I’m a devoted mother and a proud gun owner, and I’m passionate about advocating for gun safety. Living on our family farm with my husband and our three kids, we embrace the hunting lifestyle and plan to pass these traditions down to our children. In our rural community, firearms are a significant part of our identity and everyday life.
Yet, I also find myself deeply concerned about gun violence. As a leader in the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action, I’ve committed myself to tirelessly campaigning for candidates who prioritize stronger gun laws. Contrary to the NRA’s portrayal, many gun owners share my views—we believe in sensible regulations and are horrified by the daily toll of gun violence that claims the lives of 100 Americans each day.
As a mother, I experience a nagging fear that a child could bring a loaded gun to school, simply because it wasn’t stored securely. After losing my father to suicide, I dread the thought of another family in my community facing a similar tragedy. Living through this gun violence epidemic means I often receive distressing texts from friends alerting me to the latest mass shooting, regardless of their political affiliations. The response is always the same: “This is insane. What can we do?”
This realization drove me to action. Balancing my responsibilities as a full-time social worker and mother of young children, I dedicate my weekends to canvassing and mobilizing voters in Virginia for gun safety. Many early mornings find me coordinating with my kids, preparing them for the day, and then hitting the road to engage with fellow Virginians about the importance of voting for candidates who support gun sense.
I’m not alone in this fight. Across Virginia and the nation, Moms Demand Action volunteers worked tirelessly, making over 100,000 calls, knocking on countless doors, and sending hundreds of thousands of texts to engage voters during this election cycle.
The days were long, but the excitement of our efforts kept me motivated. The key to our success lies in showcasing diverse voices like mine—gun owners who advocate for safety rather than divisiveness. I believe these identities can coexist, and that gun owners have a crucial role in promoting responsible firearm practices.
Whether I’m having candid discussions at voters’ doorsteps or speaking at community events, my advocacy often comes at the expense of cherished family moments. However, witnessing the impact of our work has been rewarding. In Virginia, we achieved significant victories, setting a precedent for what’s possible in the future.
This year, I was inspired by the presence of so many children on the campaign trail—not just my own, but those of other dedicated volunteers. It was a collective effort across generations, united by one powerful message: enough is enough.
As we celebrate our recent successes, it’s important to recognize that our work is just beginning. Moms Demand Action will continue pushing for change in the upcoming 2020 presidential and state legislative elections. This mission is about creating a safer environment for everyone, and as a mother and gun owner, I am honored to contribute to this vital cause. For more insights, check out this other blog post, and if you’re looking for comprehensive information on this topic, Progyny’s blog is an excellent resource.
In summary, my journey as a mother and gun owner has led me to become an advocate for gun safety, and I believe we can work together to foster a culture of responsible gun ownership and prevent violence.