The tragedy in Parkland, Fla., this past week was the latest in a series of unspeakable acts of violence in our country’s schools. Many parents are asking what they can do to help protect our children and ensure that our communities are safe.

Change starts with each and every one of us. As a parent of a first-grader and a pre-kindergartener, who will be attending area public schools for the next decade-plus, this issue is of utmost importance to me and my wife.

One of the most important things we can do is get in front of a potential issue before it happens. The Sandy Hook Promise is an organization that provides education programs in our schools and communities that help residents identify the signs and signals before a shooting happens and intervene.

You can Make the Promise today by going to www.

sandyhookpromise.org and help bring Sandy Hook Promise’s no-cost, violence prevention programs to our schools and community.

My wife and I have signed up to be Promise Leaders. It’s simple to do, and it’s a small step towards bringing education to the members of our local community. Please consider joining us today. Our children and community deserve real action to stop the epidemic of gun violence in our country.