The U.S. gun death rate is 11 times that of other high-income countries. This is unacceptable. Each February, Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund (“Everytown”) commemorates the loss of life and mourn the effects of gun violence on survivors – more than 230 people a day are shot and survive their injury – and on our society as a whole.
This February 1-7 will mark the fifth annual National Gun Violence Survivors Week – a week when people from all walks of life come together to share and amplify the stories and voices of gun violence survivors who live with the impact of gun violence every day of the year. The centerpiece is Moments that Survive, a digital storytelling site that lifts up the stories of survivors in their own words. We honor the stories of survivors by sharing their stories and participating in dedicated events to acknowledge the lives of those marked by gun violence.
Join us by participating in Survivor Weekend, dedicated to remembrance and celebration of survivors and their loved ones. This document has ideas on how communities of faith can participate in National Gun Violence Survivors Week and Survivor Weekend and work to bring peace to our communities.
Gun homicides, nonfatal shootings, and exposure to gun violence disproportionately affect Black communities, and these disparities are largely driven by longstanding inequalities and systemic racism. As we observe National Gun Violence Survivors Week, we will also mark the start of Black History Month with the same vision by celebrating the resilience and healing of Black survivors. Throughout the month, Everytown, and the Students Demand Action and Moms Demand Action volunteers, will share the stories and experiences of Black gun violence prevention advocates who are making a difference in the movement.
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