Our nation’s troubling gun violence crisis should alarm each of us. For years, we’ve been waiting for legislative action from Congress to address this issue. We’ve called on our leaders to implement comprehensive laws aimed at safeguarding our children and families from avoidable gun-related tragedies. Despite numerous mass shootings, change remains elusive.
While we continue to pressure Congress for action, there are immediate steps that everyday citizens can take to reduce gun accessibility. Here are two practical approaches that don’t require legislative approval and can be initiated right away:
1. Shift the Market
Let’s take a cue from the environmental health movement and mobilize consumers to reduce the presence and influence of guns in our society. We can rally support for organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety to initiate campaigns aimed at retailers that promote, sell, and advertise firearms. We must call on major retailers such as Walmart, Big 5, Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, and Dick’s Sporting Goods to stop selling guns. These companies should prioritize the safety of our children over profit, choosing to be part of the solution instead of perpetuating the problem.
Consider Target, which ceased tobacco sales in 1996, or CVS, which removed cigarettes from its shelves in 2014, citing its commitment to health. Let’s apply similar pressure to retailers, encouraging those who eliminate firearms to be viewed as forward-thinking and competitive.
2. Mobilize Locally
Engage with the reasonable voices in your community and reach out to your city council. Work towards banning the promotion, sale, and advertising of guns within your locality. Aim to reduce the glamorization of firearms and make them less accessible and pervasive. Collaborate with your school board, local legislators, educators, businesses, and youth to find meaningful ways to create local change.
If cities can regulate single-use plastic bags and styrofoam, surely we can legislate on gun sales. If we can restrict tobacco advertising, we must demand the same for firearms. Encourage local media to cease promoting and advertising guns, following the example set by many newspapers that stopped accepting tobacco ads years ago.
As a parent of young children, I worry every day about the possibility of them being harmed at school. How have we come to accept this as a typical concern of parenthood? Tragically, I know the pain of losing a child; my baby boy passed away in my arms in 2012. I refuse to stand by while more families suffer from preventable gun violence.
We are not without power. Let’s take action, influence the market, and engage in our communities. Boycott businesses that sell and promote guns. Participate in marches. Donate to Everytown for Gun Safety. If you own firearms, ensure they are out of reach of those who might misuse them and advocate for sensible laws to prevent gun violence. The time for action is now.
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In summary, we can draw inspiration from the successful cessation of tobacco sales by major retailers and apply similar pressure to reduce the availability of guns. By mobilizing our communities and advocating for local initiatives, we can work toward a safer future for all families.