Concern and Student Pledge Against Gun Violence

October 23, 2003

On October 23, the eighth annual Day of National Concern about Young People and Gun Violence, millions of students from around the country will join together in pledging to do their part to end gun violence. From Honolulu to New York City, young people will be signing a voluntary pledge: "I will never carry a gun to school; I will never use a gun to settle a personal problem or dispute; and I will use my influence with my friends to keep them from using guns to settle disputes." Last year more than 3 million students signed the Pledge.

Since the first Day of National Concern in 1996, more than 7 million American young people have participated in the national youth anti-gun-violence campaign. The signing of the Pledge is the cornerstone of a day, often weeks in the planning, that may include school assemblies, speakers, rallies, essay and poetry contests, displays of art work publicizing the toll of gun violence, and the beginning of many conversations about gun violence between students and adults.

Linking students around the country in one observance is important, organizers believe. This year, in the face of the senseless deaths and accompanying fear caused by an anonymous sniper, it may be more important than ever for young people to make an affirmation of their ability, individually and collectively, to be a powerful force for change.

Since 1995, youth gun homicides have dropped more than 35%, a drop that the National Center for Health Statistics attributes, at least in part, to "heightened awareness."

The Student Pledge Against Gun Violence web site, www.pledge.org, includes suggested activities, references to appropriate resources, and curriculum ideas. Questions can be directed to (507) 645-5378 or [an error occurred while processing this directive].