“Thoughts and prayers aren’t going to put a stop to gun violence. It will take all of us advocating for sensible gun violence prevention reforms to make it happen”

(https://marchforourlives.com/policy/).  

Gilroy, California

Southaven, Mississippi

El Paso, Texas

Dayton, Ohio 

The list continues to grow. 

Our hearts ache. AFTA grieves with families and communities impacted by these tragedies and all who have been impacted by gun violence. 

“Thoughts and prayers aren’t going to put a stop to gun violence. It will take all of us advocating for sensible gun violence prevention reforms to make it happen” (https://marchforourlives.com/policy/).  

We must act. We must demand that our politicians move from debate, toward implementation of policies that protect our families and communities from gun violence. We must demand that our politicians prioritize public safety over the financial interests of some. We must demand change.

Have your voice heard, contact your elected officials.

Over the past month, we have seen examples of U.S. territories (e.g,. Puerto Rico), countries (e.g., Russia), and other territories/regions (e.g., Hong Kong) rise up in a way that has caused the world to take notice and question the tenability of the status quo. What are we willing to do for justice and peace? How do we rise up?

Join in conversation about gun violence. What have you been doing to support those impacted by gun violence? What are your local, community leaders doing? What policies need to change? What can we do together? 

Please join us in conversation on the listserv. Share our invitation with others. Join the conversations occurring in our committees as AFTA is committed to standing up, standing together, advocating, and engaging in dialogue in support of the safety of families and communities. Contact your elected officials.

Gun violence is a public health issue, it is a human rights issue. Gun violence impacts our families and communities. How do we/AFTA embrace our vision and mission to “transform social contexts so that they promote health, safety, and well-being of all families and communities,” and develop “family centered practices and policies”? How do we/AFTA navigate the politics of gun violence within systems, families and communities?

Ours is a collective voice. We want to hear from you. 

Sarah Berland, LCSW

Family Policy and Human Rights Committee Chair 

Bryan Doster, M.A.

2020 Program Co-Chair, Politics and Systems 

Blanca Lugo, Psy.D. 

2020 Program Co-Chair, Politics and Systems 

Amy Tuttle, Ph.D.

President