Here are 6 gun control organizations you can join or donate to today
The last few years have seen the loss of far too many lives from gun violence. The most recent tragedy comes in the form of the synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, in which eleven innocent people lost their lives and six were wounded.
Before that, there were the tragedies at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High, Santa Fe High, and Sutherland Springs, Texas, as well as the Las Vegas concert shooting in which 59 people lost their lives. There was also the Orlando nightclub shooting. There was the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Unfortunately, these tragedies are just the tip of the iceberg—and yet gun control reform continues to be an uphill battle in Congress.
Many are left with one question: When will it end?
And while we unfortunately don’t know the answer to that question, we do know that there are organizations working to lessen gun violence, and they can use our support. So in the spirit of working toward positive change, here are six gun control organizations you can donate to today.
1The Brady Campaign
No more waiting. #NowIsTheTime for Congress to act. Join Brady & help stop another tragic shooting –> https://t.co/UFmx8DK27T pic.twitter.com/L6nN9LDdfZ
— Brady | United Against Gun Violence (@bradybuzz) November 7, 2017
After being robbed at gunpoint, Mark Borinsky founded the National Council to Control Handguns in 1974. The organization was later renamed in 2001 in honor of Jim Brady, the White House press secretary who was left permanently disabled during an assassination attempt made on President Ronald Reagan. One of the oldest gun control organizations in the country, they’re seeking to create a safer America by cutting gun deaths in half by 2025. You can learn more by visiting their website.
2Everytown For Gun Safety
It's not too soon to talk about solutions to gun violence; it's too late.
Take action now: Here are 4 ways you can help today. #Texas pic.twitter.com/7XoBqa54DX
— Everytown (@Everytown) November 6, 2017
This organization was launched by former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg in 2014 and was initially funded with his own money. Everytown was conceived of as a counterbalance to the National Rifle Association (NRA). The organization advocates for more background checks for those trying to purchase guns, as well as for laws that would prevent domestic abusers from owning them. You can visit their site here.
3Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
Make no mistake: The gun violence crisis in America IS a guns issue.#TexasChurchMassacre pic.twitter.com/UcabGRzpSh
— Moms Demand Action (@MomsDemand) November 6, 2017
Moms Demand Action is an arm of Everytown that functions at a more grassroots level. Their California chapter hosts local events, and you can keep up with with them on their Facebook page.
4New Yorkers Against Gun Violence
We're teaching HS students about #gunviolence and how to advocate for positive change. Join us this Mon. Oct. 23! https://t.co/AZTwsgAZy0 pic.twitter.com/oVdmSUwiOP
— New Yorkers Against Gun Violence (@NYAGV1) October 20, 2017
The NYAGV focuses on protecting New Yorkers, particularly youth, from gun violence. Their aim is to “reduce gun violence through legislative advocacy and education designed to encourage action, influence public opinion and lead to policy change.” If you happen to live in the NYC area, this is an excellent local organization that can have a direct impact on your community.
5Giffords
What we saw in Sutherland Springs today was not normal. Join us to make our communities safer from gun violence: https://t.co/UGfsMSHDij pic.twitter.com/QyfsucAxMD
— Giffords (@GiffordsCourage) November 6, 2017
Previously known as the Americans for Responsible Solutions, Giffords was founded by former congresswoman Gabby Giffords and her husband after she and 18 others were shot in a grocery store parking lot in Arizona. They seek to establish common sense protections like more in-depth background checks and federally funded research into the cause and impact of gun violence.
6Coalition To Stop Gun Violence
Our focus has evolved, and so has our website. Learn more about our work to prevent gun violence in all its forms. https://t.co/duGRQDCzp2
— Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (@CSGV) August 16, 2017
The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence is an umbrella group of 48 religious, social, and political organizations—making it one of the most comprehensive non-profit gun control advocacy organizations in existence. The coalition has been fighting for better concealed-carry laws, and it aims to prevent gun related suicides. They also work to educate the public about elected officials who support the NRA.
Remember, you can make a difference when it comes to stopping gun violence, and supporting any of the above organizations is a great place to start.
