AWKWARD CONVERSATIONS COME WITH BEING A PARENT.BUT ONE COULD SAVE YOUR CHILD'S LIFE.
TOOLKIT
“I, UH, CAUGHT OUR KIDS PLAYING
DOCTOR.”
AWKWARD CONVERSATIONS COME WITH BEING A PARENT,
“IT APPEARS YOUR SON LOVES TO DRAW...
ON EVERYTHING.”
“THE KIDS KINDA GOT INTO MY OLD
VIDEO COLLECTION.”
“IS THERE AN UNLOCKED GUN IN YOUR HOUSE?”“YOUR DAUGHTER
HAS QUITE THE ‘ADULT’ VOCABULARY.”
“SO... YOUR SON
SORTA FLOODED MY BATHROOM.”
BUT ONE COULD SAVE YOUR CHILD’S LIFE.
ASKASKINGSAVESKIDS
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO KEEP YOUR CHILD SAFE, VISIT WWW.ASKINGSAVESKIDS.ORG
“I, UH, CAUGHT OUR KIDS PLAYING
DOCTOR.”
AWKWARD CONVERSATIONS COME WITH BEING A PARENT,
“IT APPEARS YOUR SON LOVES TO DRAW...
ON EVERYTHING.”
“THE KIDS KINDA GOT INTO MY OLD
VIDEO COLLECTION.”
“IS THERE AN UNLOCKED GUN IN YOUR HOUSE?”“YOUR DAUGHTER
HAS QUITE THE ‘ADULT’ VOCABULARY.”
“SO... YOUR SON
SORTA FLOODED MY BATHROOM.”
BUT ONE COULD SAVE YOUR CHILD’S LIFE.
ASKASKINGSAVESKIDS
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO KEEP YOUR CHILD SAFE, VISIT WWW.ASKINGSAVESKIDS.ORG
ASK TOOLKIT www.askingsaveskids.org2
In America, one out of three homes with children has a gun, and nearly 1.7 million children live in a home with a loaded, unlocked gun. Every year thousands of kids are killed and injured as a result.
The ASK (Asking Saves Kids) Campaign promotes a simple idea with the potential to help keep kids safe. It encourages parents to ask if there are unlocked guns in the homes where their children play.
Parents ask all sorts of questions before their children visit other homes. They ask about pets in the house, discuss allergies and Internet access, and ask questions about supervision. ASK encourages parents to add one more question to this conversation: “Is there an unlocked gun in your house?” It’s a simple question, but it has the power to save a child’s life.
Every parent cares about the safety of their children. ASK allows parents to play an active role in keeping kids safe. Any parent can make a difference by asking and encouraging others to do the same.
For more than a decade, the ASK Campaign has partnered with over 400 grassroots organizations to spread its message in neighborhoods nationwide.
The ASK Campaign is a collaboration between the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence and the American Academy of Pediatrics who promotes the ASK message to its 62,000 members across the country. The ASK Campaign has successfully inspired 19 million households to ask if there are guns where their children play.
WHY ASKING MATTERS
ASK: “IS THERE AN UNLOCKED GUN IN YOUR HOUSE?”
WHAT IS ASK?
9 children and teens are shot each day in gun accidents
1 in 3 homes with children have guns, many left unlocked or loaded
80% of unintentional firearm deaths of kids under 15 occur in a home
Sources:
CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control’s Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System. Data retrieved February 23, 2015.
Johnson R, Coyne-Beasley T, Runyan C. Firearm Ownership and Storage Practices, U.S. Households, 1992–2002: A Systematic Review. AJPM.2004; 27:2:173-182.
NVDRS data from 16 states, covering 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, retrieved February 23, 2015.
www.askingsaveskids.org ASK TOOLKIT 3
ONE MOM’S STORY
Jodi SandovalEverything now has become ‘after Noah’s death’ for me.
In July 2012, my 14-year-old son Noah had slept over at his friend Levi Reed’s house. It was the day after the Fourth of July, and the two were searching for a lighter to set off some extra fireworks, an innocent juvenile prank. Instead they found a firearm.
