We’re left heartbroken yet again in the wake of deadly acts of violence against police and our fellow citizens. Our hearts go out to the loved ones of all those whose lives were taken.

The senseless killings of five Dallas police officers came during a peaceful protest of the tragic deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, black men whose lives were taken by police in Baton Rouge and the St. Paul area this week.

The demonstrations in Dallas yesterday were purposefully organized to be a safe space for protest. Right before the shooting, the Dallas Police Department shared pictures of officers and protesters together in unity against violence. Officers intentionally didn’t wear riot gear. What was originally a place for community turned to horror.

Together, we at Change.org reject the notion that violence is inevitable or must be tolerated. These are the times that can divide us, but we don’t have to take sides.

If you believe in peace, understanding, and justice, we are on the same side. We can make a choice to join one another in solidarity, and work together to build the world we want to live in. Right now.

This week has undoubtedly been hard — I’m hurt, confused, and angry. But I’m also hopeful that we can find some solace by sharing our stories and working together to make change.

If you want to share your perspective on the events of this week, we hope you do so here. If you’re ready to put those perspectives into action, we invite you to start a petition and share it with our community.

Justin Lyons is an Associate Campaigns Director at Change.org

Image via Dallas Morning News