Here Are The Things You Can Do Now to Stop Gun Violence
Gun control is one of the most polarizing and sensitive topics in the US. The number of mass shootings worsens each year, and though most Americans are for stricter rules, laws are implemented state by state, while some local politicians are taking points over their pro or against gun control stance.
Here is why this is a burning question and how you can help.
Dire situation
In 2019, the United States saw 3.96 gun-related deaths per 100,000 people. That’s 100 times more gun-related deaths than in the United Kingdom. The United States has by far the highest rate of child and teen gun mortality among allies. On the list of top concerns among parents of school-aged children, guns are among the top issues.
Lost lives
Twelve children die from gun violence in America every day, according to Sandy Hook Promise. Some of the biggest tragedies after 9/11 were mass shootings that happened in schools, especially in the past decade. Many children who survive these shootings are left dealing with severe mental health problems, while schools suffer a decline in student enrollment and a decline in average test scores.
Education is the key
While education can’t stop mass shootings, it can help people understand that current laws are not working. Advocacy groups like Everytown for Gun Safety or Students Demand Action are good for understanding not only the numbers of deaths and how it compares to the European Union, the US’s closest ally, but also how to become part of the solution.
Americans on guns
One in four Americans lives in a household that possesses a weapon. According to the Pew Research Center, the main reason for owning a gun is protection. The majority believes that getting a gun is too easy, and six in ten US adults believe in sticker gun rules. Gallup’s survey from 2023 shared similar data. The number of those who are for stricter gun rules traditionally jumps even higher after a mass shooting in schools or college campuses.
The question of the 2nd Amendment
The Second Amendment was made to give citizens the ability to defend themselves against unlawful violence. However, it also states that this is the right of law-abiding citizens, and weapons should be used for lawful purposes. Keep in mind that at the time of this writing, semi-automatic guns were not available, and due to the lawful purposes clause, the Supreme Court declared that assault weapons are not protected under the Amendment.
How to help with gun control
One way to help is to vote for candidates who clearly understand gun control and how it can be achieved. You can also join a local gun control group or donate to some of the well-known groups, like Brady United Against Gun Violence, Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, or Giffords Law Center.
Talk to people
People are becoming desensitized to gun violence because it is so common. But some shootings can still cause people to stop and think, so you likely remember that the Uvalde elementary school mass shooting made the whole country pause. That’s why we should continue discussing this subject without bringing politics into it.
Get active
Organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety, Brady United Against Gun Violence, Sandy Hook Promise, and Giffords Law Center are often founded by families of victims or survivors themselves. They need volunteers, so you might want to check out their websites, contact them, and see how to become part of the solution.
Join protests
After every mass shooting, people gather to show respect to the victims and demand rules that work. Do not get discouraged or numb. Use social media to spread awareness and have your voice heard. You can go a step further and run for local office. Many people got involved due to one issue that kept them up at night.
Contact elected officials
Your elected official works for you and your community. Let them know if you want them to address specific issues regarding gun control or stopping gun violence. Use data and information you gathered from survivors to make a point, including background checks, loopholes, or bans on rifle-style weapons.
Public health crisis
Many argue that we should treat gun violence as a public health crisis. Many myths are out there designed to make people stay inactive, including that gun violence happens everywhere. It is an American issue that costs the country an estimated $557 billion annually.
Other common myths
Some suggested that teachers should be armed. However, over 90% said they would not be comfortable to bring guns in schools. Among them, many own firearms, but bringing a gun to work, especially while surrounded by children, can be extremely dangerous. Additionally, there is a belief that all shooters have some mental health issues. Nothing suggests that more people have problems than in other developed countries. But, more to the point, an FBI report regarding active shooter incidents between 2000 and 2013 found that most shooters had not been diagnosed with a mental illness.
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