When more acts of heinous gun violence leave you feeling despair, grief, anxiety, and depression, taking action can be a way to bring back some hope. We can have a positive impact. Join us for A Conversation on How to End Gun Violence and read on for 10 things you can do right now to reduce gun violence.
- Recognize that the Second Amendment and responsible gun ownership can coexist. You can keep dialogue moving forward by changing the words you use, on social media and in conversation. For example, most folks can agree on wanting to “reduce gun violence.” And “gun safety” finds common ground more quickly than does “gun control.” By choosing our words more thoughtfully we can begin to have more productive conversations and drive positive change.
- Make a few phone calls every week. The Gun Sense Action Network, a group of volunteers helping to build the gun violence prevention movement all around the country and educating voters in highest priority battles at the federal level to enact lifesaving policies like background checks, red flag laws, and accountability for police brutality.
- Support and join organizations already working to reduce gun violence. For example, Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action, and Brady United.
- Look at this big list of ideas to reduce gun violence. There is so much more that we can do than the two extremes much of the media and most politicians lead us to believe.
- Tell your Senators to confirm the next ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) Director. “For the last seven years, the federal government’s main agency for enforcing our gun laws and holding rogue and reckless members of the gun industry accountable has lacked the leadership and clear direction needed to keep illegal guns out of our communities.” (Everytown)
- As with every issue, vote with your dollars. From primaries to elections, make sure candidates you support aren’t supported in turn by the NRA. See which federal candidates (of all parties) have received money from the National Rifle Association.
- Tell your Republican and Democratic Senators to stand up and vote on H.R. 8, bi-partisan action for background checks. You need a license to drive a car or own a dog, the least we can do is a background check before one can purchase and carry a gun. Here is an easy way to share your concern.
- Spend time outside appreciating the beauty and wonder of trees, sunrises, sunsets, and everyday gifts and miracles that happen 24/7. The Good News Network recently shared yet another study proving that time outdoors, especially adventurous play for kids, is good for mental health.
- Don’t believe everything you read or watch on any one news source. Take time to listen to opposing perspectives and ask yourself why the author is taking that particular stance.
- Read Scary Smart and watch The Social Dilemma. Both will inform your understanding of how every click, Like, Follow, and Post impact the way you see the world and the future we are co-creating.
Together, we can be the change we wish to see in the world. You matter. You have impact. Thank you for all you do. Remember to join us for a conversation on How to End Gun Violence.