Levi lived with his grandparents. Levi’s grandfather had instructed him to never touch his firearms, but a stern warning is often no match for a teenager’s curiosity. Levi removed the magazine and — unaware of the bullet that remained in the chamber — pointed the gun at Noah. When Levi pulled the trigger, the remaining bullet struck and killed my son.
I tried to protect my children by making the mindful choice not to have firearms in my home, but I had no idea that Noah was playing in a house where there were guns. If you have children present, firearms need to be locked up. That’s why I now encourage all parents to ask a simple question that can save their child’s life:
“Is there an unlocked gun where my child plays?”
Every day is different. There’s no way to describe what a parent goes through when they lose their child. But I wake up every single day to the same realization — my child is gone.
Not only has my own family felt the heavy impact of this loss, but a teenage boy has also been traumatized for life. I share my story in the hopes of preventing other families from experiencing this pain and suffering.
Just ask. Asking Saves Kids. And encourage your friends, neighbors, and family members to ask too.
“ I had no idea that Noah was playing in a house where there were guns.”
ASK TOOLKIT www.askingsaveskids.org4
TIPS FOR STARTING THE CONVERSATION
Some parents may find it difficult to start this conversation. Here are some tips to help you start the ASK conversation.
www.askingsaveskids.org ASK TOOLKIT 5
Use this toolkit to encourage asking in your community!
GET INVOLVED AND SPREAD THE WORD!
TALK TO PARTNERS & GROUPS: ÞUse the Partners & Groups tips to meet with organizations in your community and spread the ASK message to a broader audience.
WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR OR AN OP-ED: ÞUse our tips to send a letter to the editor or submit an Op-Ed about ASK to your local newspaper.
SOCIAL MEDIA: ÞSpread the ASK message on Facebook and Twitter with graphics, posts, and tweets.
SIGN AND SHARE THE PLEDGE: ÞEncourage pledging to ask in your community with the materials in this kit. You can also take the pledge online and ask family and friends to do the same.
GET A PROCLAMATION: ÞHave your city council, state assembly, or governor proclaim June 21st as ASK Day.
HOST A PLAYDATE EVENT: ÞSpread the ASK message by hosting an event in your community.
Keep us posted about your successes and challenges, and let us know about ASK activities, events, and media attention so that we may highlight your efforts! Reach out at: http://askingsaveskids.org/contact.
ASK DAY is June 21stIt's a day to share the ASK message and remind parents to ask if there is an unlocked gun in the home where their child plays.
It falls on the first day of summer, marking a time when kids typically spend more time at the homes of friends and other family members.
JUNE
21
ASK TOOLKIT www.askingsaveskids.org6
Partnerships are critical to reaching a broader audience. ASK allows partnerships with diverse groups such as pediatricians, public health organizations, education associations, and many others. While some of these groups may not primarily focus on gun violence prevention, they share our goal to keep kids safe.
By framing gun violence as a matter of health and safety, not politics, we can expand our reach and spread our message further.
You can save lives by making connections with these groups in your community!
5 STEPS TO TAKE:1. RESEARCH the group you are reaching out to by visiting the website. Find out about the mission and how
the group reaches its audience (mailings, email alerts, newsletters, etc.). While you are on the site, sign up for the group's emails—they may help you generate ideas.
2. FOCUS on initiating the conversation with the group or individual. Listen, learn about the work, and seek common ground.
3. ASK the group (or individual) to promote the campaign in whichever way it reaches its audience.
4. SEND groups sample graphics and text (available at www.askingsaveskids.org).
5. FOLLOW UP with the group/individual, ask for a copy of anything sent that includes ASK, and if possible find out the number of people reached.
TALK TO PARTNERS & GROUPS
Think about where parents get credible information about health and safety issues.
Who in your community or state can reach the largest number of parents?
