People for a Safer Society
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has" - Margaret Mead
COVID-19 Concerns
As we all heed Governor Pritzker's Stay at Home order, it is more important than ever to make sure that our families, friends and fellow community members are safe in households with guns. The thoughts below were written by an Illinois resident who recently lost her 22 year old son to suicide by gun:
I'm saying this once and I'm gonna say it a lot more times. The COVID-19 situation is going to get worse before it gets better. Our biggest enemy right now is a tiny virus and the economic fallout its causing. Your gun isn't going to keep you safe from any of this. If ANYONE in your house suffers from anxiety or depression (diagnosed or not), is bipolar. or has other mood disorders, GET YOUR GUN OUT OF YOUR HOUSE. Or keep your gun and give the ammo to a trusted friend.
In recent weeks I've spent a few hours talking with people who have lost loved ones (males ages 19-47, if it matters) to self-inflicted gun shots. I've spent hours on suicide bereavement boards. I've read enough to feel almost fortunate about our situation compared to the absolute horror stories of others.
Suicide can be a spontaneous, impulsive act. Don't make it easy for yourself or the ones you love. It's not about having the gun locked or put in a safe place, this is about preventing anyone from firing a shot. It's about protecting people you love (including yourself).
The world as we know it is shifting under our feet. Things are going to get dark and depressing in the weeks, maybe even months, to come. I want you to stick around long enough to not only see how it turns out, but to shape our collective future. We need you and your peeps.
There will be the light at the end of the tunnel.
If you are worried about someone who has access to a gun, please go to Speak for Safety Illinois for information on getting a firearms restraining order
I'm saying this once and I'm gonna say it a lot more times. The COVID-19 situation is going to get worse before it gets better. Our biggest enemy right now is a tiny virus and the economic fallout its causing. Your gun isn't going to keep you safe from any of this. If ANYONE in your house suffers from anxiety or depression (diagnosed or not), is bipolar. or has other mood disorders, GET YOUR GUN OUT OF YOUR HOUSE. Or keep your gun and give the ammo to a trusted friend.
In recent weeks I've spent a few hours talking with people who have lost loved ones (males ages 19-47, if it matters) to self-inflicted gun shots. I've spent hours on suicide bereavement boards. I've read enough to feel almost fortunate about our situation compared to the absolute horror stories of others.
Suicide can be a spontaneous, impulsive act. Don't make it easy for yourself or the ones you love. It's not about having the gun locked or put in a safe place, this is about preventing anyone from firing a shot. It's about protecting people you love (including yourself).
The world as we know it is shifting under our feet. Things are going to get dark and depressing in the weeks, maybe even months, to come. I want you to stick around long enough to not only see how it turns out, but to shape our collective future. We need you and your peeps.
There will be the light at the end of the tunnel.
If you are worried about someone who has access to a gun, please go to Speak for Safety Illinois for information on getting a firearms restraining order
Immediate actions to take
- Help to pass the BIO (Blocking Illegal Ownership) Bill. SB1966 (formerly known as Fix the FOID). This legislation has passed the Illinois House and we are now looking for support in the Illinois Senate. Click here for information about the bill and directions to contact your state senator.
- Please contact these committee members and ask them to support this life-saving legislation.
Rachelle Crowe 56 (217) 782-5247 (618) 251-9840
Elgie R. Sims, Jr. 17 (217) 782-3201 (773) 933-7715
Ann Gillespie 27 (217) 782-4471 (847) 749-1880
Don Harmon 39 (217) 782-8176 (708) 848-2002
Michael E. Hastings 19 (217) 782-9595 (815) 464-5431
Robert F. Martwick 10 (217) 782-1035 (773) 286-1115
Jason A. Barickman. 53 (217) 782-6597 (309) 661-2788
Paul Schimpf 58 (217) 782-8137 (618) 684-1100
Jil Tracy 47 (217) 782-2479 (217) 223-0833
- There are currently 215 cosponsors for HR1296, a proposal for federal legislation that would ban assault-style weapons in America and protect our children and families. The bill needs three more cosponsors . We ask that if you live in Cheri Bustos's District (IL-17), please contact her about becoming a cosponsor of HR1296.
- Call @CheriBustos (IL-17) at (202) 225-5905
- If you live in Lauren Underwood's District (IL-14), please call to thank her for being the latest cosponsor from Illinois at (202) 225-2976
- Stay tuned! Thursday, May 7 will STILL be Illinois Advocacy Day however, due to COVID-19, this action will be remote. Details to follow.
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About UsPeople for a Safer Society is a gun violence prevention organization that was founded in early 2013, shortly after the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. The organization aims to educate people and raise awareness on gun violence.
The organization facilitates education, awareness and advocacy that can make a difference on local, state, and federal levels. In addition to pushing for common sense gun laws, People for a Safer Society informs communities about non-legislative solutions, such as divestment from gun manufacturers. People for a Safer Society is based in Skokie, Illinois, and has engaged communities throughout the Chicagoland area. |
GREAT NEWS!
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Recently, changes were proposed to the Gun Dealer Certification legislation. Many organizations, including PFSS, signed on to a letter to the Illinois State Police to support the changes. You can read the letter here.
The Combating Illegal Gun Trafficking Act will encourage best business practices among gun dealers and hold corrupt gun dealers accountable in Illinois. The bill:
Click here to read the Act. The Firearms Restraining Order (FRO) allows people to get a judge-issued court order to temporarily remove firearms from a person who is a safety risk to themselves and/or others. Click here to go to Speak for Safety Illinois for more details about FRO. Thanks to everyone who made phone calls, signed petitions, and filed witness slips! Your actions were effective! |
Fast Facts |
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