Grandmothers for Gun Responsibility Launches National Organization to Prevent Gun Violence

WASHINGTON, March 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Grandmothers for Gun Responsibility (The Grandmothers), a new national organization, is launching to mobilize the trusted voices of Grandmothers and all of those concerned about gun violence. The Grandmothers strengthens the multigenerational movement to protect children, families, and communities from the devastating toll of gun violence.

"In this national moment, grandmothers are essential to our well-being," said former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley, Grandmothers Board member.

"Grandmothers are influencers, caregivers, and centers of power in diverse communities and cultures across the globe. It's time to step up here at home, where the need is urgent," said Margaret Heldring, PhD, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Grandmothers.

Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States. The Grandmothers is committed to elevating the voices and experiences of older people to drive meaningful change. The organization stands on the core principle of collective responsibility. It aims to protect families, schools, and communities through evidence-based strategies that emphasize safety, accountability, and prevention.

Grandmothers Board member Dr. Brian H. Williams emphasized the urgency of this movement:

"Every day, I witness the physical and emotional devastation that gun violence inflicts on young people and their families, particularly in communities of color. My team and I fight to save lives, but too often, it's too late. We can end this crisis if we all pull together." 

The Grandmothers is a non-partisan organization that collaborates across political divides to find common-ground solutions to reduce gun violence. While advocating for responsible firearm ownership and use, the group also recognizes constitutional rights.

The National Launch on March 17 featured speakers from The Grandmothers' Board of Directors and Advisory Council, offering expertise across diverse sectors—including government, public health, mental health, and the military:

• Bill Bradley – Former U.S. Senator (NJ), NBA Champion, Author
• LaShawnDa Pittman, PhD – Associate Professor, University of Washington, Author of Grandmothering While Black
• Linda Degutis, DrPH, MSN – Lecturer, Yale School of Public Health, Former Director, NCIPC, CDC
• Brian H. Williams, MD – Trauma Surgeon, U.S. Air Force Veteran, Author of The Bodies Keep Coming
• Ilana Landsberg-Lewis – Global Leader for Women and Grandmothers, Founder of Grandmothers to Grandmothers
• Margaret Heldring, PhD – CEO, Grandmothers for Gun Responsibility, Psychologist, Former U.S. Senate Staff

A recording of the launch event can be found here.

"As a trusted, steady presence, grandmothers have always been dedicated to protecting children and families," said Linda Degutis, board chair of The Grandmothers. "Now, we are stepping up to confront the devastating epidemic of gun violence. We want to keep people safe given that there are guns in our environment. We invite voices across the nation to take action—because a safer society is the legacy we want to leave for future generations."

Join the Movement.
For more information, visit www.TheGrandmothers.org/Launch.

Contact: [email protected] 

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SOURCE Grandmothers for Gun Responsibility