How to Donate to Gun-Reform Organisations
6 Organisations That Are Working to End Gun Violence
Every mass shooting in the United States is another reminder that this country has not done nearly enough to address the largely preventable issue of gun violence. The May 24 shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX, represents the largest loss of life in a mass elementary-school shooting since Sandy Hook in 2012, leaving 21 dead, including 19 children. It's a staggering and horrific loss, and it comes just 10 days after a shooter killed 10 people in a racially motivated attack at a Buffalo, NY, supermarket.
It's easy to feel helpless in moments like these, to feel like you can't do anything but doomscroll on Twitter while losing hope that we're capable of change. The truth is that there are actions we can all take, and while they may not feel world-shaking in the moment, small acts can lead to bigger progress over time. You can directly support the community of Uvalde by donating to fundraisers created by victims' loved ones. You can research your local representatives' stances on gun reform and vote for candidates who support common-sense gun-safety laws, like banning assault rifles and requiring universal background checks. You can also donate to gun-reform organisations working to enact this change at local and federal levels.
It's clear that thoughts and prayers are not preventing gun violence from occurring every day in the US. If this moment is moving you to take action, see below for a selection of organisations pushing for gun reform that you can donate to today.
Sandy Hook Promise
Sandy Hook Promise is led by the family members who had loved ones killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012. This organisation's mission is "to end school shootings and create a culture change that prevents violence and other harmful acts that hurt children," and it promotes educational programs to identify the signs of a potential shooter as well as "sensible, bipartisan school and gun safety legislation."
Donate to Sandy Hook Promise here.
Giffords
Giffords is a gun-violence-prevention organisation led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot at a local event for constituents in January 2012. The organisation "is fighting to end the gun lobby's stranglehold on our political system" through three separate paths: Giffords, which mobilizes voters and pushes for legislative change at the grassroots level; Giffords Law Centre, which helps "draft, implement, and defend" the laws and programs designed to prevent gun violence; and Giffords PAC, which aims to be a counter to the gun lobby.
Johns Hopkins Centre for Gun Violence Solutions
Two gun-violence-prevention organisations — the Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence and the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence — recently merged to form the Johns Hopkins Centre for Gun Violence Solutions. The organisation combines research with advocacy and policymaking. "We use a public health approach to conduct rigorous scientific research to identify a range of innovative solutions to gun violence," the org's website says.
Donate to Johns Hopkins Centre for Gun Violence Solutions here.
Everytown For Gun Safety
Everytown For Gun Safety was started by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg in 2014 to counter the influence of the National Rifle Association (NRA). Everytown advocates for a legislative plan that includes more thorough background checks and mandates for safer gun storage, while opposing ideas like arming teachers. Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense in America is affiliated with Everytown.
Donate to Everytown For Gun Safety here.
The Brady Campaign
The Brady Campaign has been around since 1974 and was renamed in 2001 to honour Jim Brady, the White House press secretary under Ronald Reagan who sustained a major head injury during an assassination attempt on Reagan. The organisation lays out a 12-step plan to preventing gun violence at the state and federal level, while offering local chapters and events to get involved.
Donate to the Brady Campaign here.
States United to Prevent Gun Violence
States United to Prevent Gun Violence works with 33 different state organisations across the country, each of which is committed to ending gun violence through local advocacy, the org says. "Legislators are predominately moved by hearing from constituents and leaders in their home states," States United explains on its site. "Our state affiliates provide a critically important voice to counter the gun lobby." The organisation aims to "amplify that voice and elevate state leaders."
Donate to States United to Prevent Gun Violence here.
