I am officially overwhelmed - I've been out in the community twice in the guise of farmers markets, and at the second one I had the opportunity to chat with so many veterans who have risked their lives to serve our country.
Among the many conversations I have had, one with an older veteran stood out. He asked about my organization, and we quickly got into a discussion of guns. He was extremely defensive about how so many folks believe the solution to this school shooting epidemic is taking guns away. I agreed with him that I didn't think taking guns away was the solution - after all, there is a PERSON behind those guns, and that person needs help desperately.
After explaining my rationale to veteran after veteran and many members of the public, I was surprised when I had folks wanting to donate to my cause. I tried giving them a youth empowerment bracelet, but they said they just wanted to make a donation because they thought what I was doing was important.
When I started this organization 3-1/2 months ago, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I knew that there was a HUGE need for this type of work, but since then I've been talking with as many people as I could, and CONSTANTLY asking for feedback and ideas to help guide this work. I have several presentations scheduled in the near future, as well as meetings with schools and districts about partnerships for the 2018-19 school year. I've never been so humbled and hopeful for the future.
Please keep your suggestions, ideas and feedback coming! I started this organization for YOU. You empower and inspire me, and I am so grateful for the tremendous support I've received in such a short time.
(backstage before a recent presentation)