When you're lost for words, afraid of becoming numb to unspeakable tragedies that have become normalized and unceasing, sometimes the only way forward is to put your head down and get to work. But what can you do? Even if you're feeling powerless, here are eight things you can do right now to support gun control legislation.
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8 Things You Can Do to Support Gun Control Legislation Right Now
1. Join The Mass Emergency March For Our Lives Call (May 25, 2022 7 p.m. E.T.)
Activists and organizers will be discussing their plan to build a gun violence-free world on the Mass Call. RSVPthis formand they'll send you the information to join the call. Can't make it? Text ACTION to 954-954 for updates on how you can join the cause.
2. Download the Moms Demand Action App
Moms Demand Action is a grassroots movement with chapters in every state that promotes public safety measures that protect people from gun violence. Their Demand Action app helps you become an active volunteer, reminding you about upcoming events (like their June 3-5 National Gun Violence Awareness Day and Wear Orange Weekend) and how to take local action and keep up with latest news and progress.
3. Join the Gun Sense Action Network (from home)
Want to give your time? The Gun Sense Action Network is a group of dedicated volunteers who spend an hour each week working to pass key gun sense policies and grow their volunteer base all from their own homes. Their GSAN voter outreach team “focuses on our highest priority battles at the federal level to enact lifesaving policies like background checks, red flag laws and accountability for police brutality.” Their volunteer outreach team calls new signups to join the gun violence protection movement.
4. Tell your senators to Confirm The Next Atf Director
Nominated on April 25, 2022 by President Biden as nominee for director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), former Attorney General of Ohio Steven Dettelbach still needs to be confirmed by the Senate. There has not been a Senate-confirmed ATF director since 2015. Per Everytown: “That means that for the last seven years, the federal government's main agency for enforcing our gun laws and holding rogue and reckless members of the gun industry accountable has lacked the leadership and clear direction needed to keep illegal guns out of our communities.”
5. Follow The Nra Money and vote accordingly
From primaries to elections, make sure candidates you support aren't supported in turn by the NRA. See which federal candidates (of all parties) have received money from the National Rifle Association.
6. Read Up On H.r. 8
H.R. 8 is the proposed legislation that will make background checks on all gun sales federal law. The bill passed in the House of Representatives on March 11, 2021 but is currently stalled in the Senate.
7. Tell Your U.s. Senators To Vote On H.r. 8
Send your senator a pre-written letter about bi-partisan action for background checks.
8. Learn about moreOther Gun Violence Legislation Measures (and write your senators)
Like legislation on assault weapon sales, ghost guns, high-capacity magazine limits and extreme risk protection orders.