Organization: ____________________________
Website: _________________________________
Organization: ____________________________
Website: _________________________________
Organization: ____________________________
Website: _________________________________
Organization: ____________________________
Website: _________________________________
www.askingsaveskids.org ASK TOOLKIT 7
5 TIPS WHEN REACHING OUT:1. PAIR statistics with local or personal stories to make a compelling case.
2. EXPLAIN how ASK complements the group or individual's mission and work.
3. DON’T make it about politics. Any parent of any political affiliation can and should ask this question.
4. BE clear and concise in your conversations.
5. THINK about low-cost, high-impact outreach efforts. Materials are expensive, so consider ways the group or individual can incorporate the ASK concept into everyday work.
SUGGESTED GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS FOR OUTREACHGroups that you know support gun violence prevention work
• These groups are great and important to our work, but you should think of groups not primarily focused on gun violence prevention.
Groups that you might not know support our work• School districts
• Hospitals (especially children’s hospitals)
• Police associations and other law enforcement groups
Partnering Locally: Spotlight on Allegheny County, PAThe ASK Campaign effort in Allegheny County is a great model for suggested outreach in your community. It is a county-wide effort involving support from a variety of organizations including the following:
TALK TO PARTNERS & GROUPS
Allegheny County Department of Human Services
Allegheny County Housing Authority
Allegheny County Medical Society
Pittsburgh Public Schools
American Academy of Pediatrics, PA Chapter
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Bureau of Police
United Way of Allegheny County
Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh
ASK TOOLKIT www.askingsaveskids.org8
You aren’t expected to know every fact and statistic related to gun violence, but it is important to familiarize yourself with some key facts to help you communicate why guns in the home is an important issue for potential partners to address.
Here are a few national statistics that you can use:
• One out of three homes with children has guns, many left unlocked or loaded
• Nine children and teens are shot each day in gun accidents
• 80% of unintentional firearm deaths of children under 15 occur in a home
State Statistics State-specific information, paired with personal stories, support your argument as you reach out to local and state-level groups.
For example, you can use the data from this Pediatrics article that has information about the prevalence of household firearms and firearm-storage practices in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Read the article to understand how the data was collected, and the limitations of the information source. It’s always important to be knowledgeable about your sources when using statistics.
Framing Your FactsFrame your facts so that they are as compelling and relevant as possible for your audience.
The Pediatrics article provides statistics such as the percentage of homes with children that have a loaded firearm, as well as the estimated number of youth living with loaded firearms.
Examples:
HOW TO FIND STATISTICS
In populous states like Florida, an estimated 248,430 or 6.5 percent, of youth live in a household with a loaded firearm. Use raw numbers to make a more compelling argument.
In a state such as Alaska, where the population size is fairly small, the percentages may be more compelling. For instance, 10.7% of households in Alaska with youth under 18 have a loaded firearm—that’s more than 1 out of 10 children statewide!
www.askingsaveskids.org ASK TOOLKIT 9
Research TipsIf you are looking for something specific and want to do further research, keep the following tips in mind:
• Gun violence prevention research/statistics are often not as up-to-date as we would prefer, so use the most current reliable data even if it is several years old.
• The number of unintentional deaths is often under-reported. Using overall gun death statistics is the best way to present the gun violence problem. Read through this this New York Times article for further explanation.
• Consider which statistic is more compelling for the particular topic you are researching: rate vs. count/number vs. percentage.
• Make sure you are aware of the limitations of any information source.
• Don’t feel pressured to do your own analysis. Use a trusted and reliable source that has already analyzed the data.
Other Research ResourcesWeb-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS)This CDC resource provides customized reports of injury-related data, as well as a tool that allows users to create national, state, and county maps of firearm deaths. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data will have the most up-to-date number of firearm deaths.
Child Death ReviewThis website provides state level data on deaths of children by means (firearm, poisoning, etc.) and intent (unintentional, homicide, and suicide).
Children’s Defense FundThe annual report provides child gun death rates by state in map form.
Harvard School of Public Health, Injury Control Center: Firearms ResearchThis website provides a compilation of research summaries on firearms.
Kaiser Family Foundation State: HealthFacts.orgThis website provides gun death rates by state in table or map form.
Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence: SmartGunLaws.orgThis website provides information on federal and state firearm laws, searchable by state or policy.
HOW TO FIND STATISTICS
ASK TOOLKIT www.askingsaveskids.org10
A great way to spread the ASK message is through your local newspaper. Use the tips and instructions below to help spread the ASK message.
3 Steps to Send a Letter to the Editor:1. Click on the link below to select the letter:
http://actions.bradycampaign.org/page/speakout/ask
2. Use the talking points to draft your letter in the open area, and customize for your audience by including why you’re asking.
3. Select the newspapers you want to send the letter to, then hit submit.
3 Steps to Submit an Op-Ed:1. Read the Sample Op-Ed in Additional Resources.
2. Go to the Opinion section of your local newspaper to find the email address for submitting an Op-Ed. Note word count requirements.
3. Draft and submit Op-Ed. Remember to include your contact information.
Helpful Tips:• Where possible, tie your letter or Op-Ed to a recent news article.
• Include why asking is important to you.
• If you have personal experience with gun violence and are comfortable doing so, share your story – facts and statistics are more compelling with a personal story.
• Mention your stake or role in the community.
WRITING LETTERS TO THE EDITOR OR AN OP-ED
www.askingsaveskids.org ASK TOOLKIT 11
Sample Facebook Posts
Sample 1Today—and every day—I pledge to ask if there is a gun where my child visits or plays. More than one in three homes with kids has a gun. Tragic gun accidents kill and injure thousands of kids every year. I pledge to ask to save lives and protect children. You can join this life-saving campaign by sharing this message or by posting your own pledge on your Facebook wall. I also encourage you to change your Facebook profile to the ASK logo. Asking Saves Kids. www.askingsaveskids.org
SOCIAL MEDIA TOOL KIT
1 in 3
IF THEANSWER IS “NO”
IF THEANSWER IS “YES”
Sources:Johnson R, Coyne-Beasley T, Runyan C. Firearm Ownership and Storage Practices, U.S. Households, 1992–2002: A Systematic Review. AJPM.2004;27:2:173-182.Yearly average, most recent 5 years of data retrieved from CDC, NCIPC, WISQARS [online]. [cited 2014 Apr 4]. http://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/.
If there are any doubts about the safety of another home, invite the kids to your house instead.
that’s one less thing you have to worry about.
make sure all guns are stored unloaded and locked, ideally in a gun safe, with ammunition locked separately.
17,500
homes with children in America have guns, many unlocked or loaded.
children and teens are injured or killed each year due to gun violence.
Hiding guns is not enough. Just talking to kids is not enough. Kids are curious and if they find guns they’re likely to play with them.
ASK:Is there an
unlocked gun where my child plays?
For more information on how to keep your kids safe visit WWW.ASKINGSAVESKIDS.ORG.
Sample 2Hiding guns is not enough. Just talking to kids is not enough. Kids are curious, and if they find guns they’re likely to play with them. For more information on how to keep your kids safe, visit www.askingsaveskids.org.
Sample 3"Your daughter has quite the 'adult' vocabulary."
Awkward conversations come with being a parent. But one could save your child’s life.
Ask, “Is there an unlocked gun in your house?” before your child plays at, or visits, another home. Visit www.askingsaveskids.org to learn more.
Sample 4“Is There An Unlocked Gun In Your House?”
Awkward conversations come with being a parent. But one could save your child’s life.
Ask, “Is there an unlocked gun in your house?” before your child plays at, or visits, another home. Visit www.askingsaveskids.org to learn more.
DOWNLOAD IMAGE �
DOWNLOAD IMAGE � DOWNLOAD IMAGE �
DOWNLOAD IMAGE �
ASK TOOLKIT www.askingsaveskids.org12
Sample TweetsBelow are some sample tweets with images. Please make sure to use #ASKingSavesKids in any tweet.
