Media Advisory

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend a national conference focused on reducing firearm-related harms where I gained valuable insights that reaffirm our commitment to moving the needle on firearm safety in Tennessee. One key takeaway was the importance of offering solutions that provide real value to gunowners—reinforcing that we are not trying to take away rights, but rather work toward safer communities.

I was inspired by models in Louisiana and Arkansas, where firearm dealers are working to reduce deaths by suicide by temporarily holding firearms for those who need some time and space while recovering from depression or other mental health issues. 

I was also heartened by data that showed following the 2024 passage of Tennessee legislation authorizing school districts to allow teachers to train to carry in schools, an impressive 147 school districts have chosen to opt-out of the program. 

The conference also showcased cutting-edge research on reducing firearm injuries, though it highlighted the gap in implementation—something we are actively working to address. Safer TN is proud to be at the forefront of creating solutions tailored specifically for Tennessee by learning from successful strategies in other states.

Building relationships with other advocates and organizations was another highlight, as these connections will help us further our shared goal of safer communities for all.

–Safer TN Policy Director, Erin Rogus

At the National Research Conference for the Prevention of Firearm Related Harms, Yale’s Danielle Poole, ScD, MPH presented data showing between 2017 and 2021, 6% of 6,000 Tennessee youths surveyed–more than 300–reported carrying a firearm in the past year. Her analysis found depressive symptoms and feeling unsafe are strongly associated with youth gun carrying in our state. 

Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg Center for Public Health suggests that if you have children or teens heading over to a friend’s house, talking about guns in the home can feel less awkward by framing it as part of a broader safety conversation, like: “Hey, I have a list of safety things to chat about before my kid comes over. Do you have a dog? Here are my kid’s allergies. Do you have any guns in the home?”

According to Be Smart for Kids, an organization solely focused on secure storage, when speaking to your children about what to do if they encounter a firearm, keep the language simple–“If you see a gun, don’t touch it. Tell an adult right away”–and to include these conversations along with topics like drugs, alcohol, and drunk driving with adolescents. 

We are hosting a panel on the upcoming legislative session 

Curious about how the legislative process works and how Safer TN will define success in 2025? Join us for a panel discussion on January 8 at 12 p.m. CT/1 p.m. ET. Knoxville’s Abby Ham from WBIR will moderate the conversation with former State Rep. Sam Whitson from Middle Tennessee, former State Sen. Lowe Finney from West Tennessee, and our policy director Erin Rogus. Location and links will be shared soon—just be sure to save the date!

We’re looking for volunteers to help promote our mission on social media!

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

If you’re short on time but still want to make a difference, you can help by sharing content, engaging with followers, and supporting key initiatives wherever you are. Even just a few minutes a day can help us raise awareness and create a safer community for everyone. Set up alerts to be notified whenever we post on Facebook or Instagram, and when you see a post, like it and share it to help spread crucial information and education to people across the state.

You made your voice heard!

Dozens of you answered our survey questions last week. Thank you! The results show strong engagement with Safer TN’s mission and our work. While 43% were very satisfied with our efforts to advance our three policy priorities, others offered feedback suggesting a need for more information on our organization’s specific goals. We hear you, and are planning to respond with more events, education and outreach–especially outside major cities. If you have additional feedback, feel free to email us anytime at info@safertn.org.

End of Year Giving

The survey also revealed that most of you are willing to financially support our organization, whether you’ve donated before or not. Your generosity enables us to work with lawmakers at the State Capitol and promote behavior change around firearm safety statewide. 

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to our 501(c)(3) fund, hosted by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, before the end of the year here. To learn more about the impact of your donation, visit this link. If you’d like to discuss a multiyear pledge, wire transfer, planned gift, or stock donation, feel free to contact our executive director, Claudia Huskey (claudia@safertn.org), directly.

• Our Advisory Board Chair Clay Stauffer opened up about the profound impact of gun violence on his life and why he’s devoted to Safer TN’s cause. Watch his video on our YouTube channel here.
  
• Our Board Chair Todd Cruse appeared on This Week with Bob Mueller where he answered tough, yet fair, questions with a mix of humor, data, and practical solutions. Watch his full segment at this link.
  
• Our intern, Vanderbilt student Kathryn Obrecht, described her semester with Safer TN as “transformative” during a presentation to her Capstone class. The Capstone program gives students the opportunity to gain real-world experience while earning college credit. We’re grateful for Kathryn’s contributions and for all our interns!

