Voices for a Safer Tennessee
@voices4saferTN
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We are a nonpartisan coalition dedicated to prioritizing gun safety and advocating for common sense gun laws to make Tennessee safer for all of us.
Tennessee
Joined April 2023
Join us on April 18 at 5:15p in Nashville as we link arms for change! Be part of a 3 mile human chain that will serve as an expression of solidarity among the chorus of voices who support common sense gun laws this session. Register now at #safertn
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This just in: new TN data from conservative pollster shows universal support - even among Trump voters, gun owners and Independents - for gun safety measures and desire for immediate action.
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“We can’t send our kids to school knowing that it might be the last time we see them.” . Mary Joyce, a Covenant School mother, believes our children deserve a #SaferTN to grow up in. Join her in imploring common sense gun safety measures for our state:
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Our statement following the conclusion of today's session. Thank you for ALL you're doing. This is just the beginning. ❤️
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If you believe our children deserve a safer Tennessee, then we are on the same side. Join us. Visit
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Tennessee has the 9th highest rate of gun violence and the 12th highest rate of firearm deaths in the US. Without action, this issue will continue to devastate our communities.
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BREAKING: We just fielded a poll by conservative pollster Fabrizio Lee showing overwhelming support for policies to reduce gun violence. Supporters include, Trump voters, gunowners and people of all political backgrounds.
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There’s overwhelming bipartisan support for stronger gun safety laws in TN and our recently released poll data confirms it. The legislature is choosing to adjourn earlier than usual in hopes to quell our voices, so we need you to act TODAY! See who to call and what to say below:
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Thank you @GovBillLee for announcing the timing of the special session. To our coalition — let’s get to work! #saferTN
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We're a volunteer organization and these are just a few of the dedicated community members who share a vision for a #saferTN.
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Your voice is essential in making that happen. Call your elected officials now to share support for gun safety!. Find your representatives' contact info here: And see the full report here: . #SaferTN.
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In just weeks, we've had thousands of petition signatures for gun safety legislation, 3 letters of support urging state officials to take action backed by 200+ community leaders & 9,000+ linked arms forming a human chain to the State Capitol.
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Organizations across Tennessee are joining us for today’s event. Check out this list of groups and cross streets to find out where to meet up. See you in a few hours!
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When conversations about gun violence become “us versus them," we distract from what’s truly important – protecting our children and each other. Let’s come together as one community and use our voices to create a #SaferTN for all.
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Tomorrow is the five-year anniversary of the Antioch Waffle House mass shooting here in Nashville. We join loved ones in remembrance of Akilah, DeEbony, Taurean and Joe - treasured souls lost too soon to gun violence. Please remember their names and never forget their legacy.
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@CalebHemmer Rep. Hemmer — Thank you so much for your support of our advocacy for firearm safety!.
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The House and Senate are at an impasse, but we keep showing up to protect our children and communities. There are still two bills we support actively progressing through both the House and the Senate - but that is not enough.
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Change can happen this session! Please reach out to your state legislators (House and Senate) by calling or emailing to advocate for:.· extreme risk laws.· stronger gun storage laws.· closing background check loopholes.Find your legislator at #safertn
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THANK YOU! We are filled with immense gratitude for you, and our entire coalition of “voices,” who helped us raise $100,068.32 in just over 24 hours. #saferTN
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Major update: new data suggests gun safety measures are favorable across party lines. Results indicate a #SaferTN is possible!. Read more on the survey data and get involved to create reasonable, responsible gun legislation:
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Thank you Covenant School parents Abby & Lori for sharing their experiences over the last year & how they are channeling their trauma into action. You can make an impact on Wednesday by joining Linking Arms for Change. Register here:
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Voices for a Safer TN asks the community to wear red & link arms to honor the memory of the Covenant victims and the hundreds of TN lives lost to preventable firearm tragedies over the last year. Register here:
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“The perfect storm of easy access to firearms combined with a pandemic-fueled mental health crisis has brought us to a boiling point.” @bfrist, @PreacherClay and @alexjahangir are among the voices in our chorus imploring an end to America’s epidemic of firearms-driven death.
