Ending gun violence alone, would be a heavy lift; however, if we each do our part, we can be successful. No individual or organization can end gun violence alone – not legislators, community members,  or elected officials. But together, we can move the needle. The African American Clergy Collective of TN (ACCT) and the TN Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (TNAAP) are ready to roll up our sleeves and work with everyone to end this public health crisis. We aim to support a public health approach to this crisis and launch a statewide campaign to support policies that reduce gun violence. By organizing our efforts, we will educate and inform to make our communities safer. We will amplify our voices to influence policymakers to act. Gun violence harms everyone. It’s a public health crisis. It is not good for business. Combining the reach of each individual and organization in a strategic long-term effort can have a significant impact in helping the majority of Tennesseans who support reform vocalize their concerns and take steps to influence change.

On October 3, at 6 p.m. CDT, please join us for a virtual meeting to discuss what a statewide campaign might look like and how organizations and individuals can participate. Our meeting agenda and a campaign one-pager are attached. Click on the link below to register for the virtual meeting. After registration and a few days before the event, you will receive additional materials, including the meeting link. We encourage you to share this invitation with your network – We are stronger together!   Register  bit.ly/3LeadGr

Join us as we share opportunities to reshape the root causes that contribute to firearm injuries—before the gun and the ammunition ever reach the hands of those prepared to misuse them. We will share some ways individuals, families, communities, and society must shift to address gun violence as a public health crisis.

Our speakers for the evening are:

• Rev. Dr. J. Lawrence Turner, Senior Pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church and founder of the African American Clergy Collective of TN
• https://www.theblvd.org/pastor-turner
• Dr. Jason Yaun, Clinical Director of Le Bonheur General Pediatrics and President of the Tennessee Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
• https://www.lebonheur.org/doctors/jason-yaun
• Brian Straessle, Executive Director of the Sycamore Institute
• https://www.sycamoreinstitutetn.org/our-people/
• Dr. Kelsey Gastineau, an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Vanderbilt  University Medical Center
• https://pediatrics.vumc.org/person/kelsey-gastineau-md
• Dr. Martin Croce, A Trauma Surgeon and Professor of Surgery UTHSC
• https://www.regionalonehealth.org/leadership/martin-croce/

Register  bit.ly/3LeadGr