Man charged with killing mom, injuring toddler in Hardin Co. road rage shooting (Action News 5 Memphis)

Tennesseans still strongly support gun control laws, poll shows (WKRN Nashville)

Shooting in Madison joins a long list of those at US schools, colleges (AP News)

What is a ‘ghost gun’? Does Tennessee have laws about them? Here’s what to know (USA TODAY NETWORK)

Tennessee DA accused of firing at fugitive, hitting home with woman and her 3 children inside (CBS News)

State Rep. speaks about killed friend, grandmother killed in Westhaven shooting (Fox 13 Memphis)

Knoxville man convicted of murder after argument over dog waste leads to shooting (WATE)

Third arrested in Jackson, TN mass shooting that left a 2-year-old dead (Action News 5 Memphis)

As temperatures drop in Tennessee, and indoor playdates become more common, it’s crucial to talk about firearm safety. Remember to have regular, open conversations with your children about what to do if they ever encounter a firearm.

According to Be Smart for Kids, an organization solely focused on secure storage, keep the language simple–“If you see a gun, don’t touch it. Tell an adult right away”–and to include firearm safety in conversations along with topics like drugs, alcohol, and drunk driving with adolescents. 

For more information, visit the Be Smart tipsheet online. 

It’s equally important to discuss secure storage with other parents, and with friends and relatives your family may be visiting this holiday season, to ensure a safe environment for everyone. 

For example, you could text your child’s parent: “Before I drop my son off, I just wanted to check to see if you have pets? And also ask if you have firearms in your house and confirm how they are stored. I want to make sure he knows your safety rules.”

For more conversation starters, check out this tipsheet from Be Smart.

Make your voice heard by answering a few survey questions!

We value your voice and want to hear from you! Your feedback is crucial in helping us better provide the content and resources you find most valuable while scaling back on what’s less effective. Our short survey takes just a few minutes, and your input will directly shape how we prioritize our efforts and strategies. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us! Access the survey by clicking this link.

We also want to extend our deep gratitude for the dozens of gifts we received on Giving Tuesday! With the two generous donors who matched each gift, we raised almost $45,000. There are many ways your donation helps us but here are just a few:

If you would like to donate to Safer TN, click here to learn more about your donation and send us a gift. Every dollar counts and we thank you for your generosity!

Volunteering is on the rise in Tennessee!

New data reveals that Tennesseans volunteered at a rate higher than the national average: According to an analysis of U.S. Census data, more than a third of Tennesseans reported volunteering through a formal organization at least once between September 2022 and September 2023—the highest rate in the Southeast. While Tennessee sometimes finds itself on lists we’d rather not top—such as having a higher-than-average firearm injury rate—this reminds us why so many of us are proud to call the Volunteer State home!

Our Safer TN volunteers are central to our organization’s success. If you are looking to make a difference, consider donating to or volunteering with Voices for a Safer TN.

Safer TN was busy over the past two weeks! Our friend Becca Wolfenbarger penned an op-ed that ran in the Johnson City Press and Maryville Times last month. Becca shared her story as a former teacher who saw the concern around safety in schools increase after the Columbine school shooting in 1999. Op-eds have the power to challenge perspectives and inspire critical thinking by offering a fresh lens on important issues. They tell stories that resonate with readers, gently encouraging them to consider, “What if there’s another way?” 

We believe there is another way, which is what we shared in a Knoxville friend’s living room on November 20. We can host these small gatherings, or you can, by visiting this link to Facebook. 

In case you missed it, our younger coalition members created a video using a list that Evelyn Dieckhaus had written in her school journal of ways to be kind. Please check it out, and submit your acts of kindness this holiday season!

US Marshals offering reward in Jackson, TN mass shooting that killed a two-year-old (Fox 13 Memphis)

Teen died after shielding his mother, siblings from gunfire (Newschannel 9 Chattanooga)

Juvenile twins charged in shooting that ‘accidentally’ killed Nashville restaurant owner (MNPD)

MNPD officers who stopped Covenant shooter recognized Metro Council (WSMV Nashville)

72 threats reported in Hamilton County schools so far (Newschannel 9 Chattanooga)

In a Deep-Red State, This Lieutenant’s Blueprint for Removing Guns From Abusers Is Spreading (The Trace)