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Everytown for Gun Safety’s Unexpected Move into Firearm Instruction
Everytown for Gun Safety’s Unexpected Move into Firearm Instruction
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍New York, NY
In a surprising turn, Everytown for Gun Safety, widely recognized for its advocacy of stricter gun regulations, has ventured into the realm of firearm education. Launched under the name Train SMART, the initiative aims to promote responsible gun ownership through a series of online and Zoom-style courses. These courses, which range in duration from 90 minutes to eight hours and are priced between $20 and $100, have drawn both interest and ire from various factions within the gun community.
Situated in New York, training for the Train SMART program is spearheaded by military veterans, including adviser Chris Marvin, a former U.S. Army helicopter pilot. Marvin emphasizes that the goal of these courses is to create an educational experience reminiscent of a grandparent imparting wisdom to a child, rather than a hard sales pitch typical of gun shops. The curriculum covers not only firearm handling and storage but also instruction on situations in which it is best not to use a firearm.
However, the initiative has sparked sharp reactions from both gun rights advocates and those aligned with gun violence prevention. Organizations such as the NRA and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) have ridiculed the program, labeling it as hypocritical given Everytown's history of opposing gun rights. This sentiment has been echoed by some within Everytown itself. Long-term volunteers and survivors of gun violence have expressed profound disappointment, with Sandy Phillips, whose daughter fell victim to the 2012 Aurora theater shooting, describing the effort as "hurtful and insulting," asserting that it feels like a betrayal of the organization’s core mission.
Internal dissent has surfaced, with several leaders of Everytown’s grassroots chapters resigning in protest against the lack of consultation before this program was unveiled. Despite the backlash, Everytown's president, John Feinblatt, remains resolute, claiming that the organization is committed to reducing gun violence and that this program is a step towards that goal.
This move may signify a significant pivot in the public engagement strategies of gun violence prevention groups. Traditionally, such organizations have advocated for abstinence from firearms altogether. By advocating for education and safer practices, Everytown appears willing to engage in a dialogue with gun owners, aiming to reshape perceptions surrounding gun safety and responsible ownership.
Industry insiders have expressed mixed opinions about this development. Rob Pincus of the Personal Defense Network, known for his extensive work in the realm of firearm instruction and safety, has offered cautious optimism. He acknowledges that any step towards enhanced education around responsible firearm use is ultimately beneficial, even if it originates from an organization with a contentious stance on gun rights. These nuanced perspectives suggest that the initiative, while divisive, could potentially foster a more informed gun owner demographic if executed well.
What remains to be seen is whether Train SMART will resonate with a significant portion of gun owners or whether the backlash will overshadow its intentions. As the program unfolds, its impact will likely inform future educational efforts across similar organizations, shaping the dialogue on gun safety in the U.S. at a critical time.
As this new chapter unfolds, it’s crucial to monitor the conversations and sentiments emerging from both sides of the gun debate. Early reports suggest that Everytown's shift to educational initiatives may signal a willingness to bridge divides rather than deepen them. Yet, the skepticism from gun rights organizations and discontent within Everytown itself indicates significant challenges ahead. What happens next will not only affect how gun safety is advocated but could also have long-term implications for community engagement surrounding gun ownership.