CeaseFirePA

CeaseFirePA envisions a world where everyone lives a life without gun violence that allows people from every community across the commonwealth to thrive — where communities feel safe, because they are safe. We organize with communities closest to the issue, holds those in power accountable and maximizes the strengths of every member in its broad coalition — understanding that the strongest work is work done by many.

OUR STORY

Gun violence in Pennsylvania takes the lives and injures 4,500 Pennsylvanians every year. That’s a death every five hours. A gun-inflicted suicide every 10 hours. And you are 21 times more likely to die by gun homicide if you are Black. And, everyday our General Assembly refuses to enact simple solutions, people die.

For twenty years, we’ve worked to end this epidemic by advocating for the most important, impactful gun violence prevention legislation in Pennsylvania, and consistently stood up to the gun lobby when they’ve tried to punish local officials working to save lives or repeal important gun safety laws already in place. We galvanize the public to advocate for solutions, partner with those most impacted by gun violence, engineer rapid response campaigns, and hold politicians accountable for the votes they cast and legislation they draft, ensuring that those closest to the issues are receiving the support they need and bringing groups of all kinds together from all across the state, from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, from Erie to York. It’s why we’re recognized as the Commonwealth’s leading organization to address this public health crisis.

OUR VALUES

CeaseFirePA is a values-led, human-focused organization dedicated to ending the epidemic of gun violence in Pennsylvania. Every project we work on, every organization we partner with and every action we coordinate is done so with care, consideration and the respect these issues — and those impacted by them, either directly or indirectly — deserve.

In our role as educators, we act as Approachable Experts, turning our conviction and deep understanding into knowledge and information that’s accessible and digestible, not prohibitive in any way. In our role as watchdogs, we act as Urgent Messengers, not letting our legislators ignore life-saving solutions while reinforcing the gravity of the tragedies caused by gun violence and the plethora of solutions, every chance we have. 

As the leader of a broad, active coalition, we must be Compassionate Connectors, bringing together stakeholders from across the state, respecting the stories of survivors, recognizing that gun violence comes in different forms and that their collective voices should generate clear calls to action. 

As frequent collaborators, we are proud to be Humble Partners — we’re on the ground listening to, and partnering with, communities across the state, and are honored they share their expertise with us. 

And finally, this work requires dedication. It requires hustle. It requires relentlessness. As Aggressive Advocates, we act quickly, speak forcefully and push for the solutions to the problems we see. Our asks are clear, and we name names. 

If this sounds like you, join us. And if this makes you uncomfortable, it’s time to ask yourself why.