Watch the ASK Campaign Public Service Announcement on YouTube Æ
1 out of 3 homes with kids has a gun. Make sure you ask if there’s a gun where your child plays or visits! #ASKingSavesKids
9 children and teens are shot each day in gun accidents. #ASKing if there’s an unlocked gun where your kid plays #ASKingSavesKids
Awkward conversations come with being a parent: #ASKing if there’s an unlocked gun in the house could save your child’s life #ASKingSavesKids
80% of unintentional firearm deaths of children under 15 occur in a home. #ASKing if there’s an unlocked gun in the house #ASKingSavesKids
DOWNLOAD IMAGE � DOWNLOAD IMAGE � DOWNLOAD IMAGE �
DOWNLOAD IMAGE �
SOCIAL MEDIA TOOL KIT
www.askingsaveskids.org ASK TOOLKIT 13
GETTING A PROCLAMATION
Having your city council, state assembly, or governor proclaim June 21st as National ASK Day is an important way to spread the ASK message in your community.
Be sure to start EARLY! Proclamations need to be internally reviewed, so start the process at least 6 WEEKS before ASK Day.
What You Need:
• A draft text of the proclamation (see Additional Resources)
• Important Note: Many local government offices have specific formats they require for proclamations —check your local government office’s website before submitting yours.
• A Cover Letter describing why you are requesting the proclamation (include the date you need the proclamation by), its purpose, and its importance (see Additional Resources)
• Your Contact Information (including name, phone number, and email address)
Steps to Getting a Proclamation:1. Reach out to your local government office
i. You can find your local government’s information here: http://www.usa.gov/Agencies/Local-Government/Cities.shtml
ii. Contact their office and ask to speak to someone with a thorough understanding of proclamations iii. Find out how long the application process takesiv. Confirm information and formatting requirements (e.g. word count) for proclamation application v. Find out where to send your proclamation application
2. Complete your Applicationi. Personalize the Cover Letter to include information relevant to your state or community
ii. You may want to include a relevant, local story where appropriate iii. Customize the Sample Proclamation text to your local community iiii. Proofread your Cover Letter and Sample Proclamation text
3. Send in your Application i. Submit the Cover Letter and Sample Proclamation to your local government officeii. Include any specific information required iii. Follow up as needed to secure your proclamation!
Four Ways to Make the Most of Your ASK Day ProclamationA proclamation is an official recognition of a person, place, occasion, or event by a government official. Proclamations are granted at the discretion of the government and often involve “naming” a day or period of time in recognition — in this case ASK Day. If all goes well this year, do it again next year and so on and so on!
ASK TOOLKIT www.askingsaveskids.org14
GETTING A PROCLAMATION
1. Host an event on or before National ASK Day. This year National ASK Day is June 21, 2015. Present the proclamation at a press conference or other event. Invite an official to present the proclamation at a public event that offers potential for press coverage. Invite other community members to speak at your event, such as a local pediatrician and/or a law enforcement officer. Be sure to invite the press!
2. Submit an op-ed or a letter to the editor to your local paper. Write to your local paper to thank your local city official and to announce your official unveiling ceremony. This is a great way to build momentum for the event.
3. Engage on social media. Use social media to spread the message of the proclamation to a wider audience. Visit your elected official’s Facebook page to post your gratitude. Make sure to send a tweet to your elected official who issued the proclamation.
4. Renew your proclamation every year. Remember that most, if not all governments, will only issue proclamations for the current year. Term limits and elections will also place new leaders in local government positions; therefore, you will want to obtain a proclamation each year.
How to Get Media Attention for Your ASK Day Proclamation EventHolding a media event is a great way to draw news attention to ASK Day as you raise public awareness of your campaign efforts.
Here are a few steps to take to ensure your media event is a success.
