Uniting Americans from Coast to Coast, Red and Blue and Every Color, to End Gun Violence

Gun Violence is a national problem that needs national solutions. Almost every day we hear of another mass shooting* in our country. But America’s gun violence epidemic is made up of much more than high-profile media events. Every 16 hours, a woman in America is shot and killed by a current or former intimate partner. Suicides account for 60 percent of all gun deaths. And there are many communities across the country where gun violence on their streets is an everyday reality. 

Started in New York, Gun Violence Awareness Month is a time to promote greater awareness about gun violence and gun safety, bringing citizens and community leaders together to discuss how to make all of our communities safer. One nonprofit leading this charge is the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence.

The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence reduces gun violence using a tripartite strategy that incorporates litigation, legislation, and education. Our strategy focuses on the common ground shared by most Americans: we need to keep guns out of the hands of those who would use them to harm themselves or others. We accomplish this through three campaigns that 1) reduce the flow of crime guns into communities most heavily impacted by gun violence; 2) expand and protect the Brady background check system; and 3) change the cultural misconception that owning or carrying a gun makes you safer.

This June, you can participate in Gun Violence Awareness Month in a number of ways, including:

1. Join Brady’s #WeNeedToKnow campaign! 

   It’s been more than 20 years since Congress funded research into gun violence prevention. In that time, gun violence has become a national epidemic, with 35,000 people in the U.S. killed by guns each year. But without evidence-based research, there’s so much #WeNeedToKnow in order to identify and invest in solutions. This isn’t about politics — we need answers that will save lives.

   Click here to send a message to your representatives to demand funding for gun violence prevention research.

2. June 21 is #ASKDay: Family fire is a shooting involving an improperly stored or misused gun found in the home that results in death or injury. Unintentional shootings, suicides, and intentional shootings are all forms of family fire. These tragedies are preventable. #ASKDay is when we remind parents & caretakers to ask, “Is there an unlocked gun in your home?” It’s a simple question, but it has the power to save a life. Click here to learn more.

3. Donate to Brady: Support the Brady Center’s mission to reduce gun violence with a tripartite strategy that incorporates litigation, legislation, and education. One of the most cost-efficient ways you can support these nonprofits is to donate to them via payroll deduction through your employer’s workplace giving program (Don’t have a program? Click here to have your employer contact our team.)