Jess McIntosh is filling in for Amanda Weinstein this week as we do another deep dive on Gen Z. This week, we’re focusing on an issue that has unfortunately galvanized and inspired so many Gen Z activists: gun violence. As young people have watched adults fail to take action on gun violence prevention, they’ve stepped up and led the way themselves. They’re not held back by decorum or politeness; they’re taking action without asking for permission.
We’re joined by Lauren Jasinski, a teacher in Michigan who had worked in gun violence prevention for years before a school shooting happened in her very own high school. Lauren shares the amazing work that her students are doing, like an organization called No Future Without Today. She also recommends Be Smart, which raises awareness about safe gun storage. We’re so grateful to Lauren for sharing her perspective as a teacher, an advocate, and a gun violence survivor.
Then Rachel sits down with another incredible Gen Z activist, Eve Levenson. Eve has worked with The Jewish Democratic Council of America, Grassroots Dem HQ, Voters Of Tomorrow, and she co-founded the Youth In Gov Coalition. Relevant to our topic of gun violence this week, she also worked with March For Our Lives, founded by high school students after the school shooting in Parkland. Eve shares how her Jewish identity has inspired her activism, what issues are important to Gen Z, and the best advice she ever received (hint: it was from Ruth Bader Ginsburg!!).
Finally, Jess, Jasmine and Rachel raise a glass to kids' birthdays, to organizing all year round, and to leaning in to what inspires us in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
You don’t have to be Gen Z to be a social media queen! Sharing information and inspiring people to action is how we bring change to our communities and our country. If you want to learn how to use social media to defeat right-wing extremism, join us for a special Troublemaker Training on Thursday February 9th. You can sign up here or by going to redwine.blue.
For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.
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Gen Z Doesn't Need Your Permission (with Eve Levenson and Lauren Jasinski)