We strive to empower people with education and the tools of civic engagement. Our goal is to support evidence based firearm policy. Since 2014, Nebraskans working together have stopped all firearm deregulation in Nebraska. We have kept our focus on cultural change, partnerships, and a grassroots civic engagement model.
There are 3 things we’re asking you today to support education and policy change in Nebraska:
Poem by Dr Arden Eli Hill
The Blessing of the Backpacks for Wendy A. Gaudin
When I was young,
it was animals.
The cathedral’s arches
echoed like Noah’s ark
though more domestic.
Calicos not lions.
Poodles instead
of a pair of wolves.
They were multitude,
our pets. They lined aisles
on laps, in carriers,
swimming small circles
in jars beneath the pews.
The priest raised his hands
and blessed those pets
the ones he said had no souls.
Jenny LaFleur’s mother died,
and a nun told her she’d become
the brightest of angels.
The priest interjected
clarifying human beings
and angelic beings
are not the same.
But surely, she was in heaven?
Less certain, the miscarriages
Tommy Domaingue’s mother had.
Those babies at conception.
Those unbaptized souls.
This Sunday, I attend another church.
Blessing backpacks is all the rage.
No one expects a soul to be contained in one
or expects too much from fabric
that can’t stop a bullet from
making shrapnel out of children’s
Lisa Frank binders.
Bless the backpacks and curse
gun control. Offer thoughts and prayers
but hide your wallet. Hire officers
to patrol the school.
Bless the badge
and bring men of God
into the classrooms
of our public schools
so someone can force last rites
on anyone, even the Jews,
even the atheist queer kids
who, despite being bullied,
are never the ones
bringing their blessed
guns to school.
Suicide # 988
More than 50% of Nebraskans that die by suicide, used a firearm. If you or someone you love is at risk, immediately remove firearms from the home.
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that a gun-free home is safest, but if any guns are in a home with minors they must be locked securely for children’s safety.
Nebraska Data: Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence
Domestic Violence Help 1-800-799-7233
If you are a victim and your abuser has a gun or you feel unsafe for other reasons, it is important to work with a victim advocate. The hotline listed above can connect you with an advocate free of charge.
Additional Resources - DisarmDV