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September was all about elections. Heading into the final stretch before Election Day, as many communities across the South navigate the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we're working harder than ever to get out the vote and elect lawmakers who care about our futures.
This election is not about choosing one leader, it's about choosing the future we want for our country. A future where young people can grow up without the fear of gun violence, where our communities are safe, and common-sense gun laws are a reality.
Read on below about our work last month and find out how to get involved:
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From the Field: Students Demand Action
On college and high school campuses across the country, our student volunteers are mobilizing to make their voices heard this election.
Check out our campus activation toolkits that help mobilize young people and build a future free from gun violence. Explore this resource to organize your high school or
college campus.
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Courts & Litigation
A major sporting goods store in Minnesota, Scheels All Sports, Inc., handed an operational gun to an underage teenager, who tragically shot and killed himself inside the store. On behalf of his mother, Everytown Law and co-counsel are seeking accountability.
"Jordan would be alive today had the defendants not given him a handgun that he was too young to purchase," said Alla Lefkowitz, Everytown Law. "Instead, Scheels took less than 30 seconds to place an operable gun in Jordan's hands. This lawsuit seeks to impose accountability on those whose actions led to Jordan's tragic death."
Read more about the case in the Minnesota Tribune: "Scheels, employee sued over teen's suicide in Eden Prairie store."
If you or someone you know is in crisis, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 connection to free, confidential support anywhere in the US. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
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Everytown in the News
We know that gun violence has long-lasting impacts on survivors. And with an estimated 3 million children in the U.S. exposed to shootings every year, connecting survivors to mental health and trauma resources can be life-saving.
"Your trauma doesn't define you and you're not supposed to move on from it," said Rebekah Schuler, a Students Demand Action volunteer and survivor of the 2021 Oxford High School shooting. "It's still going to be a part of you, it's still going to be with you, but you can do it and you won't have to do it alone."
Read more from CNN: "Survivors and mental health experts share what they know about the long-term impact of school shootings on children."
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Research Corner
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month—and we're raising awareness about the deadly role guns play in intimate partner violence.
Domestic violence murder-suicides occur more than once a day in the US, and most involve a firearm. Easy access to guns is fueling this crisis: In 25% of incidents, survivors reported that the perpetrator was legally prohibited from having guns.
The research is clear: Guns are more likely to turn abuse fatal. Read more about it in our report: "Dual Tragedies: Domestic Homicide-Suicides with a Firearm."
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Thanks for taking action,
Everytown for Gun Safety
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