Be SMART: Step Five - Tell your peers to Be SMART

by the Rev. Mary Haggerty,
Diocesan Missioner for Gun Violence Prevention

October 30, 2023

The fifth step in the Be SMART program is “T” Tell Your Peers to Be SMART.

We know that we have a gun violence crisis in our country, and that our children are especially in danger. The Be SMART program is available to spread the word to your church and your community to help prevent unintentional shootings and youth suicides by educating adults about limiting access to firearms.

To recap, Be SMART stands for

• Secure All Guns in Homes and Vehicles
• Model Responsible Behavior
• Ask About Unsecured Guns in Other Homes
• Recognize the Role of Guns in Suicide
• Tell Your Peers to Be SMART

Your voice, and all voices are critical. How will you commit to Be SMART today? Try to think of at least THREE people with whom you want to share the Be SMART message as you read this. Do you have relatives or friends with young children who need to know this information? Do you have family or teens in your life who might have access to unsecured firearms in a moment of crisis? Are you a gun owner who secures your weapons but might not ask about it when your child goes to play at someone else’s house? Are there community groups or outside organizations that meet at your church that might benefit from hearing the Be SMART message? Remember, it is our job as adults to keep firearms out of the hands of children.

Beginning in January 2024, diocesan volunteers will be available to offer a Be SMART presentation to your parish or worshipping community. Consider hosting a presentation and inviting the larger community. Sign ups for presentations will begin at diocesan convention on November 3 and 4. For more information, contact the Rev. Mary Haggerty.