Gun violence has touched our nation, even here in Kalamazoo. In response, the Youth Violence Prevention Task Force met with State Rep. Jon Hoadley this month to discuss gun violence prevention legislation in Michigan. Rep. Hoadley will be working with us as we develop our ‘ask’ at the ISAAC Public Meeting on October 6, 2016.

ISAAC has been involved with raising awareness about common sense gun legislation. ISAAC participated in the National Gun Violence Awareness Day on June 2nd co-sponsored by the Coalition for Common Ground and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense. This event included a rally in Bronson Park, a walk downtown, and a film screening at First Congregational Church. Speakers at the rally included Vice-Mayor Don Cooney, Dr. Charlae Davis (Executive Director of ISAAC), and Gene Kopf (father of Abigail Kopf, survivor of the mass shooting in Kalamazoo).

The film,” Trigger” was moderated by Rev. Nathan Dannison of First Congregational Church and Rev. Sara Dorrien-Christians of Pine Island Presbyterian Church. Discussion panelists following the film included: Elder Doug King (ISAAC President), Dr. Gillian Stoltman (Health Officer/Director of KCHCS), Minister Curtis L. Robinson (Emerging Hope, Co-Director), and Ms. Louise Wright (Coalition for Common Ground).

Join us for the next YVP Task Force Meeting on August 8th, 6pm at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 247 W. Lovell St, Kalamazoo 49007. Please email co-chairs: Wendy and Venessa with questions: (wendywing@aol.com and Vcollinssmith@gmail.com)

– Chris Roberts, Office Volunteer and Leadership Board Member from First Congregational Church