As the federal government continues to resist passing reforms that would create safer communities, major American employers have a duty to protect their workers, customers, and the public from the dangers posed by an estimated 393 million firearms in civilian hands. It is critical than ever for retailers to take the lead in ensuring safety from gun violence and intimidation.

We’re calling on all large American employers to do three things: ban open carry and ask customers not to bring firearms into your stores, invest in the communities you serve by supporting community-driven gun violence intervention programs, and end all political donations to lawmakers who accept donations from the NRA. It is critical that retailers take the lead to ensure safety from gun violence and intimidation.

Methodology

Businesses with a B or higher are awarded the Gun Safety Certified mark. The mark, developed by Manuel Oliver (father of Joaquin Oliver, one of the 17 victims from the Parkland shooting) of Change The Ref and Stop Handgun Violence, is a symbol for brands and business to use to show their support for gun safety and push other corporations to do better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Most of these businesses don’t sell guns. So why are they a part of this campaign?During a period of federal inaction on gun reform, American businesses (particularly consumer-facing retailers that interact with customers on a daily basis) have a civic responsibility to keep their customers and employees safe from gun violence. While most of the companies on the Gun Safety Scorecard (GSS) do not directly sell firearms or ammunition, their stores are not immune from the impact of gun violence. Our research indicates that 25 of the 29 stores on the GSS experienced a gun violence incident on their premises.
2. What are these grades based on?
   The retailers identified were reviewed for activity in the following areas: 1) Actions to reduce gun violence in their stores, including banning the open carry of firearms; 2) Donations to the top 25 NRA-backed lawmakers and/or politicians; and 3) Publicly calling for action on gun reform. Businesses were rewarded a maximum of 60 points for a strong “In-store policy,” a maximum of 20 points if they avoided “political giving” to the top NRA-backed lawmakers and a maximum of 20 points for “demanding public action” on gun reform. Another 20 bonus points are available to reward companies that have taken additional steps to help move our country in the right direction.
3. What role can corporations play in helping us build a future with fewer guns?
   By banning firearms in their stores, investing in communities plagued by gun violence, and ending political donations to NRA-backed lawmakers, American businesses can add their voices to the overwhelming number of Americans who support gun reform, reach more moderate and conservative audiences, and help advance the political and cultural change we’ll need to build safer communities with fewer guns. Corporate America was instrumental in fighting for LGBTQ equality and it can play a critical role in this issue as well.

Other ways to ADvocate for gUN SAFETY LAWS

Curious about other ways to take action? Here’s a list of of organizations directly advocating for better gun safety laws!

Sharing cards

Press

For media inquiries please contact: Mark Hanis (mark@progressiveshopper.com)