Honoring Survivors
August 3, 2023
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your ongoing support of our mission to prevent gun violence and other gun tragedies in Texas through education, partnerships, and policy change.
An important part of our work includes honoring the far too many people impacted by the gun violence crisis that claims the lives of more than 4,000 Texans every year and injures thousands more. This month, we are highlighting Dr. Angel Durr, whose mother was stolen by gun violence in April of 2021, forever altering her life and leaving her with lasting trauma.
Read her full story and how she has turned to advocacy in the midst of her grief on our blog.
Do you have a personal story to share? You can submit your story here, and one of us will get back to you.
This month, we also remember the 7 lives taken on August 31st, 2019 in Midland-Odessa and the 23 people killed in El Paso on August 3rd, 2019 in horrific mass shootings. In early July, the perpetrator of the mass shooting at a Walmart in El Paso was sentenced to 90 consecutive life terms by a federal judge. Survivors read victim impact statements, charting the devastating effects the shooting has had on their lives.
GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Texas Gun Sense is honored to announce that we have received a grant from the Sociological Initiatives Foundation to partner with the University of Texas Health Science Center’s McKay Laboratory to map out a plan to expand temporary firearm storage facilities across the state for those in crisis.
The implementation of temporary, voluntary, out-of-home firearm storage interventions can help reduce the incidence of suicide and other firearm-related deaths. We are excited to collaborate with our research partners to protect our communities from preventable gun deaths.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Kiayna O’Neal is a Houston-based digital strategist and content creator who previously worked for campaigns and advocacy nonprofits including Beto for Texas, Jon Ossoff for Senate, Biden/Harris for President, the Center for American Progress, and others.
Kiayna believes that Texas families deserve to be able to live without fear of gun violence, period – “I’m working with TGS to help fight for a Texas where I don’t fear for my family and loved ones lives when they go to the grocery store, when they go to work or school, or when they’re just driving on the highway.”
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.