OUR MISSION
The Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence (RICAGV) is a coalition of organizations, activists, advocates, educators, legislators, and community members who address gun violence as an urgent public health issue. Since 2013, RICAGV utilizes the collective power of its membership and grassroots organizing methods to advance programs and policies that will reduce gun violence of all types resulting in safer, healthier Rhode Island communities.
Welcome Melissa Carden!
The RICAGV Board of Directors is thrilled to announce the hiring of Melissa Carden as our new Executive Director. A Pawtucket native and graduate of Villanova University, Melissa is a highly skilled communications strategist with extensive expertise in policy, communications, and relationship building. She served as the Co-Legislative Lead for Moms Demand Action Rhode Island and the Legislative Lead and Communications Lead for Moms Demand Action Pennsylvania. Prior to becoming RICAGV’s Executive Director, she was the Chief Public Affairs Officer for the State of Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency. She currently sits on the boards of the Roger Williams Park Conservancy and the Edgewood Waterfront Preservation Association.
Three Gun Safety Laws Signed in 2022!
Governor Dan McKee signed key reforms into law:
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Limiting magazines to 10 rounds
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Raising the age to buy long guns and ammunition from 18 to 21
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Prohibiting loaded long guns in public
RI Students and Attendees Sent a Powerful Message at the RI March for Our Lives Rally
Help us fight the pro-gun lobby at the State House!
Every dollar you give goes toward helping prevent gun violence in RI!
Highlights from the Blog
RICAGV Board Member attends White House event
RICAGV Board member Diana Garlington, special guest at the White House for the President’s announcement of the first ever federal Office of Gun Violence Prevention.
Welcome Melissa Carden, RICAGV’s New Executive Director
The RICAGV Board of Directors is thrilled to announce the hiring of Melissa Carden as our new Executive Director.
Court strikes down challenge to RI’s concealed carry permit laws
AG Neronha says his office successfully defended constitutional challenge to RI concealed-carry permit laws.
The 2023 Legislative Session Ended with No Action on Gun Bills
Now that the 2023 session has ended with no action on gun violence…what’s next?
Gun Violence Awareness Day
Gun Violence Awareness Day is on June 1, 2023. This is also known as the Wear Orange Day, and was founded to honor survivors and victims of gun violence.
Assault Weapons Ban in the Courts
Last year, the Supreme Court in the Bruen case adopted a different approach to evaluating laws restricting firearms in light of the Second Amendment.
Lobby Day 2023
Join Us for Lobby Day! Tuesday, April 4, from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. at the Rhode Island State House.
401GIVES
Join us for 401Gives by becoming a fundraising champion for the Rhode Island Gun Violence Education Fund (the educational arm of RI Coalition Against Gun Violence.)
March Organizational Meeting
Thank you to EVERYONE who attended our March Organizational Meeting! We had a GREAT TURNOUT of activists who are eager to advocate for an assault weapons ban and safe storage!
2020 RI Gun Safety Poll
Overwhelming support for common-sense gun safety measures, including more than 70% in favor of limiting magazine capacity and regulating assault weapons.
Gun Safety Reform is Constitutional
In 2008, District of Columbia v. Heller affirmed:
“the [Second Amendment] right was not a right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner whatsoever and for whatever purpose.”
Please note, donations made online through our website are not tax deductible.