About Austin Youth Gun Violence AwarenessAustin Youth Gun Violence Awareness is a platform that aims to allow youth to learn how they can make an impact on preventing gun violence in their community. Being under the age of 18, it feels as though it is difficult to make a tangible change but there is so much you can do to make your voice heard. This platform serves as a space for artistic expression, policy literacy, and calls for legislative action with tools along the way to illuminate the youth perspective. |
Founder's mission
Hi, my name is Serena Ray, and I am a high school student based in Austin TX. I created Austin Youth Gun Violence Awareness Initiative source of education, awareness and expression for students just like me. Like it or not, gun violence is something that affects everyone. Inspired by an action-based school project that I formulated with a group my sophomore year, I decided that I wanted to take my advocacy a step forward and make a real impact in my community. Growing up being passionate about art, I know all too well how art can serve as a great form of emotion and communication for so many, even through turmoil. This platform focuses on being a space for students and youth to create and post writings, artwork or other forms of expression that honor, highlight and bring light to the victims of firearm violence, and its overarching impact on youth. Combining my interest in law and policy, we also work to break down complicated local policies and ordinances at an accessible level so every teen understands the legislation behind the movement. |
If you want to learn more about me specifically or my mission, contact me at [email protected]