According to the , the United States had 691 mass shootings in 2021. The year before, the United States had 610 mass shootings. The facts show that it’s more important than ever that we educate our communities on how to prevent gun violence. As a nonprofit in Greater Grand Rapids, MI, Text Pledge is ready to help.
Our Pledge to End Acts of Violence With or Without Guns and Weapons
When you take the pledge to End Acts of Violence With or Without Guns and Weapons, you agree to the following:
I will not use guns or weapons for acts of violence or retaliation in our civilized society. I know guns and weapons are meant for protection, for use in a time of war, and for hunting purposes only. I will always reach out for help if I am having bad thoughts of using weapons.
Get the Facts
Gun violence is on the rise. Be sure to check out these recent statistics from the .
U.S. gun violence data in 2024, as of April 1st:
| 3,983 | GUN RELATED DEATHS |
| 7,023 | GUN RELATED INJURIES |
| 94 | MASS SHOOTINGS |
| 55 | CHILDREN KILLED BY GUNS |
| 118 | CHILDREN INJURED BY GUNS |
| 281 | TEENAGERS KILLED BY GUNS |
| 698 | TEENAGERS INJURED BY GUNS |
| 323 | DEFENSIVE USE INCIDENTS |
| 333 | UNINTENTIONAL SHOOTINGS |
The Role of Trauma in Gun Violence
Most people will experience a traumatic event at some point in their lives. When this happens, we hope that individuals have the proper support they need to cope, heal, and transform into stronger versions of themselves. However, not everyone has this level of support.
Children who are abused, neglected, or bullied are more vulnerable to negative thoughts and behaviors. Likewise, if they don’t have supportive people in their lives, emotions like shame, fear, and anger are left to fester. For this reason, it’s important that our communities have the proper resources to intervene before tragedy occurs.
It’s easy to label a student as a “troublemaker” or “attention seeker.” However, negative behavior at school may indicate that they need counseling so they can learn how to heal trauma. Even students that appear “perfect” may have hidden issues affecting their mental health.
Get Help If You’re Having Bad Thoughts
Violence is never the answer. Whether you’ve been bullied at school or are experiencing abuse at home, it’s never right to take out your frustration on innocent people. No one should ever be a target for rage, retaliation, or violence.
Help is always available. Confidential counselors are here to talk to you.
Text “NAMI” to 741741 or call 1-800-950-6264.
Take the Pledge to End Acts of Violence With or Without Guns and Weapons
Take the pledge to End Acts of Violence With or Without Guns and Weapons in the United States and worldwide. Text Pledge is proud to help this movement as a nonprofit in Greater Grand Rapids, MI. While you’re here, we encourage you to take our other pledges. Head on over to pledge 4 to prevent bullying and cyberbullying. If you have any questions, please feel free to fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
