I am beyond frustrated, disheartened, and simply exhausted. I reach out to my representatives regularly, yet nothing seems to change. The influence of organizations like the NRA appears to stifle meaningful action. Today, I had a particularly tough conversation with a staffer, and it pushed me to take a more assertive approach.
Starting Monday, I’m adopting a more formidable tone. Here’s what I plan to do: I will introduce myself with my name, location, and contact info, as always. I’ll let them know I’m a second-grade teacher in a town called Maplewood and a mom of three. I’ll share how wonderful it is to live in this community. Then, I will calmly ask what steps they will take to propose, advocate for, and enact legislation aimed at preventing gun violence. How will they work to stop the violence that claims innocent lives?
I’ll also recount what I’ve been doing since the tragic events at Sandy Hook. I’ll explain that I conduct intruder drills with my young students, preparing to shelter them in a bathroom should an active shooter situation arise. I teach them to be quiet, calm, and patient. My primary goal is to ensure these children return safely to their families every day. I use a fan to keep the bathroom comfortable and to muffle any sounds of distress the kids might make during such a terrifying scenario. I keep Tootsie Pops in my emergency bag to help soothe and quiet them, and I include picture books and flashcards with calming imagery and words, as those could be the last things they might see or hear. I stand guard by the door, creating a barrier between these little ones and potential danger.
I’ll explain to them that I also teach my own children to be still and silent during their drills, reinforcing the importance of safety. I hope their educators have robust plans in place for their protection. It’s gut-wrenching to think about needing to protect other children while I cannot be there for my own.
I’ll mention an incident when our school received a shooting threat, prompting a lockdown that lasted three hours. Even though I wasn’t present, the memories haunt me. I’ll share the bittersweet experience of attending a concert with my 8-year-old son, where I received an award. The joy of the moment was overshadowed by the horrific news from Las Vegas, making me realize how close we could have come to tragedy.
If they haven’t hung up by then, I’ll make it clear that I’ve done my part as both a mother and an educator, and it’s time for our elected officials to step up and act. I plan to call back every day, ensuring they understand that I will continue to advocate for our children, just as they must fulfill their duties.
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In summary, as a teacher and a mother, I feel compelled to advocate for gun violence prevention legislation. It’s time for our leaders to listen and act decisively to protect our children.