In May, 1999, a new voice joined the gun policy debate. The Bell Campaign, a national, grass-roots, victim-led advocacy organization opened its doors and began establishing chapters in communities throughout the country. By February, 2000, over 30 chapters had sprouted from Hawaii to New York, and from Minnesota to Florida. By organizing, training, and informing advocates about the gun injury epidemic and prevention policy, these chapters have begun to promote meaningful change in diverse communities. This presentation introduces The Bell Campaign and highlights policy development in two communities with active chapters. The presentation will emphasize the following: 1) the importance of grass-roots participation, including the voice of victims/survivors, in forcing policy change in these communities; 2) the need for collaboration among organizations and disciplines seeking to prevent gun death and injury; and 3) some prospects for future policy development.
Learning Objectives: 1) recognize the importance of grass-roots participation, including the voice of victims/survivors, in changing gun policy at the community, state and federal levels; 2) understand the need for collaboration among organizations and disciplines seeking to prevent gun death and injury; and 3) identify some prospects for future policy development
Keywords: Firearms, Advocacy
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The Bell Campaign
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I work full-time as Policy Director in the National
Office of The Bell Campaign.