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​
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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

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Talking with Children and Teens About Tough Issues

The Faith Formation Team has developed a list of resources for families and congregations here.