I remember exactly where I was on December 14th, 2012. I was at the gym in my hometown of New London, CT.
When the story broke, I felt panicked. Before sharing the name of the school, the text at the bottom of the screen said, “Shooting at Connecticut School,” or some similarly vague headline. I didn’t have a smart phone (I was a late accepter of modern technology) so I couldn’t look up any information about the shooting.
I was frantic. I got off of my machine. I felt like I couldn’t breathe.
My mom was (and is) and elementary school teacher in Connecticut. Worry for her overwhelmed me. Professionally, I worked as a contractor for after school programming and had connections with schools throughout the state.
In those few seconds before they announced the name of the school, I was absolutely terrified.
When I saw that it was a school where I did not, to my knowledge, have any contact, I felt a mix of relief and horror. I felt guilty for thinking of myself and my direct community first; even though that is a basic and understandable response to traumatizing experiences. But once I got past that initial fear for my own community, a larger sorrow welled up. Connecticut is a small place. These were my community members, even if I had not met them. People were grieving their children and loved ones, families were living in terror as they tried to find out who had or had not been hurt. This was a horrific experience for so many people, and it impacted millions of people across the country and the world.
Every year, the painful memory of that day returns, and I feel ill. Moreover, these school shootings KEEP HAPPENING and I feel overwhelmed with despair and anger every time I hear about them.
The primary way that I cope with my anger, loss, fear, and sense of powerlessness is by following the lead of an organization called Sandy Hook Promise.
Sandy Hook Promise’s mission is “Protecting America’s children from gun violence in honor of the precious lives that were lost at Sandy Hook Elementary School.” You may have heard of them as a result of their viral PSA “Back to School Essentials.” In case you have not heard of them, I am introducing you to them now.
“Sandy Hook Promise is a national nonprofit organization founded and led by several family members whose loved ones were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. Based in Newtown, Connecticut, our intent is to honor all victims of gun violence by turning our tragedy into a moment of transformation. By empowering youth to “know the signs” and uniting all people who value the protection of children, we can take meaningful actions in schools, homes, and communities to prevent gun violence and stop the tragic loss of life.” — SandyHookPromise.org
Whenever I hear news of another school shooting, knowing that I give to this org on a monthly basis helps me to feel that I am fighting.
In addition to donating, throughout the year, I also respond to campaigns and calls to action sent by the team. I sign cards for loved ones of those lost to school shootings, I contact my local representatives with the info that Sandy Hook Promise shares, and I read about their educational programming and events so as to be able to refer others. These are all small action steps that have hugely positive effects. Just look at their “Say Something” program, for example.
“Sandy Hook Promise’s no-cost Say Something program teaches middle and high school students to recognize the warning signs of someone at-risk of hurting themselves or others and how to say something to a trusted adult to get help.” — SandyHookPromise.org
If you are concerned about gun violence in our schools, I encourage you to connect with Sandy Hook Promise. Whether or not you are able to donate, you ARE able to act and they can help you learn how. Signing up for text and email notifications for them can help you do your part to prevent gun violence and support those who are directly affected by it.
The stories we hear about gun violence are traumatizing and that trauma can be paralyzing. But there ARE ways that we can act. People are changing our society and they need our support. So please, look into supporting Sandy Hook Promise as you plan your end of year giving and monthly donations for 2022.
Anna Westbrook
AnnaWestbrook.com
IsabelandtheRunawayTrain.org