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

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