Angela Ferrell-Zabala, the executive director of Moms Demand Action, talks with Lynn Schmidt about the group’s work to reduce gun violence.
Ferrell-Zabala says the group with millions of volunteers advocate for common-sense actions to reduce gun violence, not for taking away people’s guns.
Schmidt is a columnist and St. Louis Post-Dispatch editorial board member. The Moms Demand Action website, where listeners can learn more and get involved: https://momsdemandaction.org/
Past episodes of the What Keeps You Up at Night? podcast
Episode transcript
Note: The following transcript was created by Headliner and may contain misspellings and other inaccuracies as it was generated automatically:
Lynn Schmidt: Hi, my name is Lynn Schmidt, and welcome to the what keeps you up at Night podcast, the show where we discuss the big issues and worries facing America and the world, and then begin the conversations about how we can go about solving them. I'm a columnist and editorial board member with the St. Louis Post Dispatch. It is my pleasure to welcome Angela Ferrell- Zabala from Moms Demand Action to the podcast. Before, I ask Angela my first required question about what keeps her up at night, I was hoping, Angela, you could share with listeners about what mom's demand action is.
Angela Ferrell-Zabala: Well, first of all, thank you so much. I'm really happy to be on with you today. So, mom's demand action has been around for almost eleven years. It'll be eleven years in December. So we're over a decade old, and this is actually an organic movement that came together after the Sandy Hook shooting in 2013. And Shannon Watts, posted on Facebook, there were so many people reeling after that horrific massacre of young people, and it was a time in our country's history where I think a lot of people saw this and said, okay, this is horrific. And at last we're going to do something to solve this cris. And because it did not happen like we wanted to happen at that time, this group was formed. So moms and man Action, again, a Facebook group that came together. Now, we are so strong across this country. We're in every single state, plus the District of Columbia, and we are part of every town for gun Safety, which is the umbrella organization. It's the marriage of mares against leave of guns. And moms demand action. So excited to be celebrating over a decade of advocacy and really moving and changing the needle on this work. and I'm happy to be here today.
Lynn Schmidt: Yeah, thank you. I will say, as a mom, I love everything that the group is doing. So it's my understanding that every town for gun safety is the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country with over or nearly 10 million supporters. Is that correct?
Angela Ferrell-Zabala: That's absolutely right. That's absolutely right.
Lynn Schmidt: And, also, before we get into the discussion, I think it's important for listeners to understand that mom's demand action is not advocating for taking away people's guns. it is my understanding that the goal is to reduce gun violence.
Angela Ferrell-Zabala: That's 100% right. In fact, we are such a broad network that we have amongst us gun owners, we have military veterans, we have all stripes and kinds of people. Because the bottom line is, when you see this cris, it's a public health crisis that impacts so many. We have 59% of American adults that either themselves or someone that they love and care about identify as a survivor of gun violence. That means they have been impacted or have experienced gun violence. that is a big number. And so this impacts so many of us that it's not about taking anything away. It's just about making sure that we have safeties and things in place that are keeping communities safe.
Lynn Schmidt: So my first question is, what keeps you up at night, Angela?
Angela Ferrell-Zabala: What a. You know, frankly, when we think about gun violence in this country, the thing that keeps me up at night is that it's the leading cause of death for teens, young adults, and children in this country. It's absolutely ridiculous. It surpasses childhood cancer, car accidents, other things that you might think might be on that list. This is the number one cause, and it's not an inevitability. So I'm just thinking about even like last week with Lewiston, Maine, we all saw, we stood in horror as we witnessed that tragedy unfold in Lewiston. And that one of the places that, people had their lives taken from them was in a, bowling night. It was a youth bowling night. So let's just think about this. Our young people just going about their lives, people going to sporting events, people, houses of worship, grocery stores. It feels like in this country now, Americans come together to celebrate, be in community with each other, but still have to think about the possibility of gun violence or see these kinds of things unfold and play out. And they certainly aren't an inevitability. That's why it's so frustrating, why it keeps me up at night. But I also know that elections matter. We'll talk more about that. this is something that, we don't have to live with. We don't have to live like this or die like this. There's things that we can be doing to make sure that our communities are safe.
Lynn Schmidt: So there seems to be a renewed interest in reducing gun violence after each mass shooting. But gun violence is more than mass shootings.
