Hello John,

I just want to remind you of the wonderful opportunities you'll have this weekend to come together with others who, like you, are committed to preventing gun tragedies. 

It's sure to be a powerful weekend, and I'd love to see you. 

Darrell

------------Forwarded Message---------------
Sender: Darrell Lofton
Date: 05/29/2025

Subject: Join us For Wear Orange Weekend June 6-8

Hi John,

Last week, many of you gathered in Madison to advocate for stronger gun laws. Next week, you’ll have even more opportunities to get involved with this community of advocates. 

On Friday, June 6th, people across the country will wear orange for National Gun Violence Awareness Day, and, throughout the weekend, events across Wisconsin will offer opportunities for people to come together in solidarity. 

The weekend, also known as Wear Orange, is about one thing – people. We understand that everyone deserves to live a life free from violence, and we must rally together with this message.

I wanted to let you know about Wear Orange events throughout the state so you can join the hundreds of people coming together in solidarity.

Madison

📍 Safe Firearms Disposal
📅 Saturday, June 7 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
📌 First United Methodist Church parking lot, 203 Wisconsin Ave, enter from Dayton St.
Former pastor Jeff Wild and his crew will disassemble rifles and handguns to weld metal parts into garden trowels and picks. These items will be sold for $50 each. Individuals donating guns to the event will be provided with gift coupons between $100-250 for use at area Pick n' Save stores. Firearms should be unloaded and placed in the trunk or rear of your vehicle. Cosponsored by The National Guns to Gardens movement and the Wisconsin Council of Churches.

📍 Candlelight Vigil
📅 Saturday, June 7 at 6:00 PM
📌 Wisconsin Capitol Building steps (facing W Mifflin Street)
Gather with Moms Demand Action and community members to honor the 125 lives taken by gun violence each day. We’ll share stories, hold space for reflection, and reaffirm our commitment to change.

📍 Community Gathering and Resource Event
📅 Sunday, June 8 at 1:00 PM
📌 North Sherman Avenue Methodist Church, 3705 N Sherman Ave
Join survivors and advocates for an afternoon of food, music, speakers, and healing. Together, we’ll uplift those affected and strengthen our bonds as a community.

Milwaukee 

📍Art That Heals Workshop
📅 Friday, June 6, 6:00–8:00 PM
📌 Safe and Sound, 4422 W Leon Terrace
Explore the healing power of art alongside Safe and Sound, WAVE, Milwaukee’s Office of Community Wellness and Safety, and community partners.

📍 Youth-Led Press Conference + Resource Fair + Survivor Healing Workshop

📅 Saturday, June 7
📌 Safe and Sound, 4422 W Leon Terrace

9:00 AM – Press Conference led by Milwaukee youth, including WAVE Youth Advisory Board members

9:00 AM–12:00 PM – Resource Fair

1:00–3:00 PM – Survivor Healing Workshop
Memorial flags will be on display throughout the weekend. Survivors are invited to personalize flags in remembrance of loved ones.

Mount Horeb

📍 Wear Orange Art Installation & Community Gathering

📅 Friday, June 6 at 4:00 PM

📌 Brix Cider, 119 S 2nd Street

Enjoy live music and a special art installation while connecting with public health officials and advocates about firearm safety and community wellness.

Whitewater

📍 Action Opportunity

📅 Friday, June 6, 3:00–7:00 PM

📌 The Book Teller, 171 W Main St

Stop by to participate in collective action. Add your voice to a growing movement for a safer future.

Coming together in community with survivors and advocates is always powerful for me. These moments are where I see the unbearable pain that gun tragedies bring, but also the determination, love, and compassion that keep this work going. This vibrant collection of events throughout Wisconsin fills me with hope and determination.

We believe in a future free from violence – and we will not give in. 

Thank you for being part of this movement,

Darrell Lofton

Program Manager

P.S. You can also show your support by joining us in the Capitol on Tuesday, June 3rd at noon. We’ll stand alongside legislative champions as they make an important announcement in the Assembly Chambers. A strong presence of advocates will send a powerful message—and we’d love for you to be part of it. If you’re interested in attending, just reply to this email and we’ll send you all the details!

Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort
P.O. Box 170393
Milwaukee, WI 53217
United States 

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