By JPIC Director Colleen Kammer
Eight Baltimore-area congregations, including SSND, have launched a campaign against gun violence called “Put the Guns Down.” Organized by the Sisters of Bon Secours, the goal is to raise awareness about gun violence as a public health epidemic and to take a stand for peace, healing, and hope.
The campaign will run throughout the month of June. It includes advertisements on city buses and the metro (subway). Click here to learn more.
Those in the United States can participate in advocacy on two national legislative efforts via the Gun Violence Awareness web page through the Sisters of Mercy’s Action Alerts, one of our partners in the campaign.
- Tell Congress to oppose unregulated concealed weapons
- Demand that funding be restored for violence intervention programs.
Media and other initiatives for the campaign include a May 27 press release to Baltimore area newspapers, and television and radio stations, the Catholic Health Association, Global Sisters Report, and the National Catholic Reporter; an Op-Ed by the Sisters of Bon Secours USA leader, Elaine Davia; social media templates; outreach to the Baltimore Mayor’s office; and coordination with the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Office of Life, Justice, and Peace.
The eight participating congregations are the Benedictine Sisters of Baltimore Emmanuel Monastery, Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, Province of St. Louise, Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart, Oblate Sisters of Providence, School Sisters of Notre Dame, Atlantic Midwest Province, Sisters of Bon Secours, USA, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, and Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, U.S. East-West Province.
The “Put the Guns Down” campaign is a positive, collaborative step we can take amid senseless gun violence in Baltimore City and in the United States. Please invite others to this awareness and advocacy through social media and your personal invitation. Thank you for your participation!
