4th graders against gun violence

Hi! We are the 4th grade teachers of 59 students in West Philadelphia (Samuel Powel Elementary School). This year, with the help of the organization Need in Deed (a nonprofit organization that facilitates service-learning in Philadelphia classrooms), we have been working with our students to develop a service-learning project that represents their voices and ideas. After looking into many social issues that affect our community the students chose to focus their efforts on reducing gun violence. Unfortunately, many of the students’ lives have been disrupted and deeply affected by gun violence on the streets of Philadelphia. Now they would like to advocate for sensible gun laws that would help reduce gun violence in their communities. As a culmination of their service-learning project they chose to organize and participate in three marches:

1st - a march in our own neighborhood to raise awareness of this issue that hits all to close to home

2nd – a march to City Hall to raise awareness of our city’s elected officials and the greater Philadelphia community

3rd – a march in Harrisburg along with CeaseFire PA to support the passage of House Bill 1010 which closes loopholes that allow some people to buy guns without background checks

In order to make all of this possible, we need your support. OUR MARCH TO HARRISBURG IS ON MAY 16TH. PLEASE HELP US GET THERE!

Bussing to and from City Hall = $185

Bussing to and from Harrisburg = $620 ($1280 + $40 gratuity - $700 donation from CeaseFire PA)

Materials for making signs, banners, and advertisements = $100

Total request = $905