BRATTLEBORO, VT—August 28, 2023— GunSense Vermont, the leading non-profit, non-partisan advocacy organization for common-sense gun safety measures, will host a public reception to award the inaugural “Leadership & Courage Award” to Brattleboro resident and author Ann Braden who founded GunSense Vermont following the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012. The event will take place at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center on Wednesday, September 6 at 6:00 p.m.
Conor Casey, Executive Director, GunSense Vermont says, “Ann Braden’s dedication has been instrumental in propelling GunSense Vermont’s mission forward and advocating for the safety and well-being of our community. As founder, she has been a driving force in shaping the organization’s mission and fostering its impact on reducing gun violence. There is no one more deserving of GunSense Vermont’s inaugural “Leadership & Courage Award” than Ann.”
Guest Speaker U.S. Representative Becca Balint, is a strong advocate for progress in implementing commons-sense gun safety legislation. While she was Majority Leader of the Vermont State Senate, Becca led the passage of the first gun safety laws in the state’s history, aimed at keeping Vermont children, communities, and survivors of abuse safe.
In addition to Balint, other folks recognizing Ann from the podium, will include:
Conor Casey, Executive Director of the GunSense Vermont who has over a decade of experience as a union organizer, campaign manager, and advocate.
Grace Walter who, along with her hometown, was forever changed at the hand of a gun when a man entered Sand Hook Elementary School just down the road killing 20 children and 6 educators. Grace has volunteered with GunSense Vermont on and off since 2018.
Bob Williamson GunSense Vermont board member will present the “Leadership and Courage Award” to Braden. He became a gun reform activist 35 years ago when a deranged woman went on a shooting spree in his children’s elementary school in Winnetka, Illinois. Six youngsters were shot and one killed.
Ann Braden who in addition to founding GunSense Vermont is a former middle school social studies teacher and author of 3 children’s books. She co-hosts a podcast called “Lifelines: Books that Bridge the Divide,” along with Pakistani American author Saadia Faruqi. She lives in Brattleboro with her husband and two children.
Attending will be elected officials, community leaders, concerned citizens—including some young folks. The Porch Café will cater hors d’oeuvres and Windham Wines will offer a cash bar. Parking will be available next door at 28 Vernon Street. For tickets please go to gunsensevt.org. For additional information please contact: 802-365 4106.
About GunSense Vermont:
GunSense Vermont may not be familiar to many Vermonters, but the statewide grass roots organization that Braden founded 10 years ago has played a pivotal role in raising the age to purchase firearms to 21, limiting high-capacity magazines, and passing waiting periods and safe storage laws.
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