With a new name, gun group aims to make a difference

Sporting a new moniker, GunSenseUs, recently met at Westminister Presbyterian Church for the first time this year and took a nod to the past and a look to the future.

Previously known as Gun Sense Chester County, the 750-member organization is about to celebrate its second birthday.

Both gun and non-gun owners work with the grassroots organization to reduce gun violence.

The all-volunteer, nonpartisan organization will continue promoting a centrist approach, while building consensus and welcoming all, according to a release.

The advocacy group will continue to emphasize education, civil dialogue and engagement, while developing a focused legislative agenda and building coalitions, according to Chairperson Ann Colby-Cummings.

Along with the new name, the logo will sport the motto, “Building Consensus for Gun Sense.”

During 2018, Cummings said the group held six educational meetings for members, gave 18 speeches and participated in 10 outreach or teaching programs at community events.

She said the group has an excellent working relationship with Chester County’s legislators who all voted in favor of a domestic violence bill.

“Without effort it wouldn’t have happened,” Cummings said.

Voter guides, with no endorsement of candidates, were also published for the primary and general elections.

The group plans to keep it simple this year and likely focus on three issues: mandatory background checks, red flagging and confiscation of firearms for those deemed a risk by police or family, and education and safety. The agenda is not yet

final and will be voted on by the board later this month.

“We are educating fire arm owners to make a safer space for everyone,” Cummings said.

The organization is both a 501 (C)3 and 501(c)4 charitable organization.

During a question and answer period, audience members wondered about asking a relative to voluntarily give up a gun and keeping guns away from known criminals.

“Criminals are getting guns from somewhere … where are they coming from?” asked an audience member.

Another member asked if gun safety might be taught to grade schoolers as part of a health and safety education.

“The best thing we can do is continue to be centrist and bring people together,” Cummings said.

For more information go to www.GunSenseUs.org.