What words are next? What few syllables will become so synonymous with gun violence tragedy that they hold all the details, heartache, and confusion without further explanation? Columbine. Virginia Tech. Sandy Hook. Parkland. Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Tree of Life. El Paso. Buffalo. And now, Uvalde. The latest massacre has given us a clear answer to the question many of us asked less than three weeks ago—yes, it can get worse. The hopelessness many of us feel is a result of knowing Uvalde should be rock bottom, but it isn’t. I shudder to think what event might finally cause the sea change in American gun culture so many of us want…I shudder to think what events won’t.
I’m not one to believe the roadmap to change has a simple answer. But if we can all agree on one thing, it’s that every student who goes to school in the morning should be able to leave at dismissal without ever fearing for one second during the day that they might be murdered during class. I wonder how anthropologists (or historians, or politicians) will eventually explain the wanton disregard for human life by throngs of gun supporters who simultaneously claim to value it from the moment of conception. The Second Amendment has limits; so too should access to killing machines.
How do we begin to reconcile these issues when our political leaders are busy legislating lawlessness on one hand and overbearing restrictions on the other?
The answer, I believe, begins with a return to community—person-to-person connections based on the unwritten social contracts of decency and respect for humanity. What we need are boots on the ground at the local level making a difference in individual lives. Check out this article detailing a framework for community activism to combat gun violence, as well as these programs and strategies for inspiration or involvement.
The admissions officers at Washington University in St. Louis agree. Vice Provost of Admissions & Financial Aid Ronné Turner characterized some of the 3,600 accepted students—just 10% of applicants this past admissions cycle—“as ‘bridge-builders’ who have experience building community.” She explained that these applicants demonstrated a commitment to improving their community during the pandemic. They organized camps for young children, made masks, or started food drives.
Let’s really think about this. Over 36,000 students applied to Washington University for the class of 2026, and a commitment to community was something novel enough to stand out to admissions officers. Today’s teens speak their minds, argue their points, and defend their positions behind the safety of the screen. Gone are the days when students had to be on the debate team to perfect a narrative about a cause or issue. Instead, they express freely on Twitter, TikTok, and comments sections of opinion articles.
Teens may know earlier what they stand for but don’t often understand how to couple it with action. How do they move their digital persona into the real world to make a demonstrable difference? Many universities are offering students the opportunity to explore just that through service learning.
Service learning is an educational opportunity that combines classroom instruction with engagement in the local community to deepen course concepts. Students derive a greater understanding of lessons, strengthen community, and learn firsthand the importance of civic activism.
I recently caught up with Lauren M., a 4th year neuroscience student at Tulane University. One of her favorite academic experiences at Tulane was her service learning course, Introduction to Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship. Her professor’s lessons focused on diversity as well as awareness of biases and prejudices. Then, one night per week, Lauren would travel to Joe Brown Park to play tennis with kids involved in A's and Aces, a non-profit her professor founded to bring academic assistance and activity to New Orleans youth. “The kids loved when we came because it was an exciting change for them,” Lauren recalled. She fondly remembers one 5th grade girl confiding in her, updating Lauren weekly on her home and school life. “I will take the information I learned in this course with me forever.” I’d like to think that 11 year old student feels similarly about her experience.
Tulane is repeatedly acknowledged as one of the most civic-minded universities in the country. Recognizing a dire need for rebuilding New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Tulane incorporated public service as a requirement for graduation. Students not only take service learning courses but also complete a public service project. Tulane’s Center for Public Service partners with over 600 organizations in New Orleans and houses the International Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement.
Almost 80% of Tulane’s student body comes from outside of Louisiana. College students don’t typically think of school as “home.” Tulane’s structure changes that dynamic, encouraging students to connect to New Orleans beyond campus. Most critically, Tulane students see that their sustained actions—however small they may seem at the time—make incremental positive changes that last. One strong community working to strengthen others—good ideas don’t have to be complex.
Perhaps that’s why the endless cycle of gun violence is so frustrating. Solutions are in plain sight. For those of us who want change, this is the stuff of nightmares. We’re shouting and no one hears, we’re banging on the glass and no one turns to look, we’re running as fast as we can to no avail. Since I began writing this essay, the House Judiciary Committee has assembled the Protecting Our Kids Act, and four more innocent Americans have been shot to death at a hospital in Tulsa. The proposed legislation directly draws on evidence and research. If and when the House passes the Act, can we count on 10 Senators to find the courage to vote with common sense?
Universities are signaling that we must count on community. They are searching for change-makers. High school students should be researching institutions dedicated to activism with the same diligence that admissions officers are looking for them. To become part of a college community is one thing; to become part of a college community that is devoted to assisting others is another.
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