Giffords (formerly Americans for Responsible Solutions)

The Courage to Fight Gun Violence

Model and Strategy

The purpose of this project is to reduce gun violence and save lives. Giffords (formerly Americans for Responsible Solutions) advocates for laws and policies that are proven to make communities safer from gun violence. Deploying a refined advocacy strategy that brings legal and technical experts together with faith and business leaders, law enforcement, and key in-state partners, Giffords builds powerful coalitions to advance top gun violence prevention priorities. Giffords deploys legislative analysis, public opinion research, and targeted constituent outreach to lawmakers via phone, email, and digital campaigns to affect positive change in state legislatures across the country. Such policies include universal background checks on all gun sales, and restrictions on domestic abusers' and hate crime offenders' access to guns. The project's primary focus is advancing Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVRO), which allow family members and law enforcement to temporarily remove firearms from loved ones who may be experiencing a crisis.

Impact

More lives will be saved from gun violence by creating a political incentive for stronger gun laws, advocating for such policies, and shifting cultural attitudes around firearms toward safety and responsibility. For decades, the gun lobby has had a grip on politicians, but Giffords is changing the political calculation around gun safety. With evidence that shows stronger gun laws reduce violence, and polling that shows the public and gun owners support these policies, Giffords advocates for measures that are proven to save lives. States have passed over 200 new gun laws since 2013, including universal background checks, GVROs, and restrictions on domestic abusers' access to guns. Giffords has been instrumental in helping to achieve these victories in states like OR, CT, NJ, and NM. Using relationships with gun violence survivors, domestic violence and suicide prevention organizations, and law enforcement, Giffords coalesces bipartisan support for strong gun laws and launches multi-faceted engagement campaigns to build a groundswell of support. These policies work. Data show that GVROs save one life for every 10-20 orders issued. Since 85% of suicide attempts with a gun are fatal, reducing access to guns significantly increases the likelihood of surviving a suicidal crisis. That’s why pursuing a policy like GVRO is so critical; we know that it will have a significant impact in reducing suicide by firearm in this country. Implementing policies that will keep guns out of the hands of those who are at risk of harming themselves or others saves lives.

Leadership

  • Peter

    Peter Ambler

    Executive Director

  • Robin

    Robin Lloyd

    Director of Government Affairs