U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) said, "The overwhelming majority of voters demand sensible gun safety legislation.  Members who oppose this are out of touch with the public. In places like Utah, Colorado and Georgia, where millions of law-abiding people own and enjoy guns, support for gun safety measures is growing.  We must not let this opportunity to organize nationwide for meaningful change pass us by."

Organizers from Georgia,  Michigan, New York, Colorado, North Carolina, Florida, Utah, who represent numerous grassroots organizations, attended the news conference on Capitol Hill. 

"Your work as organizers is critical in convincing those in Congress that protecting our kids from gun violence is the right thing to do.  I know that you will deliver that message loud and clear to your members of Congress during the upcoming year," She added

Schakowsky said that it is inexcusable for Congress to delay passing sensible gun safety legislation that would require the sale of child safety locks with each handgun, close the gun show sales loophole, and ban the importation of large capacity ammunition clips. 

"I know the power of organizing and I know that even one individual can make a difference.  In my district, Albert Smith has been a leader in the fight to prevent youth violence.  Since his sister was shot in July of 1998, he has dedicated himself to working in the community to address and organize anti-violence initiatives.  And he has been successful in making his voice and others heard," Schakowsky added.

Last month, three Chicago area students, including Smith, participated in "Voices Against Violence: A Congressional Teen Conference."  The conference, sponsored by House Democratic Leader Dick Gephardt (MO), gave hundreds of students from across the nation the opportunity to work with lawmakers to draft a House Resolution and to develop "youth violence prevention action plans."

The Chicago Area student, Smith, Markeda Whitney, and Rachel Marshall, will soon form the 9th Congressional District youth council to mobilize young people to work on youth violence prevention and gun safety issues.