Volume 1 Issue 19 - September 15th, 2025
- Jess C's Mom
- Sep 15
- 7 min read
"The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of 60 minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is." - C.S. Lewis
What's the Buzz?
Grab the fam and gather 'round the kitchen table! It's time to go over what this week is going to look like. Here's what's happening across our communities this week:
On the Home Front: National News & Your Family's Well-being
Public Safety and School Environments
The conversation about safety has only continued. On September 10th, our country was shaken by two tragic incidents. At Evergreen High School in Colorado, a student opened fire, injuring two classmates before taking his own life. According to the Associated Press, the heroic actions of students and teachers who went into lockdown saved countless lives. It’s a painful reminder that gun violence can happen anywhere, and it highlights the vital importance of school security plans and emergency drills.
Additionally, on the very same day, a well-known conservative activist was shot and killed at an event on the campus of Utah Valley University. Authorities have a suspect in custody, but this tragic event has sparked a national discussion about political violence. As parents, it's so important that we talk to our kids about how to have respectful discussions, even with people they disagree with, and the importance of rejecting all forms of violence. It also reminds us to keep our homes safe by properly securing any firearms, and to be aware of what our children might be exposed to online.
I know these are heavy topics, but they're things we need to be aware of to keep our families safe.
Weather and Health
The good news is that for now, the Atlantic is pretty quiet on the tropical storm front. It's always a great time to review your family's severe weather plan, though, just in case. And with the seasons changing, it's a perfect moment to focus on our health and wellness.
National Protests
Students at universities in Washington, D.C., have been holding protests and walkouts to voice their opinions. It’s a great example of young people getting involved and making their voices heard. It's a good time to talk to our own kids about what it means to be a responsible and engaged citizen, and the importance of peaceful and respectful ways to advocate for what you believe in.
Things in the House and Senate
his week has been busy, especially with committees getting to work on a whole bunch of different bills. It can be a little complicated to follow, but it's all about how they get things done.
House of Representatives: They've been working on a few different things that directly impact families and our country. They've been considering bills on things like mental health support for folks in aviation and a bill aimed at speeding up government contracts for things like defense. There was also a bill introduced called the "Stop Illegal Entry Act," which is part of a larger conversation about immigration and border security.
Senate: The Senate has been focused on a few different issues. They are holding committee votes on a bill called the "Guidance out of Darkness (GOOD) Act," which would require federal agencies to make all their guidance documents public. This is a big deal because it could help us all better understand the rules and regulations coming from the government. They've also been considering other bills related to immigration, justice, and even a resolution to honor World War II veterans.
How Your Family Can Be Heard
It can feel like these big decisions are happening far away, but your voice truly matters. Here are a few practical ways you can make sure your family’s concerns are heard:
Find Your Representatives: The first step is knowing who represents you! You can easily find your specific House Representative and both of your Senators just by using your zip code. Their websites have all the contact information you need.
Make a Phone Call: Calling their office is one of the most effective ways to get your opinion counted. Don't worry about having a long speech ready! The staff members are just there to tally who supports or opposes an issue. Just tell them you're a constituent, mention the bill number or topic, and state your position simply.
Write a Letter or an Email: A personal letter or email can be very powerful. You don't have to be a lawyer or a politician to write one. Just be polite, keep it focused on one issue, and most importantly, tell your personal story. How does a certain bill on healthcare or school funding affect your family directly? That kind of real-world experience is what truly resonates with them.
Stay Informed: The Hive Social Garden is all about using information to build a better future. By staying informed, you’re not just a spectator—you’re an active part of our community and our democracy. Knowing what's happening helps you know when and where to speak up.
Around the World: Global Events with Potential Impact
It can feel heavy to read about all of this, and that's completely understandable. The world is a complicated place, and as parents, we want to protect our kids while also raising them to be aware, empathetic, and responsible citizens. My advice is to remember that these are ongoing issues, and while we can't solve them all at once, we can take small steps.
For instance, we're hearing about ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza, Syria, Sudan, and Haiti, where families are struggling with things like displacement and not having enough food. It’s hard to imagine, but it can also be a chance for us to teach our kids about helping others. Even supporting a local community group or donating to a reputable international charity can make a real difference. It all starts at home.
Things to Keep in Mind
This month is a time for all of us to stop and think about the emotional well-being of our loved ones and our community. It's a heavy subject, but it's one we absolutely have to talk about.
I'm so proud to share that someone from our very own Hive community is leading the way. The wonderful Elle Younker, who is our Chief Social Engineer and Director of Gossip here at The Hive Social Garden, has been named the Suicide Prevention Lead for the Virginia Chapter of Moms Demand Action. What an amazing role! It’s such a comfort to know that someone so dedicated to community care is helping to lead this crucial work.
It's a great reminder for all of us that we can take small steps to help. Sometimes just asking "Are you okay?" can make all the difference in the world.
Family First: Suicide Prevention Resources
When it comes to our kids and family, knowing where to turn is the most important thing. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available right now. You can even save these numbers in your phone so they’re there when you need them.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: This is a free, confidential service that's available 24/7. You can call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. It's not just for people in a crisis—you can also call if you're worried about a loved one.
The Trevor Project: This organization specializes in providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ young people. You can call them at 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678.
The Crisis Text Line: You can text HOME to 741741 anytime to connect with a crisis counselor. It’s a great resource for a quiet conversation when you need it most.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): They have a lot of great resources and information for families on their website. They are a wonderful resource for learning about different mental health conditions and how to support loved ones.
It can feel a little scary to have these conversations, but the most important thing is to be there for each other. As our community’s Articles of Organization state, we are here to provide community care and a non-judgmental environment. That’s what being a family—and a community—is all about.
Jess C's Mom's Two Cents
It can feel overwhelming. It can feel like the world is spinning out of control. We see sad news on our screens, we worry about our children's safety at school, and we feel the weight of global issues. But what I've learned is that even in the midst of all that, we have power.
We have the power to talk to our kids about the difficult things in a way that is honest but also reassuring. We have the power to stay informed about what's happening in our government and to use our voices to make a difference. And most importantly, we have the power to care for each other.
Learning about Elle Younker's work in suicide prevention this month was a powerful reminder of that. It shows us that one person can step up and make a huge difference in an area that is so sensitive and vital. It's a testament to the fact that even when the news is difficult, there are people out there working to help.
So, my final thought for you this week is this: Don't let the big, heavy issues make you feel helpless. Instead, let them inspire you to find the small, meaningful ways you can contribute. Whether it's having a hard conversation with your child, picking up the phone to call your representative, or just checking in on a friend who seems a little down, every small act of care and kindness creates a ripple effect.
We're all in this together, and by working together, we can make our little corner of the world—our Hive—a kinder, safer place for our families.
Upcoming Events
Sources
Associated Press. “At Least Two Dead in Evergreen High School Shooting.” AP News, September 10, 2025.
Kirk, Charlie. “Turning Point USA Event with Charlie Kirk.” Speech at Utah Valley University, Orem, UT, September 10, 2025.
Moms Demand Action. “About.” Accessed September 15, 2025. https://momsdemandaction.org/about/.
National Alliance on Mental Illness. “Suicide Prevention.” Accessed September 15, 2025. https://www.nami.org/.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. “988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.” Accessed September 15, 2025. https://988lifeline.org/.
Trevor Project. “Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention.” Accessed September 15, 2025. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/.
U.S. Congress. "H.R. 2635, Uyghur Policy Act of 2025."
U.S. House of Representatives. Daily Digest of the U.S. House of Representatives.
U.S. Senate. Senate Committee Hearing Transcripts.
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