On March 27, 2023, six lives were taken, and countless others were forever changed.
In the wake of this tragedy, a group of parents came together, determined to take action to prevent future firearm-related tragedies. One result of that effort was Voices for a Safer Tennessee (Safer TN)—a nonpartisan coalition dedicated to working with the state legislature and all Tennesseans to make communities safer.
Last year, on the one-year anniversary of the Covenant School tragedy, we linked arms to form a human chain in solidarity and remembrance. Now, we’re asking Tennesseans to make their voices heard in a new way.
How You Can Help
Contact Your Lawmakers
Send a Postcard
Request a postcard to send to your representatives here. Then, use our suggested language found here.
Make a Call
Connect with your representatives and use our talking points that focus on firearm safety initiatives. Find your legislator here. And the suggested language comes at the end of using that tool or you can find it below.
Spread the Word
Post about your advocacy efforts on social media and tag us.
Send us a confidential email to share your experience.
Encourage your friends and family to take action with you.
Get Involved
There are many ways to make a difference. Visit our Take Action page to explore more opportunities.
Together, we can create meaningful change. Thank you for using your voice for a safer Tennessee.
Suggested talking points for your call with your lawmaker
1. Introduce Yourself
Share your name, where you live to prove your constituency, and what you do. If you own a firearm, mention it.
Example:
“My name is _____. I’m a teacher from Cookeville and a mother of two.”
“My name is _____. I’m a business owner from Jackson, a Navy veteran, and a gun owner.”
2. State Your Support
As a constituent, express your support for:
- Expanded background checks to keep guns from convicted felons, domestic abusers, and minors.
- Secure storage initiatives to prevent accidents, theft, and unauthorized access.
- Temporary firearm transfer laws with due process to reduce risks of harm.
3. Explain Why It Matters
- Firearms have been the leading cause of youth deaths in Tennessee since 2017.
- Tennessee has the 3rd highest rate of unintentional child shootings.
- The state’s firearm suicide rate is nearly double the national average, especially among veterans.
- Tennessee leads the nation in firearm thefts from vehicles.
Great job—your voice makes a difference!
How to Write a Postcard to Your State Representative: Sample Wording
Dear Representative ____________ (or Senator__________), or Governor Bill Lee.
I am (choose one) _________________________________________
a) a newly registered voter in your district
b) a voter in your district
c) I live in your district
and I am writing to express my interest in having you strongly support firearm safety in our state, including the following bills we support that are pending before the Tennessee legislature:
- HB1093 – Makes Glock switches illegal.
- HB1314 – Criminalizes threats of mass violence.
- HB 1210 – Strengthens firearm dispossession accountability.
- Funding in Governor Lee’s state budget to expand a media campaign promoting secure storage (if sent prior to March 25).
Sincerely,
Your name
Have your own printer? Here’s a PDF download of postcards you can print and send today!