Get out and vote. If you can't vote, then register other people to vote. Get people to the polls; make sure that people who need to vote can vote.
Interpretation
Participating in the electoral process is crucial, and encouraging others to do the same boosts democracy.
Emma Gonzalez emphasizes the importance of civic engagement through voting. Her quote highlights that not only should individuals make their voices heard by voting, but they should also support and assist others in the voting process to ensure broader participation, which is vital for a healthy democracy.
In practice
Inspiring high school students during a civic engagement workshop.
What matters is that the majority of American people have become complacent in a senseless injustice that occurs all around them. What matters is that most American politicians have become more easily swayed by money than by the people who voted them into office.
Mental illness and gun violence are not directly correlated, but when the two go hand in hand, Americans - often children - lose their lives.
If I'm able to communicate one thing to adults, it would be this: it should not be easier to purchase a gun than it is to obtain a driver's license, and military-grade weapons should not be accessible in civilian settings.
In a little over six minutes, 17 of our friends were taken from us. Fifteen were injured. And everyone - absolutely everyone - in the Douglas Community was forever altered.
You might not be a big fan of politics, but you can still participate. All you need to do is vote for people you believe will work on these issues, and if they don't work the way they should, then it is your responsibility to call them, organize a town hall, and demand that they show up - hold them accountable.
If you want to help arm the schools, arm them with school supplies, books, therapists - things they actually need and can make use of.
Fear is not the natural state of civilized people.
I always felt that whatever I had to endure was nothing compared to what the average soldier, sailor or airman had to put up with.
The strength to kill is not essential for self-defence; one ought to have the strength to die.
There have been times when I have deliberately tried to take my life... I think I must have been crying for some attention.
In my dreams I hear again the crash of guns, the rattle of musketry, the strange, mournful mutter of the battlefield.
This is a great country and requires a good deal of all of us, so I can imagine nothing more important than for all of you to continue to work in public affairs and be interested in them, not only to bring up a family, but also give part of your time to your community, your state, and your country.
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