Safer TN Tracker | December 5, 2024 - Voices for a Safer Tennessee

Hello there!

I’d like to take a moment to formally introduce myself now that I’m two months into the job. I’m Jessica Jaglois, the new Director of Communications at Voices for a Safer Tennessee.

With more than 15 years of experience as a journalist, I’ve reported extensively on the devastating impact firearm tragedies have on families and communities.

One night in particular stands out. After joining WKRN News 2 in Nashville back in 2015, I found myself at the doorstep of a Clarksville home where a 3-year-old boy, visiting with his family, had fatally shot himself with the homeowner’s firearm. It was one of several similar accidental shootings I would cover over the next decade. Tennessee has the third-highest rate of unintentional shootings by children in the U.S.

This is why Safer TN exists: to reduce preventable firearm tragedies through education and policy change. My work in journalism fueled my commitment to advocating for a safer Tennessee, and I’m truly honored to bring that passion to this role.

Sincerely,

Jessica Jaglois
Director of Communications
Voices for a Safer Tennessee

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!