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For the Kids: Moms Demand Action
For the kids...
Moms Demand Action
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“Gun violence is the number one cause of death for Kansans under the age of 18,” Lene Brooke, the Legislative Lead for the Douglas County group of Moms Demand Action, explains with a stoic expression. “We are better than that and we have a moral obligation to do something about it.”
Moms Demand Action is a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence. The group works to pass stronger gun laws and close the loopholes that jeopardize the safety of American families. Volunteers work in communities and with business leaders to encourage a culture of responsible gun ownership. Moms Demand Action beliefs gun violence is preventable, and is committed to doing what it takes to keep families safe.
The national organization was formed in the wake of the Sandy Hook school shooting by Shannon Watts. Originally a Facebook group, Moms Demand Action has grown into a cultural and political force, with chapters in every state of the country and Washington, D.C. Along with Mayors Against Illegal Guns, Students Demand Action and the Everytown Survivor Network, it is part of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country with nearly 6 million supporters and more than 350,000 donors.
“Let’s just get something out of the way,” Leslie Milton, Co-Local Lead, says with a laugh. “We’re not here to get everyone’s guns and outlaw gun ownership. We want common-sense gun laws that can help reduce the growing rate of gun violence in our communities.”
Brooke and Milton, both mothers, are charming and charismatic. They emphasize their points with bright smiles and genuine laughter. They certainly don’t appear to be a very powerful force.
“Well, we’re a persistent bunch,” Brooke says. “I mean, we’re moms. We know what it’s like to have to repeat ourselves over and over until someone listens.”
The Lawrence chapter organizes phone trees and writing campaigns to inform and influence local elected officials. Prior to all elections, the group questions candidates and ultimately supports whom they feel will work with them toward common-sense gun legislation.
“We were thrilled to help elect Governor Kelly,” Brooke says. “She has been a very strong advocate of our work and we hope to make strong progress during her tenure.”
Milton explains that, though they face challenges in traditionally conservative Kansas, the group’s numbers continue to grow. The Lawrence group counts nearly 50 regulars at meetings and but several hundred residents of Douglas County as supporters.
“We have chapters in 12 Kansas communities, including a few new chapters in western Kansas,” she says. “That’s really exciting. We’re in this fight for the long term and we know that more than 85% of Americans support common-sense gun legislation. We’re dedicated to saving lives and making our communities safer.”
For more information on how you can support, or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, please check out their website: https://momsdemandaction.org LK
The Helpers
When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ - Fred Rogers
Things can seem scary. While most of us are staying home and hoping for a quick end to social distancing, some Lawrencians are rolling up their sleeves and doing everything they can to help our community get through these uncertain times.
Even before the State of Kansas closed schools for the remainder of the academic year, Meg Heriford, owner of Ladybird Diner knew she had to act.
“As soon as it was announced that Spring Break was extended for a week, I knew a lot of kids were going to be hungry, not to mention many vulnerable people of Lawrence,” the mother of 4 explains. “We didn’t hesitate for a moment and got to work immediately figuring out how we can help.”
To help, Meg provides free sack lunches to anyone that wants one - no questions asked. What started as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches has evolved into mushroom soup, fresh baked loafs of bread and cookies. Every day, Monday through Friday, from 11am to noon, Meg opens the front door to Ladybird and hands out sack lunches to any who ask. In addition to the meals, Meg has expanded the offerings to include a makeshift food pantry.
“We’re going to do whatever we can, for as long as we can, to help this community.”
