Following the horrific tragedies in Uvalde and Buffalo, we turn to local and national organizations working to reduce gun violence.
As we reel from the devastating school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, that took the lives of 19 students and two teachers, it is more important than ever for communities to take action to fight gun violence in our country. This horrific tragedy was only 10 days after the racist attack at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York that killed 10 people in a predominantly Black community.
There are many ways to become involved and take action to prevent future tragedies, including by supporting organizations that are working to reduce gun violence.
It is also critical to support the impacted community of Uvalde as they heal:
If you are interested in learning more or engaging on this issue, here is an alphabetical list of Washington state and national organizations working to keep communities free of gun violence that we are sharing with our donors. This is by no means a comprehensive list of resources, just a starting point.
Washington State Nonprofits
Community Passageways supports youth and young adults at every stage of the criminal legal process—from prevention to detention. Some of their programs include Deep Dive, which provides mentorship for young men who are most vulnerable to be the victim of or participate in gun violence, and Community Support Team, which provides on-the-ground support, expertise, and resources to prevent, intervene, and de-escalate gun violence.
Choose 180 transforms systems of injustice and supports the young people who are too often impacted by these systems. They offer workshops and other programs to engage young people in critical moments and empower them to make positive changes in their lives.
Collective Justice is led by a diverse group of survivors and imprisoned community members in Washington state who are building a movement for safety and liberation through leadership development, organizing trainings, and political education.
Progress Pushers offers mentorship sessions to uplift youth who are most impacted by societal systems. Their Credible Messenger program pairs youth and young adults involved with the criminal system with individuals who have had similar life experiences, to help them reimagine their futures.
Rainier Beach Action Coalition builds community capacity to address critical issues and enhance the quality of life in the Rainier Beach neighborhood. They have promoted community safety with initiatives such as Corner Greeters, which launches “Pop up” healing activities at high-crime areas.
National Nonprofits
Community Justice Action Fund is led by those who are closest to the pain of everyday gun violence. They work to end gun violence in Black and Brown communities through education, leadership training, and policy work.
Everytown for Gun Safety is a movement of Americans working together to end gun violence and build safer communities. They engage with voters and policymakers to advocate for gun safety reform such as universal background checks.
March For Our Lives Foundation was founded in 2018 after the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. There will be a march on June 11 in Washington, D.C., and across the country, to push for safety from gun violence to be a national policy priority.
Moms Demand Action fights for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence. This grassroots movement works to mobilize moms and families to advocate for stronger gun laws to save lives.
MomsRising amplifies women’s voices about the most critical issues facing women, mothers, and families, and one of their top priorities is gun safety. They work to advance gun safety, community safety, women’s safety, and responsible gun ownership.
Sandy Hook Promise was founded and is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012. Its mission is to end school shootings and create a culture change that prevents violence and other harmful acts that hurt children.