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Today we’ve shown that our voices are more powerful together. Thank you for showing your support, whether in person or from afar. Be on the lookout for additional event info, legislative updates & more tomorrow. Photo: Ray di Pietro @raydipietro #saferTN
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Our voices are being heard! In separate statements from the 3 most powerful leaders in TN, all indicated support for policy change to ensure that individuals who pose a significant risk to themselves or their community should not possess weapons. #safertn
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Your voice matters more than ever RIGHT NOW to help keep our kids safe. Sign our petition in support of reasonable, responsible gun safety measures at Together, as one voice, we can create a safer TN. #SaferTN
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Three numbers you need to know when it comes to gun violence in Tennessee are 1, 9 and 1,400. Swipe through the images to discover what they mean.👆
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Today, our hearts have been heavy, remembering in sorrow the horrific school shooting that took place one year ago today in Uvalde, Texas. We honor the precious lives lost, families changed and community in repair. We stand with Uvalde.
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Thanks to you, our nonpartisan coalition stretches to 91 counties across Tennessee!
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Nearly 10,000 people from across the state have shared their perspective on common sense firearm laws since Governor Lee opened an online portal to listen to Tennesseans on May 5. The feedback shows it's overwhelmingly a nonpartisan issue for most residents.
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Safer TN Advisory Board members Sen. Bill Frist, Bill Carpenter & Milton Johnson hosted a powerful discussion on the growing firearm injury crisis w/ healthcare leaders from across TN. Insights shared highlighted impact on healthcare providers & TN health systems.
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Since the heartbreaking day at Covenant, we’ve witnessed communities across our state unite to demand a #saferTN via reasonable, responsible gun legislation. We’ve made tremendous strides in a short period and our work continues. See our shared progress:
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What’s more important than working together for a #SaferTN? Your voice can make a difference. Join the coalition at Then call your elected officials and tell them you support action on firearm safety during the special session.
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JOIN US LIVE AT 5PM for Linking Arms for Change: Whether you are part of the human chain or joining home/work, you can honor the families of Covenant and all Tennesseans affected by firearm tragedies by joining the livestream of our program.
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Local govts must now decide whether to allow concealed carry of firearms by teachers & other school employees. Based on evidence showing arming teachers does not make schools safer, #SaferTN applauds the decision of Memphis-Shelby Schools to keep their classrooms gun-free.
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If you are in the Nashville area, consider taking part in this public dialogue hosted by Woodmont Christian Church on how we can keep our communities safer. Sen. Bill Frist, Dr. Alex Jahangir and Rev. Dr. Clay Stauffer will lead the discussion. Register:
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Tennessee's legislators went home today, but our advocacy endures.
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Our hearts break for Maine. We know this investigation is still underway. But we also know Maine lacks firearm safety laws like temporary transfer laws and background checks for all firearm transactions. We must strengthen firearm safety laws to prevent tragedies like this.
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Former Senator Bill Frist said “the only way we will see change is if we have a participatory democracy.”.His call to action:.Know your state senator and state rep, develop relationships with them, and make your feelings known on the issue of gun safety legislation. #safertn
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Voices for a Safer Tennessee is a nonpartisan coalition dedicated to prioritizing gun safety & advocating for common sense gun laws to make TN safer. If you believe our children deserve a safer TN, then we are on the same side. Join us. #saferTN
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Extreme Risk Protection Orders.Overall support from likely voters: 82%.Trump voters 74% support.Gun Owners 83% support.Republicans 76% support.Conservatives 75% support.#TNleg.
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72 Hour Waiting Period.Overall support from likely voters: 78%.Trump voters 67% support.Gun Owners 80% support.Republicans 68% support.Conservatives 70% support.#TNleg.
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Join us for the second week of Legislative Session. We will focus our presence in committee hearings to demonstrate our continued commitment to advocating for pragmatic firearm safety laws. Please click link to sign up! #SaferTN
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Safe Gun Storage: 74%.Overall support from likely voters:.Trump voters 63% support.Gun Owners 76% support.Republicans 68% support.Conservatives 64% support.#TNleg.
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Last night Woodmont Church hosted a discussion for our Nashville community called “After Covenant”. #safertn .
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7 out of 10 Tennesseans support passing laws that temporarily restrict access to guns for individuals who are at high risk of harming themselves or others. We are 7 days away from the start of TN Legislative Session, our next opportunity for firearm policy to create a #SaferTN.
