--------------------------------ORIGINAL MESSAGE FROM BRANDON--------------------------------
Friend
Seventeen years ago, I was shot. I didn’t know if I’d survive. I was lucky, but too many Pennsylvanians are not.
During that time, I watched too many legislators ignore the consequences of gun violence as tombstones piled up. Now that’s changed. I lead CeaseFirePA’s policy and lobbying in Harrisburg. And for the first time in 12 years, I’ll work with a House majority who will put this crisis front and center.
This isn’t going to be easy. The NRA and Gun Owners of America will do everything possible to stop life-saving measures. They think universal background checks, going after illegal trafficking, and preventing suicide by gun infringe on their rights.
The reality is doing anything less costs lives. We have been strategizing with allies across the Commonwealth for the last few weeks. Where do we need to ramp up pressure? Where could survivor voices sway a vote? Where could a doctor or faith leader drive change?
It’s a big plan that recognizes the moment in front of us. We need to raise $100,000 by the end of the year to expand our organizing program. And a generous group of donors is matching gifts right now.
We aren’t going to let this opportunity go to waste. While I’m persuading legislators in the Capitol, our organizers and volunteers across the state will demand change.
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Powerful Partnerships: Doctors will share the stories of the lives they saved or lost. Faith leaders will appeal to legislators’ moral obligations. And local officials will connect the consequences of failing to act across the Commonwealth.
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Connecting gun violence with solutions: Every act of violence is preventable. A suicidal warning sign leads to help after an Extreme Risk Protection Order. A stolen weapon that doesn’t end up at a crime scene. We’re launching an ambitious new project to connect the stories of violence with the gaps in our safety system.
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A Movement Louder than the NRA: For years, legislators talk about calls, emails and messages outnumbering us. That started to change this year–and next year we’re going bigger. From descending on the Capitol with hundreds, to confronting legislative fence-sitters, our volunteer network is gearing up for a big year.
I’m ready to end this epidemic. Will you stand with me?
Sincerely,
Brandon Flood,
CeaseFirePA Deputy Director