A domestic violence call ends in tragedy.
A teenager is shot in a neighborhood dispute.
An election worker gets threats for doing their job.

These stories are usually covered on different beats—crime, education, politics, for example. Each comes with its own facts and debate.

This series highlights organizations working across these and other issues. Some respond after violence occurs. Others work to prevent it. Many do both. Their goal is to reduce violence over time and replace weak systems with stronger ones.

Their work includes protecting survivors, holding offenders accountable, and building safer communities through education, intervention, and policy change. Some approach violence as a public health issue. Others focus on civil rights or justice reform. Many use mediation, restorative justice, and nonviolent communication to resolve conflict before it escalates.

Taken together, these efforts reflect a simple idea: Enforcement matters, but it is not enough. Reducing violence also depends on better systems, stronger communities, and earlier intervention.

The resources in this series include national and local organizations offering research, legal advocacy, crisis support, training, and practical ways for people to get involved. Some focus on specific forms of violence. Others work across several areas. All offer ways for individuals to support safer, more just communities.

The first guide in this series—Gun Violence Prevention—highlights organizations working to reduce gun violence through policy, prevention, and community action.

Future guides in this series will focus on:

• Family, sexual, and vulnerable-person violence

• Youth and community violence

• Policing, custody, and state violence

• Political, hate-based, and digital violence

• Peacebuilding, de-escalation, and restorative justice

Each guide will highlight organizations, key issues, and ways to take action. The aim is practical: to help readers understand the landscape and find meaningful ways to be part of the solution.

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Confronting Hate, Extremism, and Authoritarianism—in the Rights and Freedoms section
A ranked guide to organizations working to expose, resist, and prevent movements that threaten civil rights, human dignity, and democratic norms.

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Gun violence is one of the most visible and debated forms of violence in the United States. It affects communities in different ways—from mass shootings to everyday incidents that rarely make national headlines.

The organizations below work to reduce gun violence through policy reform, public awareness, and community-based prevention efforts. Many also support survivors and advocate for systems that address the conditions in which violence occurs.

This guide is part of a growing series on violence prevention and community safety, highlighting organizations working across different forms of violence.

About These Advocacy Group Guides: I’ve created more than 60 issue advocacy guides to help people connect with effective organizations and take meaningful action. If you’re interested in other issues, you can explore them all here: Advocacy Groups by Issue.

Everytown for Gun Safety

A leading organization working to end gun violence through research, policy advocacy, and grassroots organizing at the national and local level.

Giffords

Founded by former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, this organization advocates for gun control and responsible ownership through public awareness campaigns. Gun laws by state: Washington.

Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence

Focuses on preventing gun violence through legal action, policy advocacy, and public education, with an emphasis on stronger gun safety laws.

Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America | Washington state chapter

A grassroots movement advocating for stronger gun laws through local organizing, public awareness, and community action.

Sandy Hook Promise

Founded by families of Sandy Hook shooting victims, this organization works to prevent gun violence through education and awareness programs aimed at youth and communities.

Alliance for Gun Responsibility

A Washington-based organization advocating for stronger gun laws through policy campaigns, voter engagement, and public education.

March For Our Lives

Founded by student activists after the Parkland shooting, this organization advocates for gun control and safer schools. They engage young people in activism and policy advocacy.

National Gun Violence Memorial

This organization honors victims of gun violence and amplifies the voices of survivors. They advocate for policy changes to prevent future violence.

Everytown Survivor Network

A network connecting survivors of gun violence to share their experiences and advocate for change. They provide support and resources for community engagement.

Cure Violence Global

An international organization that treats violence as a public health issue, using trained community members to interrupt conflicts and prevent retaliatory shootings.

Top Issues in Gun Violence, Gun Safety, and Gun Control

Key policy and community issues in gun violence prevention include:

Universal Background Checks: Require background checks for all gun sales to prevent dangerous individuals from obtaining firearms.

Assault Weapons Ban: Prohibit the sale of semi-automatic firearms and high-capacity magazines to reduce the potential for mass shootings.

Red Flag Laws: Allow authorities to temporarily remove firearms from individuals perceived as a threat to themselves or others.

Safe Storage Laws: Mandate secure storage of firearms to prevent unauthorized access, especially by children.

Closing the Gun Show Loophole: Ensure that all gun sales, including those at gun shows, require background checks.

Funding for Gun Violence Research: Advocate for increased funding for research on gun violence to develop effective prevention strategies.

Mental Health Support and Access: Improve access to mental health services to help individuals in crisis and prevent violence.

Community-Based Violence Intervention Programs: Support local programs that engage communities to reduce gun violence through conflict resolution and support services.

Child Access Prevention Laws: Hold gun owners responsible if their firearms are accessed by children, promoting safe storage practices.

Enhanced Penalties for Gun Trafficking: Increase penalties for illegal gun sales to disrupt the illegal gun market and reduce crime rates.

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