A single gun can destroy countless lives. But a helping hand can stop its destructive impact. Below are a few ways you can help prevent gun violence:

The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence urges concerned citizens to step forward and make their voice heard at their neighborhood, city and state level. Some easy actions to take are attending town hall and civic gatherings open to the general public. Pertinent questions to ask relevant officials like the mayor, police chief and economic council could include:

• Does my city's police department trace every gun it recovers in a crime or from a juvenile? If not, why not, and how can we change it?
• Every gun in the hands of a child passes through the hands of adults. What are we doing to hold those adults accountable?
• Recent studies show that a small handful of licensed gun dealers supply the vast majority of guns used in crime. Some of these same dealers also sell guns to law enforcement. Does our Police Department/Sheriff's Department buy guns from a leading crime-gun dealer?
• How many gun dealers are there in our city? How many of them are in residential neighborhoods? Do our zoning laws allow residential gun dealers? If so, will you support changing the law to bar gun dealers from non-commercial zones?

Coalition to Stop Gun Violence
http://www.gunfree.org/
A grassroots national organization with strong local chapter, the Coalition provides information about pending gun legislation at a state and local level, and tells you how to get your voice heard by the legislators.

Youth ALIVE!
http://www.youthalive.org/
Targeting at-risk kids and young adults, Youth ALIVE! focuses on preventing youth violence before it starts and creating positive, young leaders and role models who can go on to educate others about the dangers of gun violence. A non-profit public health agency, Youth ALIVE! dedicates itself to stopping violence and creating leadership amongst California youth.

Americans for Gun Safety
http://ww2.americansforgunsafety.com/
A non-profit organization, Americans for Gun Safety seeks to toughen existing gun laws and close loopholes that allow criminals and children greater access to firearms. They also promote gun safety education.

The Pledge Organization: Students Pledge Against Gun Violence
http://www.pledge.org/
A nationwide organization, The Pledge asks students to reject the use of guns for settling any dispute and asks that they try and influence others to do the same. Offers activities and resources for students of all ages.

NRA - Eddie Eagle Program
http://www.nrahq.org/safety/eddie/what.asp

Sponsored by the National Rifle Association, the Eddie Eagle program sets out to educate children about firearm safety without advocating the pros and cons of gun control laws.

Gun Free Kids
http://www.gunfreekids.org/
An advocacy group that campaigns to protect children's safety in the schools, Gun Free Kids has a legislative directory, links to other resources, and other ways to take action on their site.

The Lion & Lamb Project
http://www.lionlamb.org/
A Maryland-based, nationwide non-profit, The Lion & Lamb Project campaigns to end the marketing and glamorization of violence in children's toys and entertainment, both at a grassroots and political level.

Million Mom March
http://www.millionmommarch.com/
A national, grassroots organization, The Million Mom March has several chapters and holds an annual march on Washington to demonstrate their dedication to preventing gun death and injury and their support of victims and survivors of gun violence. With resources for advocates and gun violence victims, the Million Mom March campaigns for gun control at a local and national level.