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The first time I was relieved that my father was dead was December 12, 2012: the Sandy Hook massacre on humanity. I woke early that morning numb on my right side and convinced I’d had a stroke. A South County Hospital emergency room visit diagnosed a pinched nerve and prescribed pain killers, bed rest, and a follow-up appointment.
While my mom and I drove away, her constant WBZ broadcast shared news of a tragedy unfolding. The world soon learned that a 20-year-old man walked into an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut and shot 26 people, after also killing his mother in her home, with her unlocked gun.
“I’m glad my dad isn’t alive to watch this." were my first thoughts, followed by, “Why does this keep happening?” and concluding with “What can I do to change it?” These bedridden questions soon spread to actions. An advocacy avocado pit was rooted and as I slowly healed, it bloomed into an advocacy plant. I joined Moms Demand Action and the North Kingstown Democratic Town Committee (NKDTC).
I’m not alone, nor did I get here alone. NKDTC member Melissa Devine brought me to my first Moms event; NKDTC chair Anne Geertman and Town Council candidate Linnea Drew met through Moms, and Town Councilman Matthew McCoy is often testifying at the State House and encouraging others to do so.
Seventy-five North Kingstown residents are Moms Demand Action members and I hope that number will grow in 2024 as we work on passing an assault weapons ban in Rhode Island.
I met with a few NKDTC folks who are also Moms Demand Action members to get a feel for why they joined and how the experience has been for them.
Linnea Drew, NK Town Council Candidate
NK Town Council candidate Linnea Drew joined Moms in 2018. As a new mother, Linnea wanted to do something that felt connected to her incredible bond—and fierce sense of protection— for her child. She immediately dug right in and took a Moms’ social media lead position in 2020. She eventually became the closed group lead, managing a large and growing volunteer group.
Linnea enjoys working with a supportive group towards a big but attainable goal: better gun safety legislation in Rhode Island. Six years later and she says that she has, “met the most amazing people and it has been some of the most rewarding work I’ve ever done.”
One person she met was NKDTC chair Anne Geertman. She and Linnea met through Moms and their shared advocacy blossomed into Linnea joining the NKDTC, where she is now an endorsed 2024 Town Council candidate. It's these kinds of relationships that make Moms Demand Action political and meaningful volunteer work.
Melissa Devine
Melissa Devine is at the State House often, donning red and delivering sweet treats and water for pals. She and I take the MBTA commuter rail to and from Providence and work on the way there, going over legislation and practicing elevator speeches and pitches on lobbying days.
No stranger to politics, Melissa ran for State Representative for District 31 in 2022 as a "Your Gun Sense Candidate." She may not have won, but she rang in endorsements from Moms Demand Action and the Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence. Her campaign was filled with progressive thoughts and smart thinking on sensible gun legislation, civil and women’s rights, a greener environment, and how to build stronger public schools and elder care.
Weapons of war have no place in a civil society. I will fight for stronger laws that keep guns out of schools, public places, and the hands of the unfit. It is vital that our kids and faculty feel safe in the classroom.
Melissa Devine
Amy Herlihy, Moms Leader
Amy Herlihy may not live in North Kingstown but she is Rhode Island Moms' volunteer chapter leader and was instrumental in my involvement, mostly because of her kindness and determination.
Herlihy became involved with Moms almost nine years ago. "My heart felt broken every time I heard about gun violence in the news, and I worked with children who told me about how the presence of guns in their neighborhoods impacted their lives, so I was driven to become involved with gun violence prevention," she said.
Amy did a little research, found Moms and signed up on her own. Very brave, indeed.
If you are thinking about joining Moms, it's important to know that we appreciate and value any time you can give to our movement to end gun violence. If you want to become really involved or participate a little bit, we welcome you with open arms. Every bit that you do matters, no matter how small it may seem to you.
Amy is hopeful that Rhode Island will pass an assault weapons ban soon and is mindful that 2024 is going to be a crucial year. During this frightening political climate, now is an important time to join this grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence.
And don't forget that we march in a lot of parades. Like, a real hot lot.
Everytown for Gun Safety ranks states based on the strength of their gun laws because this shows a direct correlation to gun deaths. Rhode Island ranks #13 and falls in the 2nd tier of states, so there is a lot of work to do on gun laws that address a wide variety of key public safety policies (e.g., prohibiting the ability to purchase a firearm after a hate crime conviction, prohibiting the carry of concealed firearms in bars, prohibiting towns and cities from enacting their own gun laws).
In 2023, the United States surpassed 400 mass shootings, a record-breaking year in gun violence without federal firearm legislation on the horizon.
A Reason to Celebrate
Alas, there is excellent news: In June 2024, Governor Dan McKee signed the Safe Storage for Firearms legislation into law. Sponsored by Senator Pamela Lauria (D-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol, East Providence) and Representative Justine Caldwell (D-Dist. 30, East Greenwich, West Greenwich).
The Safe Storage of Firearms law mandates that firearms be stored in secured or locked containers or be equipped with a tamper-resistant lock or other safety device, with fines of up to $250 for first offense, $1,000 for second, and fines and/or potential imprisonment of up to six months for a third violation. More severe fines and potential prison sentences may be imposed upon those who do not secure firearms if a child or someone prohibited from possessing a firearm gains access.
This law is a cause for celebration and will save lives. But let’s not stop there, let’s work even harder for an assault weapons ban in 2024. Democrats in Rhode Island must get this done.
As the years go by, there aren't many more tragedies that produce an, “I'm so glad my dad isn't alive to see this,” but the fear persists and the work remains. The tip of my right index finger is almost always numb after that ER visit and the constant discomfort reminds me of all the heartbreaking and senseless gun deaths.
If you want to join Moms Demand Action, or have any questions, email
info@nkdemocrats.org and I can get you started. Or visit the Moms’ website here https://momsdemandaction.org/work/
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