After the deadly shooting this week in Parkland, Florida — as well as recent shootings in Orlando, Las Vegas, Nevada, and beyond — discouraged people have taken to social media to express their outrage and grief about gun violence. It's understandable, a way to vent when we all feel so helpless.

While sharing words online has the potential to ignite important discussions, there's so much more we can do. Here are some established organizations that you can donate to in order to contribute to the movement against gun violence:

  • Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence: The Brady Campaign has campaigns focused on ensuring that background checks are applied to each and every gun sale, better regulating those who sell guns, and working to raise awareness at a national level about the dangers guns pose to the everyday lives of Americans.
  • The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence: This organization utilizes data to draft and implement laws like the Gun Violence Restraining Order, which gives family members or law enforcement the ability to take firearms away from loved ones experiencing a crisis.
  • Everytown for Gun Safety: The collective movement focuses on bumping up background checks associated with firearm purchase, increasing laws around gun trafficking, supporting laws that work to keep guns away from people with a history of domestic abuse, and educating people on responsible gun ownership.
  • Giffords Courage to Fight Gun Violence: Co-founded by Gabrielle Giffords, this organization fights to reduce gun violence by working to pass related legislation, educating and empowering people on voting, and supporting candidates dedicating to addressing the nation's gun laws.

Read the full article about taking action against gun control by  Nicole Gallucci at Mashable.