In this issue of the digest:

• HIP Celebrates Its Volunteers and Prepares for the Next Cohort

• Lobby Day on February 22. Register now!

• Findings Released from Inaugural Survey of Coloradans about Guns

• Mike Martin Responds to NY Times Article about Sale of Supposedly Destroyed Firearms

• “Another Way is Possible” Exhibit of Artworks Made from Destroyed Guns

• New Mexico Governor Introduces Gun Legislation

• CFCU Calendar for February

• Our Featured Congregation: Capitol Hill Presbyterian

HIP Celebrates Its Volunteers and Prepares for the Next Cohort

The HIP (Handgun Intervention Program) held a special appreciation dinner for program volunteers at First Mennonite in January, hosted by DA Beth McCann’s Office.  CFCU was publicly recognized for its ongoing support and volunteer engagement since the program’s beginning in summer, 2021.  Deborah Garcia-Sandoval, the HIP Program Coordinator with Denver Juvenile Court Probation reported that the program, which works with non-violent youth convicted of first-time, firearm possession offenses has maintained an 84% success rate since its founding.

Joan Bradt - Columbine UU

Carolyn Ewald, Lakewood UCC

Nancy Litwack-Strong – Temple Micah

Ruth Neil – First Plymouth

Jerry Paul - Montview Presbyterian

Howard Tishler and Alana Smart - B’nai Havurah

The next cohort begins in March.  Volunteers attend a six week program on Monday nights from approximately 5:00 PM – 7:30 at First Mennonite (430 West 9th St. in Denver) as members of a CAB (Community Accountability Board) that supports youth in developing a personal plan for a safer future.  Contact alanaks@aol.com  if you’re interested in working with youth, their family members and other community volunteers.

Please Register for Gun Violence Prevention Lobby Day, by clicking this link: Lobby Day Registration 

Please Register for Gun Violence Prevention Lobby Day, by clicking this link: Lobby Day Registration 

The University of Colorado Firearm Injury Prevention Initiatives released findings from the first survey ever conducted to learn more about Coloradans’ experiences, practices, concerns, and impressions regarding guns.  It also probes levels of support for various protective measures and awareness about what policies are actually in place.  Conducted in the summer of 2023, the survey of 1520 participants was demographically weighted and regionally balanced. 

We often operate within our own bubbles so it’s helpful to look at this complex issue through a broader lens as we develop policies and programs.  The survey will be repeated again in 2025, while a more specialized survey will be conducted in even years.

Some survey highlights included:

·        44% of Coloradans keep firearms in their home; children live in 38% of these homes

·        Self-protection was the top reason given for gun ownership (70%)

·        School shootings (57%), youth suicides (56%) and mass shootings (53%) were cited as leading concerns about violent events happening in their local communities

·        32% reported avoiding large crowds as protection taken against gun violence

·        71% support temporarily removing firearms from the home if someone is in crisis and it decreases the risk of injury and death involving a firearm.

·        79 % believe that Colorado maintains a registry of those who purchase guns—but it doesn’t

Mike Martin Responds to NYT Article About Gunbusters’ Sale of Supposedly Destroyed Firearms

An article in the New York Times revealed that in Flint, Michigan, a police sponsored gun buyback that collected 68 firearms, did NOT destroy the firearms, as it was advertised that they did, but instead turned the parts over to be resold as a kit to be assembled, but without the serial number. This is happening across the country at gun buybacks which say they are destroying the weapons.

“Gun auction websites have thousands of listings for parts kits and even complete firearms offered by firms that contract with law enforcement agencies to handle disposals. Gunbusters and its five licensees across the country, for example, recently averaged more than $90,000 a week in combined online sales of hundreds of disassembled guns from government clients.” (Mike McIntire, NYT, 12/10/23). You can find the whole article HERE.

Guns to Gardens Safe Surrender Events DO NOT resell gun parts. All parts are forged into garden tools, jewelry and sculpture. In order to provide added assurance to those who attend G2G events, Mike Martin, founder of RAWTools, and originator of Guns to Gardens has asked teams to make some additional cuts during the destruction of the weapons, to assure those who bring their firearms to be destroyed, that no parts can be used again. In fact, RAWTools currently supports police efforts in Colorado by receiving firearms that have been turned in, destroying them and recycling the parts to life-giving garden tools and other jewelry and art.