Steps to Take Before Your Event• Draft and distribute your proclamation to appropriate local government officials 6 weeks before ASK Day• Reach out to reporters: TV, print, radio, and bloggers, and build your press distribution list• Scout your location and work through costs and logistics• Confirm and prep your speakers and participants• Send your media advisory 3-5 days in advance• Draft your press release• Finalize your press and visual materials
Steps to Take the Day of Your Event• Resend your media advisory to local reporters• Publicize event on social media• Arrive to your event 30 minutes early to prepare• Have a sign-in sheet for reporters• Distribute proclamation digitally and onsite• Distribute your press release digitally and onsite
Steps to Take After Your Event• Monitor media outlets for your coverage• Do one-on-one and follow-up interviews as needed• Follow up with reporters who attended event
www.askingsaveskids.org ASK TOOLKIT 15
HOST AN “AMERICA’S LARGEST PLAYDATE”ASK. PLAY. FUN.Hosting an America’s Largest Playdate event is a great way to celebrate the first day of summer, National ASK Day and Father’s Day. On June 21 ASK events will take place in cities and towns across the country. Five large Playdates will attempt to break a Guinness World Record for the largest game of telephone.
Be a part of America’s Largest Playdate on June 21 by hosting a Playdate – large or small, public or private. It’s simple: Bring together parents and children for a fun-filled gathering where the kids can play while parents discuss the life-saving message of ASK.
Use this guide to help plan your ASK Day Playdate.
LOCATION
Playdates can be large or small gatherings held at city parks, community centers, schoolyards, playgrounds or even backyards. Make sure to check with appropriate owners in case a permit is required. If so, get an early start.
DATE
Playdates should be held at any time on National ASK Day, June 21, 2015.
INVITATIONS
Optional: send an ASK Day invite via Paperless Post. Visit this link to create a custom invitation by uploading this Playdate graphic.
Personalize your invite with the location and time of event. Make sure to use a dark color so text displays well. Below is an example using dark gray with Futura Heavy font.
HOSTING A PLAYDATE EVENT
Join Us for an ASK DAY
PLAYDATEon Sunday, June 21, 2015
at 1 PM
1234 My StreetAtlanta, Georgia
askingsaveskids.org
ASK TOOLKIT www.askingsaveskids.org16
FUN
Consider a craft or setting up a backyard activity for kids to enjoy while parents discuss the importance of asking about unlocked guns. It’s also Father’s Day so think about incorporating that into your Playdate. Visit AskingSavesKids.org for ideas about how to get the conversation started.
ASK DAY SOCIAL MEDIA
Snap and post ‘selfies’ to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram while holding a handwritten sign that reads “I ASK / AskingSavesKids.org”
FOLLOW UP
Please e-mail [email protected] with a few of your best Playdate photos for our online scrapbook. Make sure to let us know the location including the city, state and how many people attended.
HOSTING A PLAYDATE EVENT
www.askingsaveskids.org ASK TOOLKIT 17
Additional ResourcesThe following are additional resources that will help you spread the ASK message and execute ASK Campaign activities in your community:
• ASK Brochure
• ASK Infographics
• ASK Pledge and Sign-Up Sheet
• ASK Poster
• Sample Proclamation Cover Letter
• Sample Proclamation Language
• Sample Op-Ed
These resources are also available at: www.askingsaveskids.org.
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The problem:Easy access to guns can lead to tragic consequences for children
The solution:ASK, “Is there an unlocked gun in your house?” before your child plays at another home
children ages 5-14 know where firearms are kept in the home.3
The reality:Children often have easy access to guns in the home
percent of parents with guns keepat least oneunlocked.2
percent of parents with guns keep at least one loaded.242% 25%
3 in 4
9 children and teens are shot every day in gun accidents. That's over 3,000 youth every year.5
Guns are the 2nd leading cause of death among children and teens.4
of firearm related deaths of children under 15 are unintentional shootings.4
17,500 youth are injured or killed each year due to gun violence.4,5
93% of parents, including parents who choose to own guns, would be comfortable with being asked about a gun in their home.2
19 Million parents have already begun ASKing this life-saving question!6
Pledge to ASK!
1 in 3 homes with children in America have guns, many unlocked or loaded.1
One question could save your child's life
WWW.ASKINGSAVESKIDS.ORG
1Johnson R, Coyne-Beasley T, Runyan C. Firearm Ownership and Storage Practices, U.S. Households, 1992–2002: A Systematic Review. AJPM.2004; 27:2:173-182.
