(The Grandmothers), a new national organization, is launching to mobilize the trusted voices of Grandmothers and all of those concerned about gun violence.听The Grandmothers听strengthens the multigenerational movement to protect children, families, and communities from the devastating toll of gun violence.
鈥淚n this national moment, grandmothers are essential to our well-being,鈥澨�said former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley, Grandmothers Board member.
鈥淕randmothers are influencers, caregivers, and centers of power in diverse communities and cultures across the globe. It鈥檚 time to step up here at home, where the need is urgent,鈥澨�said , PhD,听Founder and Chief Executive Officer of听The Grandmothers.
Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States.听The Grandmothers听is committed to elevating the voices and experiences of older people to drive meaningful change. The organization stands on the core principle of听collective responsibility.听It aims to protect families, schools, and communities through听evidence-based strategies听that emphasize safety, accountability, and prevention.
National Launch of Grandmothers for Gun Responsibility – Full Video
Grandmothers Board member Dr. Brian H. Williams听emphasized the urgency of this movement:
“Every day, I witness the physical and emotional devastation that gun violence inflicts on young people and their families, particularly in communities of color. My team and I fight to save lives, but too often, it’s too late. We can end this crisis if we all pull together.”
The Grandmothers听is a听non-partisan organization听that collaborates across political divides to find听common-ground solutions听to reduce gun violence. While advocating for responsible firearm ownership and use, the group also recognizes constitutional rights.
The National Launch on March 17 featured speakers from听The Grandmothers鈥�听, offering expertise across diverse sectors鈥攊ncluding government, public health, mental health, and the military:
- Bill Bradley听鈥� Former U.S. Senator (NJ), NBA Champion, Author
- LaShawnDa Pittman, PhD听鈥� Associate Professor, University of Washington, Author of听Grandmothering While Black
- Linda Degutis, DrPH, MSN听鈥� Lecturer, Yale School of Public Health, Former Director, NCIPC, CDC
- Brian H. Williams, MD听鈥� Trauma Surgeon, U.S. Air Force Veteran, Author of听The Bodies Keep Coming
- Ilana Landsberg-Lewis听鈥� Global Leader for Women and Grandmothers, Founder of Grandmothers to Grandmothers
- Margaret Heldring, PhD听鈥� CEO, Grandmothers for Gun Responsibility, Psychologist, Former U.S. Senate Staff
A recording of the launch event can be found听.
鈥淎s a trusted, steady presence, grandmothers have always been dedicated to protecting children and families,鈥� said Linda Degutis, board chair of听The Grandmothers.听鈥淣ow, we are stepping up to confront the devastating epidemic of gun violence. We want to keep people safe given that there are guns in our environment. We invite voices across the nation to take action鈥攂ecause a safer society is the legacy we want to leave for future generations.鈥�
Join the Movement.听
For more information and to register for the March 17 launch event, visit听.
