As a former teacher and a mom, I have a recurring nightmare that I'm sure many of you share: a constant, ever-present fear of my children — and any other children — being exposed to or a victim in a school shooting.

It's an ever-present fear because it's an ever-present reality.

And this ever-present reality isn't only happening with school shootings but with gun violence at churches, in grocery stores — in places someone should never have to fear for their life.

We need more than moments of silence and trite words of condolence — we must speak up for real change. We need to feel more than outrage — we must take action. We need to do more than mourn the loss of life — we must fight to preserve life.

In this episode, we will talk about:

• How gun safety saves lives.
• Where you can go to stay up-to-date on current gun safety legislation.
• What real change we can make in our communities and that we can encourage our lawmakers to adopt.

I hope you'll join me in doing more than just holding your little ones close when these tragedies happen — hold them close then go out and fight to make the world safer for them.

Articles, Studies & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

Akilah Hughes Twitter

Clint Smith Twitter

"Guns Became the Leading Cause of Death for American Children & Teens in 2020," Time

"Gun Safety Policies Save Lives," Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund

"Background Checks on All Gun Sales," Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund

"Extreme Risk Laws," Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund

"Secure Gun Storage," Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund

"Repeal Stand Your Ground Laws," Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund

"Stop Permitless Carry," Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund

"Gun Violence Prevention," National Education Association

Song Credit: "Sleeper" by Steve Adams" and "Dive Down" by VYEN