As a devoted mother of three, my heart is deeply intertwined with our life on the farm. My husband and I are gun owners, engaging in hunting activities, and we look forward to teaching our children this tradition one day. Guns are woven into the fabric of our rural lifestyle, shaping both our cultural identity and daily existence.
However, I am also an ardent advocate for gun safety. As a leader in the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action, my weekends this past fall were spent campaigning for candidates committed to enacting stronger gun laws in our state. While organizations like the NRA claim to represent gun owners, many of us share a perspective that leans toward sensible gun legislation. We are alarmed by the gun violence epidemic that claims the lives of 100 Americans daily and injures countless others.
As a mother, I grapple with the unsettling reality that it could only take one improperly secured firearm for a child to bring a loaded gun to school. The tragic loss of my father to suicide over a decade ago heightens my anxiety about the potential for similar tragedies to afflict other families in my community. Living amid this national crisis, I often find myself bracing for distressing news of another mass shooting. Texts from friends—no matter their political affiliation—echo the same sentiment: “This is insane. What can we do?”
Taking Action
In response to this crisis, I made a choice. Balancing my full-time job as a social worker with the responsibilities of raising three young children, I dedicated my limited time and energy to canvassing and calling for candidates who prioritize gun sense in Virginia. Many mornings, I would wake before dawn, dress my children, prepare breakfast, and load everyone into the car to speak with fellow Virginians about the importance of voting for gun safety.
I did not undertake this effort alone. Across Virginia and beyond, volunteers from Moms Demand Action mobilized, making over 100,000 calls, knocking on tens of thousands of doors, and sending hundreds of thousands of texts to encourage voters to support gun safety initiatives during this election cycle.
Those long days were tiring, yet I felt invigorated to rise and repeat the process. Why? Because we were making progress, and this movement desperately needs perspectives like mine—rural gun owners willing to counter the NRA’s misleading narrative that the fight for gun safety is framed as “us versus them.”
Embracing Dual Identities
At my core, I embody both a gun owner and a proponent of gun violence prevention. I firmly believe these identities can coexist and that responsible gun owners should take on the role of advocates for gun safety in America.
Some days, my work led me to voters’ doorsteps for crucial conversations about gun safety. Other times, I spoke at town halls or community forums. Each of these efforts required sacrificing precious family moments to engage in discussions with strangers. Yet, the results were gratifying: we achieved significant victories in Virginia, demonstrating what a gun sense triumph could look like in 2020 and beyond.
The moment I saw children participating in the campaign trail—beyond just my own kids and those of fellow volunteers—was when I realized victory was within reach. Generations of Virginians came together to deliver a unified message: enough is enough.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate our success in Virginia, it’s essential to recognize that the efforts of Moms Demand Action volunteers like me are just beginning. We are determined to carry this momentum into the upcoming presidential and state legislative battles and beyond. Our mission is to create a safer environment for all, and as both a mother and a gun owner, I take pride in being part of this important work.
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Summary
A mother of three and a gun owner, I passionately advocate for gun safety while navigating the challenges of rural life. My commitment to campaigning for sensible gun laws in Virginia reflects a desire to protect our communities from the growing gun violence epidemic. Working alongside fellow advocates, we are determined to reshape the narrative surrounding gun ownership and safety. Our victories in the recent elections highlight the power of grassroots mobilization, and we are ready to continue this vital work.
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