Young People Are Sending Congress "Broken Hearts" V-Day Cards to Protest Gun Violence

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One year ago, 17 lives were taken in Parkland, Florida in a senseless shooting. Student activists responded with a nationwide movement to end gun violence. On February 14, we honor the lives lost, celebrate the progress we’ve made, and gear up for the work ahead to make our communities safe.

To commemorate the one-year anniversary of Parkland, which happens to be Valentine's Day, DoSomething members sent "broken hearts" cards to Congress to share their feelings and demand legislation to prevent gun violence. These are some of their cards.

1. Amanda, 20

"I know kids who have personally been affected by the Sandy Hook shooting as well as from the Stoneman Douglas shooting and can see how their lives have been forever changed. I was also greatly affected by the shooting in October at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh because, although I live in New Jersey now, I am originally from Pennsylvania and it hit close to home being Jewish and from PA. It could have easily been me and my family attending a normal Saturday service at Synagogue."

2. Danielle, 17

"So many mass shootings have happened during my lifetime, and this has instilled a fear within me. Not only for my friends and my generation, but for my children and grandchildren. We need to stand up, and take action for a change as a society."

3. Leah, 17

"Gun violence affects me as a teenager because of the immense shootings that have occurred in schools. I don't want to be scared every day. I don't want to have to worry about my future being halted or my friend's futures being halted. I don't want to have to worry about something as simple as gun violence."

4. Jensen, 17

"As a student and future teacher my safety, my friends and future students' safety is a huge concern and worry of mine."

5. Brooke, 25

"Everyday we go to school we are in danger of being massacred. Gun violence like any crime is unavoidable but still containable. Knowledge is power, with everything in me I stand by that. Education on firearms, gun violence, the pros and cons on owning a gun, and why it is vital for the student body to know, retain, and implement gun safety facts and courses."

6. Rubi, 18

"This campaign is very important for me, because as a student, I am aware of gun violence in school. It worries me that the people I love no longer is there, because of something they didn't commit. It also saddens me because they will not experience marriage or having a family. I believe this campaign is important for me, because I believe every student has the right to live."