I believe parents and students (elementary through college) can make societal changes and be instrumental in affecting legislation. Parents’ determination and persistence have always been a driving force in implementing significant legislation affecting children’s lives — internet protection, toy safety, lead poisoning.

Parents have taken on the tobacco industry and changed laws and attitudes toward smoking through media campaigns and education initiatives. Parents have influenced legislation that requires states to adopt/enforce restrictions on tobacco sales/distribution to minors.

So, too, can parents take on the powerful NRA as they stand up to legislators and President Trump, demanding them to enact sensible gun laws.

I encourage people to visit legislators, attend town house meetings, demand lawmakers and the president ban assault weapons and establish mandatory sentences for selling/possessing.

Other steps people can take would be to check candidates’ voting records for support of sensible gun laws; and inform political parties — no monetary donations until action is taken on gun reform.

I support national, state and local events/protests to stop school shootings and encourage others to join me in contacting parent, education and youth organizations, celebrities, philanthropists and businesses that target children (cereal companies, sport leagues) to publicly condemn assault weapons through statements, media ads and campaigns.

Social media should close sites that are violent or threatening harm to schools.

Community service messages can be posted on ways to prevent school shootings, on gun control and mental health issues.

Lawmakers should enact mandatory reporting by teachers, doctors and therapists of violent acts/threats to schools.

Nancy Tremblay, Lewiston