The Bedford Lyceum presents a free lecture entitled “Gun Violence in the U.S.: How Massachusetts Fits into the National Conversation on Guns” with Ruth Zakarin, Executive Director of MA Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence.

Please join us for this free Zoom presentation;  visit www.uubedford.org/lyceum-news/ for the link.

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.

Ruth Zakarin spent over 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 May of 2019. With over 120 member organizations, the Coalition works to address gun violence in all its forms through advocacy, public awareness, coalition building, and community organizing. Ruth has her MSW from the University of Pennsylvania and is also trained as a community organizer. She is particularly interested in creating models of trauma-informed advocacy and policy-making.

For more information, please contact Ellen at [email protected]

** This presentation is part of The Bedford Lyceum, a monthly lecture series on a wide range of topics. All talks are free and open to the public. Registration is not required.**