It’s hard not to feel helpless when it comes to what to do about mass shootings and gun violence, but it’s past time that parents make their voices heard.
Consider donating to or getting involved in organizations focused on gun safety. We’ve rounded up groups both nationwide and in southeast Michigan to help you get involved with the movement.
Looking for more resources on the impact of gun violence on children? Visit our A Concerned Parent’s Guide to Gun Violence and Gun Safety.
The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence
Brady takes a three-pronged approach to combating gun violence: changing laws, changing the gun industry and changing culture.
Everytown for Gun Safety
Known as the largest gun violence prevention organization in America, Everytown employs an evidence-based, neighborhood-by-neighborhood model. It classifies Michigan – where it says 1,270 people die on average a year by guns – as having weak gun laws, with no law requiring background checks on unlicensed rifle and shotgun sales, no Extreme Risk law, and no laws prohibiting domestic abusers from possessing guns. Guns are the leading cause of death for kids and teens, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.
Moms Demand Action
This grassroots effort to stem gun violence has a chapter in every state. To learn more, the North Oakland County group will meet at 7 p.m. July 25 in the Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Road, Rochester. More local meetings are set for July 20 in Wayne County at Memorial Park, 31050 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, and July 27 in Macomb County. Find a full schedule of these meetings at momsdemandaction.org.
Giffords
Giffords is led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords with a mission to shift culture, mobilize voters and challenge injustice.
Sandy Hook Promise
This non-profit organization is run by several of the family members of the students killed in Newtown, Connecticut, and their goal is to teach young people to spot the signs and prevent gun violence.
Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions
This center at Johns Hopkins University uses rigorous research methods to develop equitable programs and policies that thwart gun violence.
Violence Policy Center
Violence Policy Center uses research, investigation, analysis and advocacy to fight against gun violence in America.
March For Our Lives
This youth-led organization amplifies survivors’ voices and mobilizes communities with a commitment to a future free from gun violence.
Alliance for Gun Responsibility
Alliance for Gun Responsibility engages experts, civic leaders and citizens for evidence-based solutions and to promote a culture of gun ownership that balances rights and responsibilities.
The Michigan Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence
An affiliate of States United to Prevent Gun Violence, this Michigan organization is focused on supporting state-based programs preventing gun violence.
Michigan Youth Violence Prevention Center
The Michigan Youth Violence Prevention Center (MI-YVPC) works with University of Michigan School of Public Health, Michigan Medicine and other local communities to reduce youth violence. One of MI-YVPC’s core projects is building research for gun violence prevention.
End Gun Violence Michigan
End Gun Violence Michigan is working toward one goal to see what gun violence prevention is most effective to add as a ballot initiative in 2024.
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