The name of our organization, Guitars Not Guns, could be read in a way that implies a position on gun control. This is a hotly debated topic, and we understand that many people have strong positions on the matter.
So, given the name of our organization, and we want to clarify our position on gun control and the second amendment…
Guitars Not Guns elects not to take a political stance on gun control restrictions or the second amendment. We recognize and respect that there are well articulated, educated opinions on both sides of the debate. However, we believe our mission is something that everyone can be on board with, regardless of political opinion.
Bottom line: Guitars Not Guns is not anti-gun. We are anti-violence.
Here’s why…
A study conducted by the Journal Pediatrics found that between 2012 and 2014, an average of 19 children were shot every day, 3.5 fatally. 9 of 10 of them are between the ages of 12 and 17. 7 of 10 of these deaths were the result of intentional shooting, and 2 of 10 were intentionally self-inflicted.
These numbers are tragically high.
Our organization exists for one reason: to prevent every possible gun death we can, by providing a positive influence in the lives of children who are most at risk for gun violence, gang activity, drugs, and alcohol abuse.
The children most at risk tend to be those in urban areas, those dealing with challenging home lives (or homelessness), those who are witnesses to and victims of domestic violence, and those who live in heavily gang-affiliated neighborhoods. Our program specifically targets these cohorts of children, because they need and deserve a positive influence in their lives.
We believe that music and mentorship can change a child’s life forever–possibly even save it. That’s what we aim to do all over the country. That’s why everyone who participates in this program is a volunteer. We all believe in the same mission.
We appreciate that the gun control debate is a controversial and important one in our country. But, as far as we’re concerned, it doesn’t matter.
Nobody believes that it’s okay to allow children to fall victim to gun violence and suicide. Everyone believes that providing positive influences in a child’s life reduces the risk of that child succumbing to gun violence as well as a host of other possible negative outcomes.
Our one and only political stance is that we want to be that positive influence for these children.