2National Survey commissioned by PAX, Inc. Conducted online Dec 1-7, 2011. Survey size: 1,014 parents with children between the ages of 5-18. Margin of error is +/-3.1%.
3Baxley F, Miller M. Parental Misperceptions About Children and Firearms. APAM.2006; 160:5:542-547.
4Most recent 5 years of data retrieved from CDC, NCIPC, WISQARS [online]. [cited 2014 Apr 4]. http://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/fatal.html.
5Most recent 5 years of data retrieved from CDC, NCIPC, WISQARS [online]. [cited 2014 Apr 4]. http://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/nonfatal.html.
6National Survey commissioned by PAX, Inc. Conducted Jan 24-Feb 4, 2006. Survey size: 500 parents with children between the ages of 5-14. Margin of error is +/-4.38%.
16%
1 in 3
IF THEANSWER IS “NO”
IF THEANSWER IS “YES”
Sources:Johnson R, Coyne-Beasley T, Runyan C. Firearm Ownership and Storage Practices, U.S. Households, 1992–2002: A Systematic Review. AJPM.2004;27:2:173-182.Yearly average, most recent 5 years of data retrieved from CDC, NCIPC, WISQARS [online]. [cited 2014 Apr 4]. http://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/.
If there are any doubts about the safety of another home, invite the kids to your house instead.
that’s one less thing you have to worry about.
make sure all guns are stored unloaded and locked, ideally in a gun safe, with ammunition locked separately.
17,500
homes with children in America have guns, many unlocked or loaded.
children and teens are injured or killed each year due to gun violence.
Hiding guns is not enough. Just talking to kids is not enough. Kids are curious and if they find guns they’re likely to play with them.
ASK:Is there an
unlocked gun where my child plays?
For more information on how to keep your kids safe visit WWW.ASKINGSAVESKIDS.ORG.
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AWKWARD CONVERSATIONS COME WITH BEING A PARENT,
“IT APPEARS YOUR SON LOVES TO DRAW...
ON EVERYTHING.”
“THE KIDS KINDA GOT INTO MY OLD
VIDEO COLLECTION.”
“IS THERE AN UNLOCKED GUN IN YOUR HOUSE?”“YOUR DAUGHTER
HAS QUITE THE ‘ADULT’ VOCABULARY.”
“SO... YOUR SON
SORTA FLOODED MY BATHROOM.”
BUT ONE COULD SAVE YOUR CHILD’S LIFE.
ASKASKINGSAVESKIDS
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO KEEP YOUR CHILD SAFE, VISIT WWW.ASKINGSAVESKIDS.ORG
ASK TOOLKIT www.askingsaveskids.org24
Sample Proclamation Cover Letter to Your Local Government Office
Date
Mailing Address
Dear [Insert Official’s Title & Name],
I am writing to request that you proclaim Sunday, June 21st, 2015 ASK Day in the [City, Neighborhood, State] of [State]. Your proclamation would join others in cities and states across the country to promote the importance of asking about unlocked guns in homes where children play.
[Insert local story regarding gun violence, if appropriate, here]
Every time we lose another child to gun violence, we hear outrage at the senselessness of the tragedy, but rarely do we hear about a concrete solution to prevent more children from dying. The ASK Campaign promotes such a plan.
One out of three homes with children has guns, many left unlocked or loaded. Yet, many parents never think to ask about the presence of guns where their children play.
This is the simple idea behind the Asking Saves Kids (ASK) Campaign, which was created in collaboration with the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Just as it has become common for parents to ask safety questions about nut allergies or how children will be supervised, parents can take an important step to ensure the safety of their children simply by asking, “Is there an unlocked gun where my child plays?”
On Sunday, June 21, 2015 organizations and individuals around the country will celebrate National ASK Day. Held annually on the first day of summer, ASK Day reminds parents about the importance of asking if there are unlocked guns in the homes where their children play.
