Survivors of the February shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School have announced their next push to end gun violence: a cross-country voter drive.
Beginning June 15th, 20 students will work in teams on the March For Our Lives' “Road to Change” tour. They'll visit every congressional district in Florida and several states, including Iowa, California, Texas, South Carolina and Connecticut. The tour will make a total of 75 stops across the country, paid for by donations.
Students made the announcement at an event Monday at the City of Parkland Amphitheater.
What’s next for #MSD #MarchForOurLives? A 2-month, cross country voter drive & discussions on civic responsibility & #GunViolence. #RoadtoChange launches June 15. @WLRN #MSDStrong #parkland #florida #sofla #broward #neveragain pic.twitter.com/X8UlHKjZMP— Peter Haden (@HadenMedia) June 4, 2018
Stoneman Douglas student Cameron Kasky says marching is good, but the real change comes from voting.
“We are encouraging people around the country to educate themselves on their vote, to turn voting into more of an act of patriotism than a chore,” Kasky said.
Activists will work with local grassroots organizations across the country to register people to vote.
David Hogg, who graduated over the weekend, will be on the tour. He said they’ll also be organizing community talks about gun violence and civic responsibility.
“Speaking with gun owners, NRA supporters, and everyday Americans about how these issues affect them,” Hogg said.
MSD student Jaclyn Corin said the face-to-face communication is key.
She also said the group will not endorse individual candidates.
“We’re just trying to save lives here,” said Corin. “And the only way we can do that is to vote-in morally just leaders that will help us in our mission.”
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