I felt the tears stream down my face as I witnessed the students' gun protest today at Cross Keys High School in Dekalb County, GA. I work with the school and the children asked me to come to their protest. I was so proud of their courage and articulation of their anger and fear. They were organized and passionate as they spoke in solidarity, honoring the lives of the students killed at Parkland High School one month ago.

There are many positive outcomes from the horrible Parkland slaughter.

1. Taking action. We are witnessing teens moving from a digital, passive generation to a motivated, passionate, and action-oriented group. In recent years, as a society, we have failed to move past the paralysis in our Congress. These young folks are not going to tolerate this stalemated Congress and are demanding reform.
2. Exercising our rights. Voters registration is increasing in our young people. This horrible event is driving our young people to register to vote. Only 57% of us vote in this country, and for change to happen we must get everyone, especially our youth, registered to vote.
3. Mindful motivation. These teens have moved our country from apathy to passion. We have lived in a congressional and national paralysis for years. Most Americans have become apathetic and disillusioned with our government. We have infected our children with apathy until now.
4. Civil disobedience. Nonviolent protest is the most powerful weapon in our arsenal. We moved the needle on women's right to vote, Civil Rights, and the Vietnam War with organized civil disobedience. Our young generation is learning how to use the power of their voice in a nonviolent, effective way in our world. What a blessing to our world.