FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 20th, has been designated by the Network for Public Education (NPE) and other school advocacy groups as a National Day of Action to Prevent Gun Violence in Schools.
Ciné is hosting a discussion with a diverse panel of teens on that date to address how to make Athens safer for everyone, everywhere. The event will take place at 5 PM in Ciné’s community room (234 W. Hancock Avenue) in downtown Athens. The event, which is free and open to the public, is a joint collaboration of NPE, Ciné, ULead, and the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement.
Teens will share stories of their recent experiences protesting gun violence or learning about peace. Some of the panelists traveled to Washington, D.C., for the March for Our Lives with the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement. Others, part of the group ULead, attended an annual gathering called Peace Jam. Teens from Cedar Shoals and Clarke Central will also share reflections on activism and leadership.
The Network for Public Education is just one of many national and local groups commemorating the anniversary of the tragic loss of life at Columbine with a day of action. NPE said it is taking part to “make sure that our lawmakers hear that the status quo is unacceptable. Our goal is simple — we want laws and regulations designed to stop gun violence.”
Bertis Downs, a board member of the NPE and a long-time advocate for public education, encourages adults and young people to attend. He said, “Another goal is to foster student development and to hear about what they learned from their recent experiences and how it ties in with what they are learning in school.”
Pam Kohn, Executive Director of Ciné, said of co-sponsoring the event: “Ciné is so proud of these teens and organizations helping to lead the way as we work together to make our community safer for everyone.”
Free popcorn and soft drinks will be served in the community room while supplies last. Attendees can also register to vote.
People are encouraged to wear orange that day to show support for gun control.
For more information about the National Day of Action and the commonsense actions the Network of Public Education endorses, see networkforpubliceducation.
For more information about the event contact patricia.priest@yahoo.