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Six months ago, 6 innocent lives were taken during a mass shooting at The Covenant School. Since then, hundreds more Tennesseans have lost their lives to firearms. If you support making TN safer from firearm-related tragedies, join us at #SaferTN
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Thank you for all you’ve done to raise your voice and show your advocacy for gun safety and common sense gun legislation. Looking to do more? Your elected officials need to hear from you this week! Call your local representatives today and ask for change:
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Senseless acts of violence are NEVER acceptable.
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Did you know that the two cities that rank highest in the country for rate of firearm thefts from vehicles are both in Tennessee? No. 1 is Memphis, and No. 2 is Chattanooga. These stolen guns are often used to commit crimes.
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Want to get involved ahead of the special session but not sure where to start? Contacting your legislator is the perfect place to jump in. Use your voice for legislative change with the tips below!. Find your legislator's contact information:
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Too many communities have been forever changed by gun violence. This Friday is National Gun Violence Awareness Day, which kicks off "Wear Orange Weekend." 1/3
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Join us in person or virtually for a legislative briefing before the special session kicks off to learn about the proposed firearm safety legislation and how you can get involved.
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Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸 Fireworks may be the first thing on your mind, but firearm safety is even more important. Last year, more than a dozen mass shootings occurred on the 4th of July holiday, per @Axios. 1/3
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TN stands with all North Carolinians as they grieve another mass shooting. Charlotte suffered the loss of 3 law enforcement officers with 5 others wounded while executing a warrant. We honor those lost through our advocacy for a #SaferTN.
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"This special session marked an emotional first leg of the marathon. As the week comes to a close and we approach the Labor Day holiday, we encourage each of you to take some time to rest, relax and recharge.
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Matching gift opportunity! Today through Fri., Aug. 25 only, Sen. @bfrist and Tracy Frist will match the first $25K raised online – doubling your gift.
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Our hearts are with the victims and their families of the tragic shooting at Perry High School in Iowa. Lives are forever changed. As we mourn, let this be a reminder of the urgent need for firearm reform. We must stand united and grow our advocacy to prevent these tragedies.
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Register for LINKING ARMS FOR CHANGE at this link:
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Since Voices for a Safer Tennessee first formed, we have seen so many join our chorus of voices in hopes of creating a #SaferTN. Nearly three months later, we have accomplished so much, but our work is far from done.
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11 years ago, a law allowing firearms in unattended vehicles was passed. Recent data shows a rise in firearm-related crimes as safety policies relax. Contact your legislator to advocate for stronger secure storage laws. Let's work together for a #SaferTN.
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Safer TN received questions about the contributions from the PAC. We are grateful for feedback from our coalition. Our org is strong because we include all political parties. Bringing people together to advance firearm safety is our mission & dialogue helps.
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Give their perspective piece a read in the @Tennessean: And take action today by calling your elected officials in support of solutions for a #SaferTN.
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We agree with U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran Zachary Craig. "we cannot, and will not, go on with the status quo." Thank you for sharing your voice. Read his powerful @Tennessean column here #safertn
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Yesterday, @blackclergytn hosted press conferences in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Nashville and Memphis, calling on state policymakers to strengthen firearm safety laws when they convene on August 21 for the special session.
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Safer TN Yard Signs look great in the snow. This week, while all state legislative meetings have been cancelled due to weather, take action to spread awareness of pragmatic firearm safety by requesting one for your yard at this link: #SaferTN.
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As the special session approaches, we're thrilled to share two exciting announcements about the growth of our organization!
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With two new additions to our board of directors and the introduction of an advisory board composed of prominent TN public and private sector leaders, our momentum toward safer communities is growing.
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Important Update! Voices recently fielded a statewide survey that found support for proposals to address gun violence is high in both gunowner households and in households with no guns. Read more on the results and get involved to activate the #TNLeg:
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This evening on News Channel 5, Phil Williams hosted a moving interview with Voices for a Safer Tennessee board member, Katy Dieckhaus and her husband, Mike Dieckhaus. Watch at the link below and stand with us in solidarity for a #SaferTN.
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Your voice matters and so does your support. So far, 19,213 people have joined our nonpartisan coalition.
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Whether you’re joining us at the capitol today or elsewhere as the special session happens this week, we stand united. Join our event at The Belcourt Theatre via the livestream here, and continue using your voice to connect with your local legislators.
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Also, please remember to be polite to the staffer you speak with! We value their time and hearing our voices. Legislators need to give this issue the attention it needs NOW - not in 2024 - even if that means calling a special session.
