Today, Rich Huddleston, Executive Director of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, issued the following statement about this Saturday’s March for Our Lives Arkansas event in Little Rock:

At 10 a.m. this Saturday, March 24, Arkansas students and their families will march together from Capitol Avenue and Pulaski Street in Little Rock and up the Arkansas State Capitol steps during a March for Our Lives Arkansas event. They will take a stand against gun violence and the epidemic of mass school shootings and demand that their lives and safety become a top priority.

March for Our Lives Arkansas is part of a national March for Our Lives movement that was “created by, inspired by, and led by students across the country who will no longer risk their lives waiting for someone else to take action and stop the epidemic of mass school shootings …” The group says that in the wake of the recent tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida, they believe that now is the time for politicians and the public to talk about guns and address gun violence issues. March for Our Lives is calling for a “comprehensive and effective bill” to be immediately brought before Congress to address gun issues.

Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families supports this movement, the March, and the students who are bravely stepping up and leading the charge. We believe children are our future, and we encourage other Arkansas nonprofits to march Saturday and stand alongside these heroic, passionate students and their families. We must ensure that their voices are heard.

Find out more information about this Saturday’s March for Our Lives on the Arkansas group’s Facebook page.