What started as one of the largest marches on Washington (read our history), is now a national network of 75 Chapters around the U.S. that work locally, yet stand together, in their fight against gun violence and the devastation it causes. As part of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, the Million Mom March Chapters believe that:



- all Americans have the right to be safe from gun violence in their homes, neighborhoods, schools, and places of work and worship.



- all children have the right to grow up in environments free from the threat of gun violence.



- gun violence is a public health crisis that harms not only the physical, but also the spiritual, social, and economic health of our families and communities.



- the availability and lethality of guns make death or severe injury more likely in domestic violence, criminal activity, suicide attempts, and unintentional shootings.



- it is possible to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by gun violence with reasonable, common sense policy.



Million Mom March Chapters work locally in five programmatic areas:



- Federal Legislation and Elections



Million Mom March Chapters work to pass sensible gun laws (and prevent the demise of current gun laws) on the Federal level. Current Federal legislative priorities include a national initiative to childproof all new handguns by 2015. Chapters also work on electing Federal candidates who support sensible gun laws.



- State Legislation and Elections



Working on state legislation builds momentum toward passing Federal legislation and helps to build the movement while protecting lives in each state. Chapters also work to elect local and state candidates to help pass (or move forward) their legislative goals.



- Education and Awareness Campaigns



Education is a key component of the Chapter's work, for it is through educating the country about the problems of gun violence that we can begin to effect change. As Million Mom March Chapters, our educational priorities include:



- educating adults about the economic, spiritual, and health toll of gun death and injury, including domestic violence, suicide, and unintentional shootings.

- educating the public about the need for childproof guns that will prevent child gun death and injury.

- educating parents and other adults about the dangers of keeping firearms in the home, encouraging adults who chose to keep a firearm to store their gun locked and unloaded, with the ammunition stored separately. and encouraging parents to ask if guns are safely stored at places where their children play and visit.



- Linking with Victims



Million Mom March Chapters work to actively and appropriately incorporate the authentic experiences of victims and co-victims into the movement to prevent firearm injury and death. As mothers and others, the Million Mom March Chapter is called to responsible action for remembering victims, such as creating a victim's memorial (garden, wall) or a commemorative activity (bell ringing, vigils). Chapters across the country link with individuals who have been touched by gun violence in order that these important voices are provided the opportunity to impact life saving policies at local, state, and national levels.



- Coalition Building/Community Outreach



As Million Mom March Chapters, we recognize that we cannot do this alone. We must reach out to like-minded organizations in our community to help grow the movement. Not only are Chapters encouraged to work with other gun violence prevention groups, but also with health organizations, victims groups, law enforcement, school groups, religious communities, and the business community. By connecting across sectors of the community, all Chapter activities become more effective, the Chapter becomes stronger, and the movement as whole is strengthened.