Members of the Gun Violence Awareness Campaign. Photograph courtesy of GVAM website
For the third year Gun Violence Awareness Month (GVAM) will take place across New York during the month of June, highlighted by anti-violence events and advocacy efforts, and by proclamations from Mayors and County Executives, community leaders, clergy and activists, who will mark GVAM in their respective communities with heightened awareness and activities.
Other highlights for GVAM will include PSA’s from city and state leaders, a social media campaign, endorsement from Mayors at their annual June conference in San Francisco, “Sermon Sundays” where ecumenical religious leaders, including preachers, rabbis and Imams across New York State have signed on to devote one Saturday or Sunday in their House of Worship to anti-violence, and proclamations, resolutions and letters of support from a range of elected officials.
New York State is the only state in the nation to dedicate and entire month to the issue of gun violence prevention and awareness.
In 2013 the first resolution unanimously passed the New York State Legislature naming June Gun Violence Awareness Month as part of a five year push to reduce gun violence across the State. The resolution was sponsored in the Assembly by former State Assemblyman Karim Camara and in the Senate by State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson. Similar resolutions and proclamations were issued in every major city in New York State, including New York City.
Highlights from last year’s GVAM included, a public service announcement done by New York City First Lady Chirlane McCray and New York City Councilman Jumaane Williams, Co-Chair of the New York City Council Gun Violence Task Force.
Events in June will include: Everytown for Gun Safety June 2nd #WearingOrange; Mother’s in Charge, Inc. June 6th National Rally; National ASK Day on June 21st; and many other marches, town hall meetings, youth engagement activities, gun buy backs, public service announcements and social media campaigns.
