New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence

Overview

New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence (NMPGV) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, established in January 2013, dedicated to reducing firearm injuries and deaths across New Mexico. Formed in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, NMPGV focuses on community-driven strategies to prevent gun violence through public health initiatives, education, advocacy, and raising public awareness. The organization has grown to encompass thousands of members throughout the state, collaborating with various stakeholders including schools, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations.

Mission and Goals

The primary mission of NMPGV is to enhance the safety of families and communities by advocating for reasonable gun laws, promoting gun safety education, and addressing the emotional and financial impacts of gun violence. Their goals include:

• Advocating for sensible gun legislation at the local and state levels.
• Educating the public about the risks associated with gun violence, particularly its impact on children and families.
• Engaging communities in grassroots mobilization to foster a collective effort in preventing gun-related incidents.

Programs and Initiatives

NMPGV implements several key programs that target gun violence prevention:

• Guns to Gardens: This initiative includes gun buyback events, where individuals can surrender unwanted firearms anonymously in exchange for gift cards. The collected firearms are then dismantled and repurposed into gardening tools, with profits supporting future buyback events.

• Educational Outreach: The organization conducts workshops and panel discussions in schools to raise awareness about gun violence, often facilitating student-led events such as rallies. For example, following the Parkland shooting, NMPGV supported over 500 students in a rally at the New Mexico State Capitol focused on gun violence prevention.

• Advocacy for Legislative Change: NMPGV has actively participated in the legislative process, advocating for laws aimed at improving gun safety. Notable accomplishments include the passage of House Bill 336, which mandates that New Mexico courts report mental health records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, recognizing that a significant proportion of gun violence incidents in the state stem from suicides.

• Community Resolutions: NMPGV works with various local governments and school boards to pass resolutions that promote gun safety awareness and responsible ownership. This includes endorsing universal background checks and other measures aimed at reducing gun violence.

Impact and Achievements

Since its inception, NMPGV has made significant strides in the fight against gun violence in New Mexico. Key achievements include:

• Conducting numerous gun buyback programs that have removed over 1,500 firearms from circulation.

• Building coalitions with diverse stakeholders to enhance legislative advocacy efforts, resulting in the passage of critical gun safety laws.

• Serving as a platform for public dialogues surrounding the issue of gun violence, ensuring that community voices are heard in discussions about safety and policy change.

Recognition

The organization has gained recognition for its impactful work in gun violence prevention. Co-president Miranda Viscoli received the Mucho Gusto Award for her leadership and dedication to promoting the Student Pledge Against Gun Violence and advocating for legislative changes.

Conclusion

New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence remains committed to creating a safer environment for all residents of New Mexico through its comprehensive approach to gun violence prevention. By combining education, advocacy, and community mobilization, NMPGV strives to be a leading voice in the movement for responsible gun ownership and public safety.