9th Annual National Gun Violence Prevention Summit

A wrap-up of this year's conference in Washington, D.C.

Dec 12, 2023

Last week, hundreds of gun violence prevention advocates, legislators, and survivors from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C. for the 9th Annual National Gun Violence Prevention Summit — created and hosted by the public policy research and advocacy organization, Center for American Progress.

Across three venues inside CAP’s headquarters, an impressive array of experts held interviews, panels, and breakout discussions covering topics ranging from the Federal Government’s response to local community strategies; legislative options; ways to fight back against gun lobby disinformation; public health solutions for violence prevention; personal survivor stories of tragedy that led to activism; how to improve media coverage of the firearms epidemic; youth engagement; and the long term effects of gun violence.

We here at GVPedia helped kick off the Summit on Monday night with a welcoming Data Hour at a local pub where friends and colleagues in the gun violence prevention world gathered to mingle, snack, exchange business cards, and generally prepare for a few days of intense, informative talk.

The all-day meetings — and a lot of coffee — led to impressive and informed discussions that resulted in attendees leaving with inspired ideas to carry forward into the battle against the daunting and dangerous gun problem in our country.

Tuesdays program concluded with a lovely reception sponsored by Giffords — the organization celebrating its own 10th anniversary — and featured an inspiring talk with founder Gabby Giffords and her husband, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly.

The panel program on Wednesday ended with an excellent “Fireside Chat” between Congressman Maxwell Frost and Nick Wilson, Senior Director, CAP.

The gravity of all the conversation and advocacy of the Summit was brought into stark relief on Wednesday evening at the 11th Annual National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence, at St. Marks Episcopal Church — hosted by the Newtown Action Alliance Foundation and the Newtown Action Alliance, in partnership with 140+ organizations. Coinciding with the 11-year mark of the Sandy Hook tragedy, the three hour-plus vigil offered prayers and personal stories of loss and survival from victims, survivors, and families impacted by gun violence.

Check out the list of speakers for Day 1 and Day 2 of the Summit, and some photos from the conference, below.