Bands and Ballots

After 15,000 people from the Tampa Bay area gathered on March 24 to advocate for gun law reform in wake of the continuous mass shootings and everyday gun violence at the March for Our Lives Tampa rally, the March for Our Lives Tampa organization continues to educate and motivate citizens around the area about the issue. March for Our Lives Tampa is now working towards their next event, Bands and Ballots. After the march, the student group realized that many people view gun violence as a partisan issue. However, gun violence is an epidemic that can affect anyone regardless of political party or personal beliefs. It is an American issue, not a partisan one. That’s where Bands and Ballots comes in.  Bands and Ballots is a night of local bands bringing the community together as people reflect on gun violence, not as a partisan issue, but as an American issue affecting children and people everywhere every day. The event will focus on voting awareness and encourage people to raise their voice to encourage change, whatever their version of change may be. The event will consist of Florida politicians, various organizations around Tampa and local bands and performers. Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action, and students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas will be in attendance as well. Moms Demand Action Tampa and Everytown for Gun Safety are overseeing the event, which will help gain additional publicity. Although the event will be incredibly impactful to the community, it is incredibly costly, and the student group is asking for donations to pay for the expenditures of the event. Any amount of money helps and we thank you for your support in ending gun violence!marchtampa.weebly.com