DO NOT STAND IDLY BY A Proposed Covenant To Save Lives By Reducing Gun Violence

“Do not stand idly by while thy neighbor’s blood is shed.” Leviticus 19:14

DO NOT STAND IDLY BY Campaign Initiated by NJ Together with IAF allies in NY, CT, IL, OH Launched in Chicago in March – 500 leaders with Governor & members of Congress Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF) – the nation’s first and largest citizens’ organizing network

What strategies can be used to save some of the 30,000 lives lost every year in the United States to gun violence?

Congress ??? Congress ???

COVENANT

Responsibilities of Congress and State Legislators Enact laws to: Reduce the number of guns acquired by criminals Restrict the sale of military-grade firearms and ammunition to civilians Protect and preserve legitimate gun ownership rights

What This Means in 2013 Pass federal legislation to: 1.Strengthen the federal background check system 2.Strengthen laws against straw purchases and gun trafficking 3.Restrict purchases to 1 gun per person per month 4.Restrict magazine sizes to 10 bullets maximum

Responsibilities of Gun Retailers – Local and National Follow Mayors Against Illegal Guns voluntary code No gun sold without a trigger lock No magazine sold with more than 10 bullets Work with manufacturers to buy back used guns Keep handguns out of sight (in sporting goods and dept. stores) – or don’t sell them

Responsibilities of Companies That Make Firearms Sell only through dealers that meet strict standards. Invest in R&D for safer guns, more traceable guns, and better ballistics tracing. Set up responsible buyback programs. Don’t fund groups that inflame public fears to sell guns. Relate to every sector of society, not just gun enthusiasts.

Who are WE to ask anything of the CEOs of Glock, Smith & Wesson, Sig Sauer, Colt, Ruger, Remington and other powerful gun companies?

We, the taxpayers, purchase 40% of all firearms in America.

Major Governmental Purchasers of Firearms Police – city, county, state, Port Authority U.S. Military FBI, Homeland Security, other agencies

Responsibilities of Mayors, Police Chiefs, Governors and Other Govt. Executives Who Purchase Firearms Ask gun suppliers to JOIN THIS COVENANT. Ask gun stores and manufacturers in your area to join this covenant. Ensure that used police and military guns are re- used responsibly. Make use of available data to develop effective strategies against gun violence.

Responsibilities of Religious Leaders and Congregations Care for families of gun violence victims Tell their stories, to remember our losses Teach non-violent approaches to conflict Engage young people in purposeful activity Hold other powerful people accountable Inform our congregants and the public

Other Key Players to Ask To Join This Covenant Mental health providers and advocates Other groups working against gun violence Foundations Business groups and leaders Investors and social investment groups Engineers & engineering schools Responsible gun owners’ groups