Your Impact in Action: Updates on Advocacy Efforts
November 17, 2023
As we reflect on the impactful moments of our fall fundraiser last week, we extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible supporters, sponsors, and inspiring speakers who united to champion a safer Texas. The work we do together is laying the groundwork for a future free from gun violence. If you missed our event, you can still support the work we do each day leading a statewide coalition of advocates and experts, our long-term legislative strategy, and the development of local, community-based gun safety initiatives.
We heard from several state leaders at the event who highlighted the past year’s efforts towards a safer Texas. The Co-Executive Director of Houston March For Our Lives’ Saami Baig joined Representative Vikki Goodwin. Rep. Goodwin spoke about the session’s achievements and future endeavors in the push for responsible gun laws. Dr. Tatiana Cardenas, a dedicated trauma surgeon from Austin, delivered a compelling presentation on her experiences treating gun violence victims.
The event culminated with the presentation of the Frances Schenkkan Advocate of the Year Award to Uvalde’s Lives Robbed, a group of parents who tragically lost their children to a mass shooting at Robb Elementary on May 24, 2022. Kim Rubio accepted the award, symbolizing Texas Gun Sense’s unwavering support for their heroic advocacy.
Urge Lawmakers to Strengthen Firearm Relinquishment Protocols
According to the Texas Council on Family Violence, less than ten counties in Texas “have addressed firearm prohibitions through a structured firearm transfer protocol.” To protect domestic violence victims from gun violence, it’s imperative that every Texas county implements clear firearm prohibition protocols. We call on state lawmakers to fortify firearm relinquishment regulations and bolster funding for local communities to develop these protocols.Tell your elected officials and community leaders that firearm safety matters to you and urge them to enforce firearm prohibitions, hold prohibited possessors accountable, and fortify safety measures for survivors by developing or enhancing prohibition protocols.
ATF Comments
There is still time to submit comments to support a crucial rule change that would bring us closer to having federal background checks on all gun sales, a measure that 86% of Texas voters support.
In the absence of bipartisan congressional action, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms has proposed a rule change to clarify the definition of who is “engaged in the business” of selling firearms. This definition will ensure that individuals selling firearms for profit will have to be licensed and conduct background checks on their buyers.
The ATF has already received more than 58,000 comments – largely from the gun lobby and their extremist supporters who don’t support background checks on gun sales.
Annual Vigil for Victims of Gun Violence
Newtown Action Alliance, alongside 120 partners, are planning a series of events in Washington, D.C. in December to honor ALL victims of gun violence and survivors in our nation. If you are a survivor or advocate who would like to attend, please register as soon as possible.
Giving Tuesday is coming soon!
GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that takes place the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.
On Giving Tuesday, we ask for your support for the life-saving work of demanding common sense gun laws and safety measures that will protect our children, adolescents and all Texans from gun violence and tragedies.
Texas Gun Sense seeks to prevent gun violence and other gun tragedies in Texas through education, partnerships and policy change.
VOLUNTEER WITH US – Our volunteer opportunities change throughout the year, but there are many ways you can support Texas Gun Sense and facilitate the change you want to see in your community. We also have upcoming opportunities specifically designed for students!
You can sign up for our volunteer email list, and one of us will get back to you.
SUPPORT OUR MISSION
As we continue our mission to promote gun safety and put an end to gun violence in Texas, we want to express our gratitude for your ongoing support. Your contributions have been instrumental in enabling Texas Gun Sense to make a positive impact in our communities. We encourage you to keep donating and supporting our cause, as every contribution plays a vital role in preventing gun violence in Texas.