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Viewpoint

Dr. Vivian Posey shared, “I encourage you to make a statement against the Dr. Elizabeth I.
school shootings as other organizations are doing. The protection against gun Tarner, a member
violence should not be a political issue. We must be concerned about all public of Beta Delta Chapter
in Virginia State
safety.” Nancy Bentz also suggested that we must use social media to spur action Organization, is an
by encouraging respectful discourse and to discuss and debate our toughest issues administrator of a
in education. As an example, she offered Re-Construct ED, a Facebook page she public Facebook
founded that focuses on respectful discourse regarding education topics. page with 4,000 DKG
Speakers emphasized that we must work together to solve the problems and members. A frequent
create safe school environments. How do we accomplish ensuring that schools are workshop presenter,
she has chaired
safe, secure, and as stress-free as possible? Teachers want to educate and safely many DKG chapter,
return to their families. The messages were clear: Don’t become desensitized to state organization,
any type of violence. Don’t stop after the news cycles stop. and international
Speakers also agreed there is no one solution to the mass shootings. We cannot committees (leadership
blame the schools. Furthermore, they shared that schools have implemented safety development, program
measures—but these will never be enough to solve the complexity of issues we of work, professional
affairs, nominating)
must address, such as community collaboration, improved access to mental health as well as chairing
services, more support in our schools, ability to detect warning signs, and solutions the United States
to gun control. Victoria Suarez advocated for more school counselors and support Forum Steering
and for more emphasis on conflict resolution and emotional support in schools. Committee. She is an
Speakers also invited participants to support classroom teachers and students educational consultant
in a variety of ways: Donate money, make a sign, share important web links, tell in communications,
leadership,
stories, and write a poem. Participants were urged to join organizations with similar instructional design,
purposes—for example, Teachers Unified Against Gun Violence (teachersunify.org) and organizational
and Moms Demand Action (momsdemandaction.org). development.
Advocating to improve mental health laws was another call to action. Members Liztarner@aol.com
committed themselves to talking with legislators about improved mental health
laws at all levels, writing op eds for local newspapers, and sponsoring meetings
on the topic. One participant shared that her DKG state organization had drafted
a resolution about mental health support for educators. Participants were also
reminded to make sure that the public know how to identify signs that someone
might want to cause harm to themselves
and/or others and what to do to support
that person once he or she has been
identified.
Finally, Cyndy Moore challenged
participants with her words and passion:
“I challenge you today to use your voice
and your courage to become leaders
and decision makers. As you leave this
virtual march and go back to the world
today, I have four questions:
1. What have you experienced?
2. What are you feeling?
3. What are you excited about?
4. What will you share with educators, friends, and DKG members that you
learned today?
Talk to someone about it."

Collegial Exchange · 19