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Great news: our voices are being heard. @WUOTFM has reported that about 15K public comments have been received so far from Tennesseans ahead of next month’s special session. The majority call for change to state firearm legislation. More details here:
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With over 35,000 Americans dead from firearm-related tragedies in America this year alone, isn't it time we had an open and honest conversation about saving lives? We can do that in Tennessee. Join us.
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Thousands of conversations across TN are making an impact on pragmatic firearm safety laws. Thank you for standing up for our families and friends. 565 donors from 32 counties made an $85,000 investment in our work on #GivingTuesday. Together, we’re creating a #SaferTN.
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In a matter of days, 100+ bills were filed and started moving through legislative committees. At the same time, Safer TN Policy Committee volunteers evaluated each bill and identified those that most closely align with our policy priorities.
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Fathers and husbands want their families to live in safe communities. Our policy priorities will help make our neighborhoods, schools, places of worship, grocery stores, and parks safer. Support a #SaferTN and join our coalition.
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Can you help us add 30K voices to our coalition by July 30?! With the TN special legislative session around the corner, we need as many people as possible from across the state to use their voice in support of a #SaferTN that prioritizes firearm safety and common sense gun laws.
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Upcoming event! If you’re near the Chattanooga area, we hope you’ll join us for this important conversation about firearm safety on Nov. 8. RSVP here:
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According to @thePowerPoll, over 80% of Tennesseans favor legislation that would require people to store their firearms with a lock in place. Tennesseans overwhelmingly support secure storage.
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BREAKING NEWS: In a major WIN for firearm safety, today the US Supreme Court upheld the federal law that makes it a crime for people under domestic violence restraining orders to have guns.
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The data speaks for itself: multiple polls show that Tennesseans, including Republicans, Trump supporters and gun owners, support common sense firearm safety laws including reporting lost or stolen guns, safe gun storage, closing background check loopholes and more.
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We're incredibly grateful to more than 100 Hamilton Countians who joined us for a community conversation about reducing firearm deaths in Tennessee at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Lookout Mt. Reach out to us if your community is interested in joining in the conversation.
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What kind of future do you envision for your community? Our Tennessee state leaders need to hear your thoughts on firearm safety. Use your voice ahead of the upcoming Aug. 21 special session to urge reasonable, responsible and specific firearm legislation.
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Local govts must now decide whether to allow concealed carry of firearms by teachers & other school employees. Based on evidence showing arming teachers does not make schools safer, #SaferTN applauds the decision of Metro Nashville Schools to keep their classrooms gun-free.
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Contact your elected officials today in support of reasonable, responsible gun safety measures:
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You helped us raise $57,394.35 in just 10 hours! Will you help us meet our new goal of $75,000 by continuing to share the link with family and friends?
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Heartbreaking accidental shootings of a four year old in Memphis and 13 year old in Cookeville. We send love to the grieving families. These tragedies underscore the need for conversation about reducing firearm tragedies in TN. We can respect rights and save lives. #SaferTN
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Our voices matter, and today, we believe they are listening. Governor Bill Lee has issued the official call for a special session to begin on Monday August 21.
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Will you link arms with us once again and help us raise our first $50,000 in 24 hours? Your gift will help fuel our grassroots movement and ensure we send a strong message: We are not going anywhere until firearm safety is legislatively guaranteed in our state.
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Closing Background Check loopholes.Overall support from likely voters: 80%.Trump voters 72% support.Gun Owners 81% support.Republicans 73% support.Conservatives 72% support.#TNleg.
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Faith leaders continue to use their voices to speak out on behalf of the communities they serve and we love seeing the momentum continue. Read @LeatherwoodERLC’s letter to TN's General Assembly in support of @GovBillLee's extreme risk law proposal:
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TN educators, your voices make a difference! Thank you to the education leaders who have already signed our letter asking elected officials to implement Extreme Risk Laws, close the background check loophole and require safe gun storage. #saferTN Read:
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This tragic incident highlights the challenges in TN's dispossession laws that are meant to keep firearms away from dangerous people. Offenders, like this man, can slip through the cracks. We must address our policies for firearm safety in order to keep our families safe.
Gary Barnett was prohibited from having a gun under a judge’s order, but six months later, his estranged wife’s worst fears became true.
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