There are 80 million moms in America — and together, they have the power to end gun violence in this country.
“I absolutely believe that women and moms in this country are the secret sauce to social activism and advocacy,” Watts, 47, tells PEOPLE in this week’s issue. “They multitask; they do everything from make snacks to create our strategy to stand in the spotlight. And I really think when you look at activism in this country, from its very inception, women have been at the forefront of making things happen.”
Watts leads PEOPLE’s annual 25 Women Changing the World, along with fellow gun violence prevention activists including Oscar winnerJulianne Moore, Moore’s 16-year-old daughter, Liv Freundlich, Shenee Johnson and Ryan Pascal.
Julian Dufort
As America mourns yet another mass shooting —the October 27 massacre at the Tree of Life synagoguein Squirrel Hill, Pa. — the country is again examining the unique toll of gun violence in this country.
In the United States, an average of 96 people a day die from gun violence. Along withEverytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action is now the largest gun violence prevention movement in the country.
“This is everybody’s issue,” says Moore, 57. “And we are making ourselves heard.”
Many of the loudest voices are coming from Students Demand Action activists like Moore’s daughter, Liv, and Ryan Pascal, both 16.
“My mom created a path for me to build my confidence and join the movement,” says Liv. Adds Ryan: “I want to see people from our generation running for Congress, Senate, City Hall. I want to see us all taking action.”
For full coverage of PEOPLE’s 25 Women Changing the World, pick up this week’s issue, on newsstands Friday.
Watts had no experience with activism prior to founding Moms Demand Action six years ago. Since then, it has grown to include more than five million members.
“Once you do decide to get off the sidelines about whatever issue you’re passionate about, when you find your people, you will find a tribe of women who will hold you up,” she says. “And you won’t feel so vulnerable; you won’t feel scared to be an activist.
“I would just say to any woman who’s thinking about getting involved in an issue that speaks to them: Find your tribe. Find the people who also feel passionately about it. And you will feel emboldened to achieve amazing things.”
source: people.com