I hope you will consider having [City, Neighborhood, State] of [State] join this life-saving initiative. We request that you return the Proclamation by June 14, 2015. Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Your Name Title (if applicable) Address Contact Phone Number Contact Email Address
www.askingsaveskids.org ASK TOOLKIT 25
Sample Proclamation
WHEREAS, the epidemic of gun violence is plaguing our nation’s children and claiming seven lives a day; and
WHEREAS, children in the United States are more likely to die of gun violence than from cancer and heart disease; and;
WHEREAS, one in three American homes with children has guns, and 1.7 million children live in a home with an unlocked, loaded gun; and
WHEREAS, the ASK (Asking Saves Kids) Campaign encourages parents to add one more safety question to conversations before their child visits other homes, “Is there an unlocked gun in your house?” and
WHEREAS, asking this simple question before sending your child to another home could help save your child’s life; and
WHEREAS, the hope is that asking will become a common health and safety question; offering a real, immediate solution that all Americans can adopt to help protect their families and children from injury and death; and
WHEREAS, the power of the ASK Campaign is that it brings together all Americans concerned with the welfare of children, including gun owners, and makes the solution to gun violence a discussion about public safety and good parenting; and
WHEREAS, the first day of summer, the season in which kids typically spend more time at the homes of friends and family, is designated as National ASK Day;
BE IT RESOLVED, that the [City/State/County] of [Name] therefore does hereby proclaim June 21, 2015 to be “ASK Day” and calls upon the people of [State/City/County] to recognize this special observance with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
ASK TOOLKIT www.askingsaveskids.org26
Sample Op-Ed
Date
The Question to Ask on June 21 and Every Day
Parenting has never been an easy assignment. Meaningful and joyful, yes. Easy, no. We can all agree that parents need all the help they can get to keep their kids safe and healthy in an increasingly complicated world.
Every day across America nine children and teens are shot in unintentional shootings. The majority of these instances go unnoticed, they do not make the headlines or captivate our attention.
Thousands of kids and teens are killed and injured by gun violence every year.
Many of these youth deaths and injuries occur because parents, relatives or friends leave guns accessible to kids. They are the unintentional shootings and suicides looked upon as isolated tragedies, rather than viewed together as the preventable public health crisis that they actually represent.
Every day as parents, we make very rational choices regarding our kid’s safety—we buckle their seatbelts, make them wear bicycle helmets, and limit their TV time. But when it comes to gun safety, we are often not taking the same logical approach with our loved ones.
One out of three homes with children has guns, many left unlocked or loaded. Yet, nationally, more than half of parents say it has never occurred to them to ask about the presence of guns where their children play. As parents, we can help protect those we love by asking the right questions about gun safety. This is the simple idea behind the Asking Saves Kids (ASK) Campaign.
ASK encourages parents to simply ask if there are unlocked guns in the homes where their children play (such as at friends’ or family members’ homes). Just as it has become common to hear parents asking about nut allergies or how the children will be supervised, parents can take an important step to ensure the safety of their children simply by asking, “Is there an unlocked gun in your home?”
If the answer is no, then we have one less thing to worry about. If the answer is yes, make sure all guns are stored unloaded and locked, ideally in a gun safe, with ammunition stored separately.
As parents, we have a responsibility to keep our kids safe. We need to be aware of the risks associated with a gun in the home. We need to ASK about guns in the home where our children play, and if a home has a gun, ensure it is stored locked, unloaded and separate from ammunition. If we can do that, we can make our families safer and prevent many of the firearm-related tragedies that occur every day.
On Sunday, June 21, 2015, organizations and individuals around the country will celebrate National ASK Day. Held annually on the first day of summer, a season when children spend more time in other homes, ASK Day reminds parents about the importance of asking if there are unlocked guns in the homes where their children play. You can participate in ASK Day by pledging to ASK and encouraging your friends and family to do the same!
To pledge to ASK and learn about more ways to get involved in ASK, please visit: www.askingsaveskids.org.
WWW.ASKINGSAVESKIDS.ORG
