Take a stand against gun violence, with the new organization, Artists for Safe Kids

Hundreds of creators of visual, literary and performing arts for children are taking a stand against gun violence, joining a new organization, Artists for Safe Kids (www.artistsforsafekids.org). ASK joins a growing number of organizations calling for stronger gun laws and safety measures. Many ASK members will join with Concert Across America To End Gun Violence on September 25th, a Congress-designated National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims.

 

The idea for Artists for Safe Kids (ASK) began shortly after the Sandy Hook school massacre in December 2012. Over GRAMMY weekend in Los Angeles in February 2013, GRAMMY winner and author Bill Harley delivered an address, “How Shall We Speak”, to a children’s music industry audience, which he later posted online. Now director of ASK, Harley explains, “As artists, writers and performers who work with and for children, we have witnessed with growing concern and despair the tragic effect of gun violence on children. Some of us are gun owners, some of us have never touched a gun. What unites us is our recognition that our nation needs a saner, more rational gun policy, nationally and in our local states and communities.”

Among the supporters are Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey (Peter Paul and Mary), and GRAMMY winners Cathy & Marcy, Dan Zanes and The Okee Dokee Brothers, plus authors Norton Juster (Phantom Tollbooth), Lemony Snicket, Mo Willems, Sharon Creech and Jane Yolen. More artists are adding their support daily. (List available online at http://www.artistsforsafekids.org/about.html)

Donna Dees, founder and organizer of the Million Mom March, Mother's Day 2000 –  still the largest protest against gun violence in U.S. history – is an early supporter. Dees is also involved in producing the Concert Across America To End Gun Violence on September 25th.  Dees says, “I'm impressed with the variety and the quality of the artists involved in ASK. This new organization will spark awareness and action toward a saner gun policy. It’s so important for artists to take a stand on this issue, and to engage their fans in this ongoing effort.

“ASK joins with a growing chorus of voices calling for comprehensive universal background checks for gun purchasers, better screening for mental health problems, better gun safety regulations for gun owners to keep children safe from accidental firings, and a limit on semi-automatic weapons and large magazines. Artists who wish to show their support for a safer world for kids may join the organization and receive tips for organizing a concert on September 25 by sending an email to ASK at info@artistsforsafekids.org.