Lynn Schmidt: can you please share some statistics with listeners on maybe other gun violence deaths?
Angela Ferrell-Zabala: Well, I can tell you this. When we look at gun violence prevention, as every town for gun safety, moms demand action, students demand action. We're looking at this holistically. So it's not just gun homicide, which is a big part. This is what people hear about and what, frankly, frightens people. It's not just mass shootings. We also think about gun suicide. We know that this is something that is, we see it rising when it comes to young adults. We see it all across this country, as a cause of, death by firearm. And we also are looking at things like domestic violence and intimate partner violence, and how that when we have a gun added to that, how it makes someone five times a woman is five times more likely to lose her life to be shot and killed because the abuser has a firearm. So we're looking at this very holistically, and we're working in partnership with so many across this country from our faith council, our Veterans Council, our creative council, but even partners on the ground, even right there, when we think about Missouri, we have grantees, and we have partners we work very closely with, like the bullet related injury clinic, Brick, which is a community based clinic in St. Louis that helps people heal after they've been injured by a bullet. We also have a community partner, Kansas City Mothers in charge, that are doing incredible work. so there's know, when we look at this holistic prOblem, what I think about is the fact that we have an ecosystem of people. Everybody needs to contribute what they can. Nothing is too small. And so we work across partnerships, we work across ideology. Everybody that wants to roll up their sleeves and make sure that we're solving this problem together and, frankly, keeping our kids and communities safe.
Lynn Schmidt: We are recording this on October 30, and October is domestic Violence Awareness Month. Can you please share some efforts that mom, demand action is taking during this month in particular?
Angela Ferrell-Zabala: Well, there's lots. This is something not just for domestic violence Awareness Month. We're constantly looking at the problem of domestic violence and the intersection of gun violence. But one thing I want to point out to listeners is that we have upcoming, on Election Day, which is November 7, we have Supreme Court hearing, oral arguments, a case called Rahimi. Now, this case really talks about, whether or not an abuser, someone that has had a domestic violence restraining order, ah, can have access to firearms. we know, again, like I said, five times more likely to be shot and killed if their abuser has a firearm. On average, every single month, 70 women are shot and killed by their abuser. So this is something that the Supreme Court will be hearing, and we are hoping that they will understand and listen to the American public, which is a growing number of people that want to make sure that this is not the way, that we don't have abusers that have access to firearms, that have dangerous histories, that are wreaking havoc in their communities, because we also know that this is not just about that woman. It's about the family and, frankly, the community around them. And so this is something. You'll see us, we'll be in front of the Supreme Court, on November 7, and we'll be making a lot of noise because we know that this is not okay.
Lynn Schmidt: so I've shared this story, on another episode, but I met a man, recently who is a veteran and suffering from PTSD. He, is a proud gun owner. and he realized he was in a very dark place with his mental health and was at risk for suicide. he lived alone, but he knew enough to take his guns, give them to a neighbor to lock up for him until he was in a better mental health space. Then he did receive some treatment through, the VA, and because of his actions, he survived, and I was able to meet him. So what are some things? I applaud him because that wasn't easy for him. And I don't know that many people would think to do that, to reach out to someone, be vulnerable like that. reach out and say, I can't have these guns in my home. So, are there messages that you share where the organization shares with gun owners specifically?
Angela Ferrell-Zabala: Absolutely. And I told you, we have, a veterans advisory council. You told that story, and it made me think of that. And many of these, men and women that have served, they come to this because they understand the responsibility of being a gun owner. They understand what it means, to operate a firearm. They talk about safety, training, and accountability as being top and what it looks like in civilian hands and how that translates to their military training. And one thing that's a big priority for our veteran community, and this goes beyond. But in particular with our Veteran Advisory council, is, when we think about gun suicide, we know that time and space, having time and space and separation from the firearm can save a life. And so there's lots of things that we work on policy wise. This is where we look at extreme risk protection orders, otherwise known as red flag laws, that would give the ability for loved ones and family members or law enforcement be able to separate someone temporary from their firearm if they are posing a threat to themselves or others. and so this is an important piece of policy that we've been working on across this country. There's, many states that have it, many that still need to get in line, because this is a tool. And making sure we're passing the law is one thing, but the implementation and the education around this is really important, because even if we have a law existing. If people don't understand how to access it or it's not easily accessible or don't even know it exists, then they're not using it. In the case you gave the story, that's a very good, example of what happens when someone has the space and separated from their firearm. You save lives. And so we're going to continue to push for those. And thank you for lifting that up, because it's very important reminder of how, we need to be looking at this holistically, and we need to make sure that people in crisis get what they need. But the number one thing is that they should be separated or should not have access to a firearm if they pose a threat to themselves or others.
