Hello and welcome to our February Newsletter.
This newsletter is full of news and actions you can take as we move into a busy February and beyond.
The rates of gun deaths and injuries are climbing to levels not seen since the mid-1990s. Those particularly at risk are our young people where according to the Gun Violence Archive, more than 1,500 children & teenagers under 18 were killed in homicides and unintentional shootings last year, up from about 1,380 in 2020.
We have to do better. For The Campaign, that starts with pushing back against the gun lobby narrative that more guns in public places, including our educational institutions and homes, will make us safer.
Case in point, right now we are fighting legislation in several states that will force colleges and universities to allow loaded, concealed handguns on campus including Arizona, Florida, Missouri, Oklahoma & West Virginia.
We are also standing against the wave sweeping the US that would allow guns of all types to be widely carried – openly or concealed – WITHOUT PERMITS. This is an irresponsible effort which, if successful will enable more lawlessness, death and injury.
Residents of Arizona, Florida, Missouri, Oklahoma & West Virginia, make your voices heard in opposition to this insanity through our action alerts below.
On the home front, The Campaign’s SAFE to Thrive program, a project to raise awareness about the need to safely store firearms in homes with foster children and to train their caregivers, is moving forward. You can learn more about it below.
February is also a solemn month as we will pay homage to the victims and survivors of two school shootings that took place on Valentine’s Day – 10 years apart: Northern Illinois University (2008) and Marjory Stoneman Douglas (2018). Look for our social media posts later this month.
In addition, we do not forget that on February 26 of this year, will mark a full 10 years since a gun-toting vigilante shot and killed 17 year old Trayvon Martin, then shielded himself from any culpability by standing behind behind Florida’s notorious “Stand Your Ground” law.
February is also Black History Month, and presents an opportunity to talk about some amazing people and their contributions to our society.
Finally, as we typically do, thank you for taking action when we ask and for supporting The Campaign with your gifts. Your donations make the difference and allow this work to continue, touching even more lives with our successes.
Please continue to follow & share our actions. Please also consider going the next mile with us by making a sustaining gift of support today as a Campaigner.
Thanks for all you do!
Andy Pelosi, Executive Director
