About Us

Who We Are and How We Work

The Colorado Coalition Against Gun Violence is a collaborative group of independent organizations and initiatives formed to increase the effectiveness of the effort to reduce gun violence in Colorado through direct and frequent communication, coordinated activities and policy change. In addition to representing a unified front, the Coalition recognizes and respects the importance of working in ways that strengthen the capacity of its member organizations.

Collaborative Approach

With the understanding that many of our members come from different political backgrounds, lived experiences, and opinions, we seek to involve each member and value their unique contribution. We seek to develop aligned strategies and to reconcile disagreements in order to move forward with actions that will help attain our strategic goals. To this end, we see these differences as not a hindrance, but rather an asset in having a broad and deep discussion and in achieving collaboration. Our shared work creates a more connected and diverse community. As the community faces new changes and challenges, our organization must be appropriately prepared to respond, and as such reflect said changes.

History

CCAGV was loosely formed in 2013 as a means for different groups to work together to help enact the eight  violence prevention proposals presented to the Colorado General Assembly in 2013.  Five of those proposals became law. The Coalition’s formation was initiated by Strategies 360, a strategy and public relations firm, funded by  Mayors Against Illegal Guns.  After the passage of those laws, CCAGV has continued meeting, largely as a clearing house on legislative proposals and other gun violence prevention activities.  Strategies 360 discontinued its work supporting the formation of the Coalition in 2015.  In 2018, national gun violence prevention and policy organizations, including Giffords and Brady, began investing in Colorado as a state ready to enact gun violence prevention legislation and sending national representatives to attend CCAGV meetings, and to partner on and inform CCAGV activities.

Goals

Collective Goals

With the understanding that many of our members come from different Colorado has had a mixed history when it comes to legislative, social, and value-based views on guns. That being said, the current political climate offers an opportunity for CCAGV to implement strategies to achieve its goal of creating a safer Colorado. Now is the time to harness the power of our communities to turn collective concerns about gun violence into action. The extent to which we act “as one” will give us more power and influence in this fight as opposed to acting separately. 

Strategic Goals

Currently, there are specific goals and strategies that CCAGV can work towards in order to impact the political, social, and economic climate in the state. 

1. Identify and help support the passing of evidence-based legislation aimed at reducing and eliminating gun violence in Colorado.
2. Support members of CCAGV to be successful in their gun violence prevention efforts by supporting and partnering on aligned events, educational efforts and legislator and community engagement.
3. Actively work towards a more inclusive and representative Coalition, which reflects those most impacted by gun violence as well as a broad array of organizations and efforts with aligned goals to reduce gun violence in Colorado. 
4. Strengthen and maintain a functional and effective operational structure that contributes to the sustainability and impact of CCAGV over time. 

Members