State gun control advocacy tactics and resources

Author: Zakocs, R. C. / Earp, J. A. L. / Runyan, C. W.
Publication: American Journal of Preventive Medicine
Topics: State us/national
Keywords: GUN control LOBBYING Law & legislation Policy Making State Government
Bibliographic information +

Data gathered from 207 organizations across the U.S. that advocate for gun control at the state level were surveyed in 1998 to ascertain tactics used and whether the organizations’ finances affected their choice of tactics. Tactics included legislative lobbying, public education, mass media, electioneering, litigation and protests. About three-quarters of the organizations asked their members to write action alerts or contact state legislators. Only 4% engaged in lawsuits. Lobbying was the only tactic used more by organizations with greater financial resources.