Discussion & Resource Guide: National School Walkout & March For Our Lives:

By FSM Communications

On March 14, 2018, students across the country took part in a national school walkout to highlight the epidemic of gun violence and to demand action.

On March 24, 2018, over 1 million people participated in the March for Our Lives. From DC to Chicago and communities across the globe, young people demanded action to reduce gun violence.

Free Spirit Media youth artists produced this video documenting the movements. This guide is meant for educators and community members to help facilitate discussions and connect youth to more resources.

Some focus areas to think about when watching the video are:

How youth voice is highlighted
How issues of race and class are engaged
Who is represented and included

Running Time: 4:26

Edited by: Yarnome Hamilton and Nevo Shinaar

Production Company: Free Spirit PRO, a social enterprise of Free Spirit Media

Funding Provided by: The Joyce Foundation

Download printable guide

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

YOUTH VOICE:

“It’s time for us to step up and tell them, we have to make a difference. We have to change something.” - Kobey Lofton, North Lawndale College Prep

The March For Our Lives on March 14 was one of the biggest youth protests since the Vietnam War according to the Associated Press. What makes this time different? What has made this march more visible than ones in the past?

RACE/CLASS:

“We are marching for gun vilolence, but the main purpose is to stop the killings of our youth overall.” - Shania Harris, North Lawndale College Prep

Previous narratives surrounding gun violence have drawn a line between mass shootings in affluent areas and everyday gun violence in cities like Chicago. How do you see race and class coming to the forefront of this movement? Who’s voices are being amplified and who is being left out?

INCLUSIVITY:

“A lot of the times our voices aren’t heard or they’re overshadowed and that’s not ok...Someone who’s an immigrant, someone who’s transgender, it doesn’t matter, we need to be all inclusive.” - Aurora Flores-Gaytan, Waukegan High School

How has this movement highlighted voices that have been overshadowed? What can we learn, and how can we continue to build inclusive movements in the future?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

YOUTH VOICE:

Read: Six Ways to Get Involved (even if you can’t vote)

Act: Connect with Mikva Challenge, an organization that develops youth to be empowered, informed, and politically active citizens

Follow: Chicago Youth Voices Network, a coalition of youth media organizations working together - @CYVN

RACE/CLASS:

Read: Yes, the March for Our Lives Was About Black People, Too—and It’s About Time

Act: Participate in a Chicago Freedom School Workshop, rooted in the legacy of liberatory education, CFS provides training and education for young people and adult allies to create a just world

Follow: BYP100, a national organization of 18-35 year old activists and organizers creating freedom and justice for all Black people - @BYP_100

INCLUSIVITY:

Read: What BYP100 Director Charlene Carruthers Wishes She Knew About Community Organizing

Act: 9 Ways to Combat Privilege & Build a More Inclusive, Sustainable Social Justice Movement

Follow: Assata’s Daughters, an organization of young African-American women and girls in Chicago, protesting against police violence - @AssataDaughters