A viral campaign around the hashtag #safetyinnumbers just got the group Everytown for Gun Safety more Instagram followers than the NRA. The movement got started two days after the tragic mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, which has newly galvanized gun-control advocates.
The campaign was started by Ria Browne, who volunteers as an organizer with Everytown. She started the campaign on February 16, noting that Everytown had 136,000 followers to the NRA’s 545,000. By February 22, Everytown had the NRA beat on Instagram.
Celebrities like Zoe Kazan and Olivia Wilde spread the word about the effort, which helped it gain traction:
“I realized that in the general population there was a lot of emotion but not a lot of organized action and streamlining of information,” Browne told The Fold. “This is a way for us to stick together and show the politicians what a force we are.” She also added that as a parent, she feels it’s important her kids know “we have a responsibility to take care of our fellow humans.”
"The movement to prevent gun violence is expanding at a rapid pace—the momentum is palpable. After tragedy in Parkland, it's inspiring to see so many people rise up to take action," Kate Folmar, communications director for Everytown for Gun Safety, told MarieClaire.com. "We're grateful to the millions of Americans across the country committing to take action to prevent gun violence in all its forms."
Browne’s new goal, she wrote on Instagram, is to get to a million followers for Everytown.
-
The True Story of Dolours and Marian Price Is Just As Harrowing As It Seems in 'Say Nothing'The new FX series is set in Ireland during The Troubles.
-
Why Did Drunk Elephant Recall Three of Its Best-Selling Skincare Products?Here's how to know if yours were compromised.
-
Kendall and Kaia's Favorite Nike Sneakers Are Under $100 Right NowThey're on sale ahead of Black Friday.
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to MenIt's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
-
How New York's First Female Governor Plans to Fight for Women If ReelectedKathy Hochul twice came to power because men resigned amid sexual harassment scandals. Here, how she's leading differently.
-
Why the 2022 Midterm Elections Are So CriticalAs we blaze through a highly charged midterm election season, Swing Left Executive Director Yasmin Radjy highlights rising stars who are fighting for women’s rights.
-
Tammy Duckworth: 'I’m Mad as Hell' About the Lack of Federal Action on Gun SafetyThe Illinois Senator won't let the memory of the Highland Park shooting just fade away.
-
Roe Is Gone. We Have to Keep Fighting.Democracy always offers a path forward even when we feel thrust into the past.
-
The Supreme Court's Mississippi Abortion Rights Case: What to KnowThe case could threaten Roe v. Wade.
-
Sex Trafficking Victims Are Being Punished. A New Law Could Change That.Victims of sexual abuse are quietly criminalized. Sara's Law protects kids that fight back.
-
My Family and I Live in Navajo Nation. We Don't Have Access to Clean Running Water"They say that the United States is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Why are citizens still living with no access to clean water?"
