Our Statement on Recent Gun Violence in America
We mourn for those lost to unfathomable acts of gun violence in recent weeks.
The 10 shoppers and staff at the Tops Market in Buffalo, New York. The worshipper at the Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church in California. And, the 21 children and their teachers who were gunned down at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
All this--four years after the murder of 17 at a high school in Parkland, Florida; ten years after the murder of 26 at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut.
In the US, firearms are now the leading cause of death for our children.
And, for every child lost, there are parents, friends, neighbors, and other children who will never be the same. Because their traumatic experiences can correlate with poor health and life outcomes long into the future (heart disease, diabetes, drug abuse, school drop-outs, teen pregnancy).
Let us all grieve in a moment of silence. Then, let us do more.
Let’s raise our voices for all of them and mobilize in a moment of action (see links below); we can:
Support the families of victims in Uvalde, Texas
Join organizations working to end gun violence
Seek response from our government representatives--local, state, and national
Explore methods and studies on preventing gun violence in the US and around the world
Today— the day of the first funeral services for children in Texas--let’s unite to prevent the next Uvalde, the next Parkland, the next Newtown. Let’s build stronger, more resilient communities that are healthier, safer, and more prosperous—for all of us.
Only policy and change can do that. Only we can do that.
How to Take Action
Help the families of victims in Uvalde, Texas by donating to and promoting any of these 3 relief local funds:
Robb Elementary Memorial Fund for families of Robb Elementary, created by First State Bank. Zelle donations to robbschoolmemorialfund@gmail.com; mail checks to Robb School Memorial Fund, 200 East Nopol St., Uvalde, TX 78801
United with Uvalde Fund, providing trauma and mental health services for students, teachers families, and community members, by United Way of San Antonio & Bexar County (100% of donations will be used for support)
Uvalde Strong Fund, supporting those affected by the tragedy and the organizations serving them (response services, medical institutions caring for the victims, orgs organizing long-term efforts for the Uvalde community), hosted by the Community Foundation of Texas Hill Country
Join/support organizations working to end gun violence in the US; here are 3 of many
Everytown for Gun Safety, where all donations by 5/31 will be tripled by Michael Bloomberg. (This is the home of Moms Demand Action, the nation’s largest grassroots network; here’s their petition)
Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, 47 national organizations working through research, engagement and policy advocacy
Sandy Hook Promise, where family members of Newtown victims educate students and adults to “Know the Signs” and intervene to prevent violence
Contact your government reps for action
US Congressional Delegates: House Representatives and Senators
Connecticut General Assembly reps; find yours HERE
Local Officials, on your hometown website
Explore methods to end gun violence:
Actions taken in Canada and Europe
A Public Health Approach to Prevention in the US
Learnings on Firearm Legislation, from 130 studies in 10 countries