About Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort
There is an appalling level of gun violence in our state. More than 400 Wisconsinites - our neighbors, coworkers and loved ones - are killed each year by guns.
But it doesn't have to be this way.
We need only to look to other states, to see that gun violence is preventable. The evidence and research are clear: Strong gun laws save lives.
And states that put that lesson into law, like Connecticut, New York and Hawaii, are proving it. Unfortunately, Wisconsin has failed to take the commonsense steps that would keep our families and communities safe.
WAVE fills a vital role rallying public support, pressing for action, and giving people all across our state a place to turn for trusted information and bold leadership on gun violence prevention policies.
Founded in 1997 by passionate volunteers, we have grown to include tens of thousands of supporters representing every county in Wisconsin. And, as our influence has grown, so has our critical role with reporters and legislators as the go-to voice for lifesaving gun laws.
Everytown is a movement of Americans working together to end gun violence and build safer communities. Gun violence touches every town in America. For too long, change has been thwarted by the Washington gun lobby and by leaders who refuse to take common-sense steps that will save lives.
But something is changing. More than 3 million mayors, moms, cops, teachers, survivors, gun owners, and everyday Americans have come together to make their own communities safer. Together, we are fighting for the changes that we know will save lives.
Everytown starts with you, and it starts in your town.
The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (CSGV) is a 501(c)(4) organization that was founded in 1974. We seek to secure freedom from gun violence through research, strategic engagement and effective policy advocacy.
Our organizational structure is unique among national gun violence prevention organizations. CSGV is composed of 47 national organizations working to reduce gun violence. Our coalition members include religious organizations, child welfare advocates, public health professionals, and social justice organizations. This diversity of member organizations allows us to reach a wide variety of grassroots constituencies who share our vision of non-violence.
For too long, progress on life-saving gun reforms has been stalemated by legislative gridlock. Our politicians, intimidated by the political power of the National Rifle Association, have refused to act in the wake of tragedy after tragedy. CSGV has a three-part strategy to break this gridlock:
1) We are taking an aggressive approach with political advocacy. Our message to elected officials is simple: “The era of no accountability is over. If you do the NRA’s bidding and put our loved ones in the line of fire, we will educate your constituents about your record.” This strategy involves the use of social media campaigns and hard-hitting TV, radio and print ads.
2) We are building personal relationships with legislators and challenging them to become dedicated, long-term advocates for sensible gun laws. The victims and survivors of gun violence on our staff are the leaders in this lobbying effort. We are also looking to facilitate the advocacy of state/local activists whenever and wherever we can.
3) We are the first gun violence prevention group to talk about the issue in terms of democratic values, and to use the term “insurrectionism” to describe the NRA’s treasonous interpretation of the Second Amendment. By exposing the hypocrisy of the NRA’s “freedom” message, we have reframed the debate and put them on the defensive.
CSGV’s guiding principle is simple. We believe that all Americans have a right to live in communities free from gun violence.