Guns to Gardens events destroy firearms on the site with the owner present. They can observe as the firearm is destroyed. After firearms are destroyed, the owner may receive a gift card in thanksgiving.

“Another Way is Possible”. Art Exhibit Shows Works Made from Destroyed Firearms

An exhibit of garden tools, art, jewelry and other lovely things that have been made by blacksmiths, from former firearms that have been dismantled at the request of the owner, are on display in Colorado Springs at the Colorado College Fine Arts Center through February 25. 2024. “Another Way is Possible” represents work made in the RAWtools shop in Colorado Springs, in addition by local and statewide partners, and dozens of blacksmiths, makers, and communities around the United States. Information about the exhibit is found here: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center

New Mexico Governor Proposes Suite of Gun Control Measures

As reported in the January 16th Denver Post Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and a number of legislators are proposing several gun control measures as part of the Governor’s ongoing declaration of a public health emergency related to gun violence and drug abuse. The proposals will be introduced as part of the 30-day legislative session starting January 16th. They include:

• a ban on carrying firearms at parks and playgrounds in Albuquerque with felony penalties for violations

• a 14-day waiting period for background checks on gun purchases

• a minimum age set to 21 on purchases of semiautomatic rifles and shotguns

• limitations on assault weapons to attach new magazines to keep firing.

The Governor stated that “We are going to continue this effort, following what is going on around the country…to create public safety corridors…which in effect also make New Mexicans safer.” Opposition has been mounted on the grounds of violating Second Amendment rights. Success may hinge on the state Supreme Court’s finding whether the Governor has overstepped her authority under state law restricting initiatives that can be introduced in the 30-day legislative session, as well as reactions from regions in the state with a strong culture of gun ownership.

These initiatives mirror in many ways those that CFCU and other firearms regulation advocates have supported and seen adopted by the Colorado legislature in past years.  CFCU applauds Governor Luhan Grisham and other supporters for their efforts, recognizing and naming the public health urgency in reducing gun violence. We wish them success.

Article contributed by Peter Fogg, First Plymouth

CFCU February Calendar

• February 6: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Communications Meeting in Person at Calvary Baptist Church. Contact Daryl Foelske (dfoelske@gmail.com) for more information

• Feb. 13, 2:00 PM. Advocacy Team MeetingFor the zoom link, agenda, and volunteer opportunities, please contact Stephanie, researchswgreenberg@gmail.com

• February 22, 9 - 1 Gun Violence Prevention Lobby Day. Central Presbyterian Church (See flyer and Registration link above)

Our Featured Congregation: Capitol Hill Presbyterian

Our featured congregation for this month is Capitol Heights Presbyterian Church, located at 11th and Fillmore.  Founded in 1896, CHPC has just celebrated its 128th anniversary. It is a congregation of about 50 active folks.  “We are an inclusive community and we are single-minded about this,” says Pastor Mark Meeks.

The church building is home to four communities:  Capitol Heights Presbyterian, the 10:30 Catholic Community, Dignity Denver, and  the White Forest Sangha. The four jointly publish a Sunday newsletter.  

In their history Capital Heights members can still remember an incident of gun violence by a friend of both Capital Heights and the 10:30 Community.   There was a lot of despair and anger.  Along with that incident, in the aftermath of the Columbine massacre, Pastor Steve Poos-Benson from Columbine United spoke to the Capitol Heights community.  These two were markers that moved CHPC to take action. Pastor Mark acknowledges the vulnerability of any human being who has access to a gun.  “Gun violence is a critical issue for our country today."

Capitol Heights has been a member of CFCU from early on.  Mark remembers Alana Smart’s presentation at his church, and has appreciated the opportunity to participate in vigils, to volunteer at Guns to Gardens, and to be a part of the Rapid Response Network.  Members participate in CFCU general meetings, clergy days, and other activities provided by CFCU.  When asked what he might like to say to other members of CFCU he said, “Thank you to everybody, for the wealth of engagement.  The witness of other pastors and worship, have strengthened me and lifted my heart."

Article contributed by Rita Niblack, Most Precious Blood Catholic Church.

Prayer for Peace and Freedom from Violence

Questions and comments? Contact Digest Editor: Rita Niblack (raniblack@icloud.com)