~ Submitted by First Parish in Bedford, Unitarian Universalist Church
Autumn activities are starting up and one that is eagerly awaited is the resumption of the First Parish Lyceum series, which leads off with a presentation on the prevention of gun violence on Sunday, September 18 from 4 to 5 p.m.
“Gun Violence in the U.S.: How Massachusetts Fits into the National Conversation on Guns” is the title of speaker Ruth Zakarin’s talk. Zakarin spent more than 25 years working with youth and adults impacted by domestic and sexual violence before becoming the inaugural Executive Director of the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence in 2019. With over 120 member organizations, the Coalition works to address gun violence in all its forms through advocacy, public awareness, and coalition building. Zakarin holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Pennsylvania and is also a community organizer.
In her introduction, Zakarin notes, “Gun violence is an incredibly complex issue that necessitates a complex and holistic set of responses. As the country grapples with an ever-increasing number of deaths from gun violence, we will talk about what that response in Massachusetts looks like, and how that fits in with national efforts to prevent more violence. Using the work of the MA Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, we will explore how legislative change, addressing root causes, and sustained investment in community-based solutions can make more peaceful communities. We will also talk about the recent Supreme Court decision and its implications for Massachusetts and beyond.”
The Lyceum talks are free and open to the public, with no registration required. Ellen Scheiner, Lyceum organizer, invites everyone to attend via this Zoom link:
https://zoom.us/j/94745360650?pwd=TC81Rm5EUDNQRHppcGFhUURFQXN0Zz09
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