Responding to Gun Violence
Responding to Gun Violence
Conference staff have compiled resources in the wake of the most recent school shootings in Texas.
Videos from Rev. Darrell Goodwin, Rev. Emma Brewer-Wallin and Rev. Liz Garrigan-Byerly are also available here.
Advocacy Opportunities
In response to the school shooting in Texas on May 24, 2022, Emma Brewer-Wallin compiled the following gun control advocacy opportunities:
Contact your elected officials:
1. Use these tools to identify your elected officials and their contact information
- CT: https://www.cga.ct.gov/webapps/cgafyl.asp
- MA: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/WhereDoIVoteMA/bal/MyElectionInfo.aspx
- RI: https://vote.sos.ri.gov/Home/PollingPlaces?ActiveFlag=3
2. Call or email, letting them know that you support additional measures to prevent gun violence. Identify yourself as a person of faith (even noting which church you are part of). Share a story of why this matters to you, if applicable.
3. Ask if they already support the legislation outlined in this document.
- If yes, thank them!
- If no, ask why not. Suggest that they join as a co-sponsor
4. Send a follow up (or reply) email thanking them for their time and their work on this important issue.
Additional action opportunities:
- Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence – Action at the Statehouse, Tuesday, May 31, 3:15- 4:30pm. RSVP here.
- Swords to Plowshares: Turning Guns into Garden Tools, Saturday June 25, 10am-2pm, Gardner Memorial AME Zion Church, 368 Bay St. Springfield, MA. More information
Talking with Children and Teens About Tough Issues
The Faith Formation Team has developed a list of resources for families and congregations here.