Washington (CNN) A group of Parkland families is banding together to encourage compromise and conversation in addressing gun violence in US schools.

The families, all of whom lost loved ones in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February, on Thursday publicly launched an advocacy group called Stand with Parkland.

WASHINGTON – The Florida families who lost children and spouses in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Valentine’s Day want to have a civil conversation with America about making schools safer.

Sixteen parents and other relatives of the 17 students and teachers killed during the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre launched a national organization Thursday with the goal of turning their tragedy into a movement to champion bipartisan school safety measures.

“We really wished we didn’t have to do this. Any of these families involved would give anything to be able to go and turn the clock back. … We know this is a long haul. There’s no quick solution. We understand that it’s going to take all Americans to come together to try and solve the uniquely American problem. ” — Tony Montalto, who lost his daughter, Gina, told Axios