The Million Mom March: engaging the public on gun policy

Author: Wallack, L. / Winett, L. / Nettekoven, L.
Publication: J Public Health Policy
Topics: Age Group Education/Counseling Gender Legislation and Policy Public Opinion
Keywords: Children GUN control advocacy gun woman
Bibliographic information +

The authors read more than 200 news accounts and conducted over 40 interviews with key participants in the May 14 (Mother’s Day) 2000 Million Mom March, probably the most successful public advocacy event for gun control in U.S. history. School shootings (e.g., Columbine) provided the background for this event that reached across party lines. The underlying theme of “Mothers protecting cubs” resonated with many women who put their lives on hold to help organize this huge event, in Washington D.C. and many other cities, often via the internet. At the rally, one organizer declared: “We love our children more than the NRA loves their damn guns!”