Rio Texas Methodist Federation for Social Action

Texas Gun Sense is very proud to release our new four-part video series

Surviving Gun Violence

https://www.txgunsense.org/articles/video-profiles-2018

Texas Gun Sense is very proud to release our new four-part video series

Surviving Gun Violence

https://www.txgunsense.org/articles/video-profiles-2018

August 19, 2019

Texas Gun Sense Statement

on the Governor’s Texas Safety Commission Meeting

Texas Gun Sense is grateful to participate in Governor Greg Abbott’s Texas Safety Commission, scheduled to meet at 10:30 AM on Thursday, Aug. 22 at the State Capitol. The commission consists of elected officials, safety advocates, law enforcement, educators, social media representatives from around the state.

In the wake of the racially-motivated mass shooting in El Paso on Aug. 3 (which killed 22 and injured 26), Texas Gun Sense has an important message to deliver to the commission. As the only gun violence prevention organization invited to take part, we believe the Commission must recognize that the easy availability of firearms plays a critical role in gun-related violence. TGS will recommend that the commission review a number of common sense, evidence-based policies, including:

• Instituting background checks on the sale of all firearms,
• Raising the age of purchase for all firearms to at least 21 years of age,
• Limiting the capacity of ammunition magazines,
• Regulating sales and accessibility of assault-style rifles on the federal level, and
• Adopting extreme risk protective order (otherwise known as a “red flag” laws).

While eager to participate in these talks, Texas Gun Sense is realistic when it comes to the political and policy differences which impact addressing gun-related violence in our state. In a divided environment, TGS knows that it is imperative we use this opportunity to make an effective, respectful case on behalf of the millions of Texans who demand that our state leaders must take immediate action to protect their constituents. It is our hope that following these discussions lawmakers of Texas can come together and expeditiously evaluate and enact legislation before another Texan is killed by a gun tragedy.

Read all of our policy recommendations here. For more information about gun violence and gun violence prevention, visit our website at www.txgunsense.org.

Contact Information:

Ed Scruggs: (512) 565-0502

Frances Schenkkan: (512) 971-0683

E-mail:  info@txgunsense.org

Website: www.txgunsense.org

Please Include Us in Your Giving Plans! – New mailing address

Join with us as we connect progressive United Methodists in putting faith into action!

Membership in MFSA is not predicated on ability to pay.  We do not have “dues”.  However, our local unit and the National Office need funding each year for programs and activities.  Membership gifts and special giving are always appreciated. MFSA is classified as a 501(c)(3) organization by the IRS.   Membership gifts to MFSA are tax deductible as provided by law.

There are several easy ways to join or support MFSA.

• You can log onto the national MFSA website, http://www.mfsaweb.org and follow the instructions there (you can safely use a credit card). Please indicate that you are part of the Rio Texas MFSA.
• Or, you can mail a check made out to “Rio Texas – MFSA” to

Rio Texas MFSA

PO Box 66055

Austin, TX  78766-6055

The suggested minimum donation is $60, but any amount is welcome.  Thanks for your support!

Historically, we have had eight monthly meetings per year, generally on the second Thursday of the month (this may change in the future).  We communicate using monthly electronic newsletters & updates to our website and Facebook page.

Vice News has released “Fear and Loading: Women and Guns in America“.  The piece was filmed in Austin in April during the week of the National School Walkout.  The Vice team traveled to Texas to explore both sides of the gun issue from the perspective of women.  Interviews included Texas Gun Sense board member and gun violence survivor, Susan R. Nelson, a group of women at a “Girls and Guns” conference and the Austin students who organized the National School Walkout at the Texas Capitol.

We are grateful to our supporters and for all you do.   Texas Gun Sense is ready to fight for common sense gun laws during the upcoming legislative session.   Please consider a one-time or sustaining donation today – the work we do relies on the generous support of donors like you.

Texas Gun Sense is a statewide nonprofit and nonpartisan organization advocating for common sense, evidence-based policies to reduce gun injuries and deaths.   For more information, visit www.txgunsense.org.

Since the Parkland, FL high school shooting on February 14, 2018, so much has changed in the gun violence prevention movement.  The Parkland students have led the way with their March for Our Lives group and TGS is proud to have been asked to be a Texas partner.  We welcome all of our new supporters and want to reach out to everyone with our update.

What’s Been Happening:

• We hosted the quarterly Coalition to Reduce Gun Violence
• Co-host for the Austin March for Our Lives
• Co-host for the Austin Town Hall for Our Lives
• School Safety Panel Discussion, U.T. Safe Zone Discussion of Schools and School Violence
• School Safety Panel Discussion, Kealing Middle School Day of Action
• Co-host for the Texas Capitol Walkout
• TGS staff and board members are taking a pistol training class! See photo below.

Upcoming Events:

• Town Hall with Senator Royce West and other dignitaries May 3, 2018.  Join us!
• We will be in Dallas, May 3-5, 2018 to partner with other gun violence prevention organizations to provide information during the National Rifle Association (NRA) meeting May 4-6 in Dallas. More info.
• We will visit Houston supporters May 16-18, 2018. Join us!
• Every Month:  We visit the Texas Capitol once or twice per month before the legislative session begins, meeting with law makers to discuss ways to improve Texas gun law.
  Want to come to the Capitol with us?

DATE AND TIME

On March 24, tens of thousands gathered for the first March For Our Lives to the state capitol in Austin, TX. On April 7, please join Austin area students and community leaders to fulfill the March’s call for local candidates to speak on their commitment to keep schools, churches, and concerts safe from gun violence.

DATE AND TIME

Sat, April 7, 2018

3:00 PM – 6:00 PM CDT

LOCATION

Dittmar Recreation Center

1009 West Dittmar Road

Austin, TX 78745

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RSVP to the Town Hall For Our Lives in TX-21!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/town-hall-for-our-lives-in-tx-21-tickets-44690021056

March For Our Lives was created, inspired, and led by students of all ethnicities, religions, and sexual orientation who are no longer willing to sit and wait for someone else to take action. They have issued a call for Town Halls to be held in all 435 congressional districts on April 7 and we are honored and look forward to helping fulfill their mission in TX-21.

The event will highlight student and volunteer activist action as well as expectations for elected leaders to lead a conversation on this issue. The event is open to all candidates to make comments and answer community questions.

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Texas Gun Sense

During the upcoming year, the Rio Texas Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) will focus our programming and action on Creating a Culture of Nonviolence.   On Thursday, September 8, join us at Saint John’s UMC Austin, 2140 Allandale Rd, to learn about the work being done by Texas Gun Sense to reduce gun violence.   Our speaker will be Andrea Brauer, Executive Director at Texas Gun Sense, providing information about the organization.

From the website http://www.txgunsense.org/:

“The shootings of innocent people are becoming far too common, and we are dismayed by the lack of response from our government.

Texas Gun Sense works to reduce gun violence by promoting effective gun laws through research and public awareness.

We use “gun sense” because we recognize citizens’ right to own guns, but also believe our laws could be strengthened to include more sensible policies that would protect the general public from avoidable accidents and injuries from guns.”

Join us at 6:30p for snacks. The program begins at 7p. All are welcome.