Todd Cruse, board chairman of Voices for a Safer Tennessee, and Katy Dieckhaus, a mother whose 9-year-old daughter Evelyn was among the six victims killed at The Covenant School on March 27, 2023, in Nashville speak at a community conversation promoting gun safety. Photo: Mark Drury
The Church of the Good Shepherd in Lookout Mountain Tennessee became a hub for gun safety conversations on November 8 when it opened its doors to state-based nonpartisan groups — Voices for a Safer Tennessee and Neighbors for Gun Violence Prevention.
The event held in response to the mass shooting earlier that year at The Covenant School hoped to foster dialogue around child safety. Over hundred individuals attended the strong advocacy including elected officials along with several members from both organizing parties.
Transitioning toward his mission, Robert Childers, rector of Church Of Good Shepherd stated his motivation was driven by creating safer spaces for children.
Natalie Jackson , one advocate member shared her insights about long-term aspects regarding common ground especially after grim events which spur organizations like hers into existence.For instance post-Covenant school shooting led them to convene monthly meetings sharing resources cultivating dialogues concerning firearm safety.
Crucial statistics were revealed during event discussions averaging yearly deaths due to gun violence in Tennessee being 1,385. Cruse’s focal points included advocating background checks secure firearm storage and temporary transfer laws.
The recent scenario regarding rising mass shootings which tallied to a disturbing number of 597 as of November 9, reiterated the need for change and more dialogue around such issues.Sandra Alagona, director of communications at the church stated“We’ve got to find solutions.
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Progressive efforts were visible when event attendees actively participated in the Q&A session addressing concerns about initiating civil dialogues with opposite-belief individuals including taking action steps toward legislation reforms in typically republican controlled states like Tennessee.
Tennessee boasts an unenviable ninth position concerning high rates of gun violence according to CDC thus stressing on collective tireless efforts facilitating common grounds for positive changes.
The blog post concludes with Margy Oehmig expressing fervent hopes that a strong robust community can facilitate honest conversations understanding victim experiences leading discussions towards sustainable solutions not just within state boundaries but beyond.
