“It has often, maybe even always, been women who lead the way on social change. Now we are grandmothers and still have a zest for activism. The energy and commitment of our members and supporters never runs down. We show up, stand up, speak up. It is an honor to belong to this community of women.”
— Margaret Heldring, Founder* - Grandmothers Against Gun Violence
Margaret Heldring is one of the four founding members* of Grandmothers Against Gun Violence. She served ten years in a leadership role, remains active as a spokesperson for Grandmothers, is on the board of the GAGV Foundation and participates in national coalitions of gun violence prevention groups.
*Jane Drucker, Margaret Heldring, Judy McBroom and Linda Straley
Grandmothers Show Up! Stand Up! Speak Up!
Founded in January 2013, a few weeks after the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, Grandmothers Against Gun Violence is a growing grassroots non-profit organization with ~1,200 members from over 30 states and a vision to eliminate gun violence in all our communities.
We are citizen activists united in our goal to create a safer world for all grandchildren and rising generations. We are committed to diversity and inclusiveness in our approach, and acknowledge the inter-generational nature of the gun violence prevention movement. We work with like-minded people and community organizations to pass common sense gun safety legislation at the local, state and national levels.
Grandmothers Against Gun Violence has a strong advocacy and public education agenda. We advocate for gun safety legislation and offer community education programs on all aspects of gun violence, including its causes and prevention.
We work diligently and collaboratively in support of gun laws that promote safe and responsible gun ownership and use. We support safe storage laws and practices, distributing information and educational materials through our website, mailings, and attendance at local community events, workshops and conferences.
Watch our slideshow Celebrating 10 Years of Grandmothers Leadership, Legislation and Activism!
The slideshow documents some of the ongoing work and hard won accomplishments of the members of our all volunteer organization, since its inception in 2013.
A special thank you to Sarah J.E. Dean for creating the slideshow.