Gun Safety Advocacy

Gun violence is a problem in our communities. Every day, nine children die from firearms and at least 35 kids suffer from firearm related injuries. American children are more at risk of gun violence than children in any other industrialized nation.

NEA and the NEA Heath Information Network (HIN) are launching a new campaign to address gun violence. The campaign will promote sensible legislation that respects the rights of lawful gun owners but keeps guns away from criminals and unsupervised kids. NEA-HIN is asking members interested in protecting children, schools, and communities from violence to E-mail their name and home address to HIN’s listserv at gunsafety@list.nea.org.

The campaign seeks to build online advocates for bipartisan legislation at the national and state levels that focuses on safety. For example, the campaign supports a national bill - sponsored by Senators John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.) - that requires background checks at gun shows and helps law enforcement fight crime.

A 2001 poll showed that 86% of Americans and 78% of gun owners support requiring gun show background checks. Call your members of Congress now at 202/224-3121. For details, go to http://www.neahin.org/programs/schoolsafety/gunsafety/index.htm.