The Day of National Concern and Student Pledge Against Gun Violence

October 20, 2004

On October 20, the ninth 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.”  A different pledge is used for elementary-aged children. 

Since the first Day of National Concern in 1996, more than 10 million 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 common observance is important, organizers believe, as a means of suggesting the power that young people have, both individually and collectively, to be a force for change.  The observance suggests the power of one, multiplied. 

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 mlgrow@pledge.org.