Dear Congressman/woman or Dear Senator
Gun violence is a public health issue, and it is taking an unacceptable toll on our society.

We have all observed enough moments of silence for the victims of mass shootings.

We need you to use your voice to take action to:

• Fund research and care for persons with mental illness, impulse disorders, and substance abuse issues to prevent violence.
• Require a criminal background check for every gun sold in America, and expand coverage to private sales and gun shows to ensure that all prohibited purchasers are, in fact, prevented from obtaining and possessing firearms.
• Ban assault weapons and ban high-capacity ammunition magazines, which have no place in civilian life. Police officers are being “outgunned” by criminals.
• Make gun trafficking a federal crime, with real penalties for “straw purchasers,” and FUND the ATF so we can have better enforcement of new laws and ones already on the books.
• Institute a buyback of assault and assault-style weapons.
• Create requirements for trigger locks and safe gun storage.
• Require microstamping technology on all firearms sold, bought, or delivered, in order to improve bullet tracing by law enforcement.

We look forward to working with you to enact these common-sense measures to reduce gun violence. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Our support is behind you. We are asking you to speak up, to help our voices be heard.

The silence we hope for is no more gunfire and no more tears from grieving families.

Sincerely, _______