Lynn Schmidt: It's my understanding that over 70% of Americans, in a bipartisan fashion, support red flag laws. but in many states like Missouri, we don't have them. Right. So what can listeners do if they do support red flag laws? What are some things that they can do to try to get that moving in a direction that a majority of Americans support?
Angela Ferrell-Zabala: Yeah. Well, the first and foremost, I just want to shout out that you have some champions in Missouri doing incredible work from Kansas City, Mayor Lucas St. Louis, Mayor Jones, that are both co chairs of mayors against illegal guns here. So you've got some incredible people. The partners that I named earlier are volunteers on the ground, both our students, our moms, and man action leaders, that are pushing for these important foundational gun safety laws. So, a couple of things we can do. We can make sure that we're having the conversation so people are aware that these are options that can keep our community safe. We also know that, elections, again, matter. When you are going to vote in someone that is going to be aligned with keeping the American people safe and using every tool in their tool bill to make sure that we have policies and laws that are going to keep communities safe, then that's what we need to do. And right now, the unfortunate thing in Missouri is that you have some extremist lawmakers that have gotten in the way of great leaders like Mayor Lucas and Mayor Jones that are trying to make sure that they're using their tools to take care of their communities. Mayors are often frontline seeing tragedies firsthand and wanting to make sure that they're taking care of their community. But we have preemption laws that tie the hands of those local officials, and even intimidate and punish those who attempt to reduce gun violence through local law. so just being aware of that making sure you're voting for the right people. And frankly, look, if you want to join us, you should. You should text 64433. you can text ready to 64433 and we can get you involved, but there's so many things you can do. Another thing that I've been really proud about with moms demand action and students demand action is that we have a lot of volunteers across this country, every single state, plus the District of Columbia, almost, 10 million supporters across the country. And not only are they advocating for incredible policy, they are stepping up after advocating and saying, you know what? I can do this. I'm going to throw my hat in the arena and run for office. And the closest they are to the office. So, for instance, school board, something that's very, close in the community, they see those impacts right away. And we ran so many people for office and had over 186 people win their office in the last couple of cycles. And, I think we have 500 in the queue, coming up for our next cycle. So we're really excited about this. So these are the things that people should think about. This is not an inevitability. There are things we can do from joining Moms demand action, students demand action, or any of these incredible, community partner organizations, making your voice heard and loud and speaking up about what's at stake for our commUnities. And also, if you want to, first of all, voting is important, but if you don't see someone on the ballot that feels like they are aligning with the needs of the community, then throw your hat in the ring, and we're happy to help support you in that. So, lots that we can do. And we have a strong network of volunteers across this country that don't stop, because we know with this crisis, we're, going to keep going until we solve this. And it is very solvable.
Lynn Schmidt: Is there outreach, or is moms demand action going into rural communities as like here? You mentioned the two mayors of our two big cities in Missouri, but most of Missouri is actually, you know, I wonder, not just in Missouri, but in states all across the country that have big rural communities. Is there work being done there as well?
Angela Ferrell-Zabala: Absolutely. Like I said, our volunteers on the ground everywhere. So from big cities to suburbs to rural communities, we're everywhere because this crisis is touching everywhere. And you mentioned earlier, we talked a little bit about, gun suicide. We know in some of the rural areas, the highest rates of gun suicide are in some of those places. So our volunteers on the ground, talking to, working with advocating, for in rural areas, just as they are in big cities and suburbs. We're everywhere because this crisis touches everyone.
Lynn Schmidt: So I did want to go back to talking about mass shootings. I, have, in my life, several young teachers, new teachers who are new to the profession, and they will say that one of the most traumatic things is having to go through the M training for mass shooter drills. and I had one tell me recently that she worries all the time about their plan, the students. and she's like, I don't think it would work. M it's just so upsetting to her that she loses some focus on her teaching of her young students. I assume there is an impact on teachers as well as students, right? absolutely. do you have any information about that? That's not really a question, so I apOlogize.
Angela Ferrell-Zabala: No, it's totally fine. