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
Diana Garlington Speaks at Nonviolence Institute on Buffalo Mass Shooting
Board Member Diana Garlington spoke for RICAGV at the press conference on Monday.
Statement on Buffalo Mass Shooting
Buffalo makes third mass shooting over the weekend.
We’re Hiring
Join RICAGV, an exciting and fast-paced leader in gun violence prevention in Rhode Island.
RI Youth Carrying Guns Increases 38%
CT is up 4%, MA is down 41%
Wear Orange for Gun Violence Awareness Day – June 3, 2022
Friday, June 3, 2022
Road Rage + Gun Violence
Rhode Island is not immuned to this problem.
Guns Kill More Kids Than Car Accidents
Motor vehicle deaths among young people have dropped over 40% in the last two decades, while gun deaths among the same age group are 5 times higher
Jen Boylan Thanks Barrington School Committee on Safe Storage Resolution
Jen is the head of Moms Demand Action in Rhode Island, an RICAGV partner organization.
Ellen Kellner Speaks Out for Assault Weapon Ban Bills
Ellen writes in support for bills to ban miltiary-style weapons that have been stifled in the RI House and Senate Judiciary Committees for years.
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.