Witnessing History and Feeling Hopeful for Future

This is a blog post about young people in New Jersey and all around the USA.  No matter what your stand on guns and the NRA, please keep reading.

I am proud of the young people who are speaking out in an effort to make things safer.  They have the right to go to school, concerts, and movies without fear of getting hurt or killed.  The recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida seems to be the straw that broke the camel's back.  Now the kids are putting their grief and frustration into action.  They're sending messages to lawmakers, school districts, everyone with a social media account, and anyone who will listen to them.  They are communicating and want to be listened to.

I heard and saw several interviews with students who helped organize Saturday's "March For Our Lives" rallies.  During each one, I was impressed by their courage and efforts to try to make things better for young people in our country.  One of the shooting survivors from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School said on stage "Welcome to the Revolution!"

What's going on right now does feel revolutionary.  It's likely to make changes.  At the very least, it's sparking conversations that we need to be having.  We can't keep the status quo of kids being at risk every time they go to school.   What's the best way to make them safer?  I don't think there's an easy answer, but it seems a great time to be talking, listening, and learning.

I feel our future is in good hands if we have a generation of students who are learning how to empower themselves and inspire others.  At the same time, they are developing their communication skills so they can express their feelings and ideas.  And that's something that will serve them well no matter where life takes them.