Discussions on firearm policy should be framed as pro-safety, pro-responsibility, and pro-public health. Finding common ground is the best way to open any discussion on gun violence prevention.

Identify ideals that unite — like respecting constitutional rights, while also preventing gun deaths — and focus on those. Once common ground is established, offering facts and statistics in a constructive (did you know?) manner can invite others to consider their positions without assaulting their convictions.

Don’t be afraid to disagree with others, but make sure that an effort has been made to find common ground, and that you remain open to their concerns. Any conversation on gun violence prevention that ends with an opportunity for further discussion is a step in the right direction.

This toolkit can be used to help facilitate conversations about gun violence prevention with your family, community, voters, candidates, and elected officials.