I'm so grateful for you, supporters!

It's a been a big week for this story in the press – we captured two front page stories in Southeast Virginia (Daily Press + Virginian-Pilot), were picked up nationwide by several publications digitally from the AP Wire, and were blessed with some amazing support from the military community over at We Are the Mighty.

Because of word spreading – we've crossed 3,500 signatures! That's over 2.5K signatures since last week's update. 

While we're pushing for legislation here in Virginia with this petition (starting small, dreaming big), our primary goal is to bring awareness to the fact this is a NATIONAL issue – and that people don't have to wait for it to be LAW in order to take proactive measures for our children and educators.

Here's ways you can help:

1. DROPPING THIS PETITION INTO PARENT OR COMMUNITY GROUPS ON SOCIAL PLATFORMS. We've seen the highest participation from parents in social platform groups (think your city's local parents group on FB that has 1K+ members). This has a high engagement opportunity, and will reach the most people with the least amount of energy. It's important that if you SHARE the link (petition or article) that you include a personal story or comment in the post itself, so that you're not just sharing a link with no context.

If every supporter of this commits to sharing it into one group of their own with an ask for signatures (and their personal why) – we could reach 5 digit signatures by next week.

2. BRING IT TO THE ATTENTION OF YOUR LOCAL EDUCATORS + LOCAL LEVEL GOVERNMENT – particularly the ones who have a reputation of being fierce advocates for our children, educators and community safety. Ask them to get involved for the safety of their kids, themselves, their colleagues and their community.

3. LETTER TO THE EDITORS OF YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS, ESPECIALLY IN THE STATE OF VIRGINIA – Reference the petition and the Pilot article (both links found on this site), and ask questions of your own community and it's facilities. Hold your local officials and representation accountable in answering questions.

4. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH AND SHARE IT WITH YOUR NETWORK. Are you a part of a school system that doesn't have CO detectors in place? Bring awareness to that. Drive people to the petition so we can get it changed.

The only way forward is through.

So appreciative of your support. #WithYou

Nikki