Label
National Gun Violence Awareness Month
Kramer & Morris
Title
Recognizing June 2026 as “National Gun Violence Awareness Month”
Summary
WHEREAS, National Gun Violence Awareness Month is observed every June, beginning with National Gun Violence Awareness Day on the first Friday of the month, to raise awareness about gun violence and advocate for prevention and safety measures; and
WHEREAS, the month was created to draw attention to the epidemic of gun violence in the United States, where an average of 120 people die in gun-related incidents every day; and
WHEREAS, National Gun Violence Awareness Month honors victims, survivors, and advocates, and promotes the #WearOrange campaign, inspired by the friends of 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton who was killed in Chicago in 2013, and the color orange was chosen because it is the color that hunters wear to signal “don’t shoot”; and
WHEREAS, key dates and events include “National Gun Violence Awareness Day” on the first Friday of June and “Wear Orange Weekend” features events, education, and advocacy; and
WHEREAS, organizations and individuals can take action during the month by wearing orange to show solidarity and raise awareness, educating others about gun safety including proper storage to prevent accidents, joining or hosting prevention events in schools and local community organizations, advocating for policy change such as banning assault weapons and large-capacity magazines, and sharing resources and graphics on social media with hashtags like #GunViolenceAwarenessMonth and #WearOrange; and
WHEREAS, Gun violence can be greatly reduced and is preventable when communities know the warning signs and take proactive steps, and the month serves as a call to action for individuals, schools, and policymakers to work together to end gun violence.
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Council of the City of Toledo that June 2026 is hereby recognized as National Gun Violence Awareness Month.
SECTION 1 That this Resolution shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.
Adopted: June 9, 2026: yeas 10, nays 0.
Attest:
Julie A. Gibbons Vanice S. Williams
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: June 9, 2026
Wade Kapszukiewicz
Mayor