The Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence needs volunteer assistance to successfully reduce gun violence. Volunteer opportunities are available in Chicago and Springfield, IL. Volunteer activities include: fund raising mailings, phone banking, data entry, media work, and event preparation and implementation. Please contact the ICHV offices in Chicago or Springfield for more information. If you’re motivated but unable to donate your time, there are several ways to stop gun violence from your own home. Writing letters to legislators and newspaper editors helps to put the right message in front of the right people.

Email us at: kwilliamson@ichv.org

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What Can You Do?

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Understand the dangers posed by guns in the home:

– A gun in the home is 4 times more likely to be used in an unintentional shooting, 7 times more likely to be used to commit a criminal assault and 11 times more likely to be used in suicide than to be used in self defense.

- 25% of 3-4 year olds, 70% of 5-6 year old and 90% of 7-8 year old possess the strength to fire most handguns.

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Be Safe about Guns:

- DO NOT keep a gun in your home. If you do, make sure that it is stored safely, locked-up and unloaded in a place where children cannot access it.

.- DO NOT allow your children to play in homes where guns are kept, where they are left loaded or not locked properly. Ask fellow parents if they own guns and store them safely.

.- TALK to your children about gun violence, extended family and your neighbors about gun violence.

- Support legislation to require background checks on ALL gun purchases,prohibit the sale of assault weapons and require the reporting of lost and stolen guns.

- Get involved with the Illinois campaign to prevent gun violence www.icpgv.org and join the rapid response network.

- Contact your elected officials and tell them to support stronger gun violence prevention policies.

- Contact local police immediately when you see gun violence in your community.

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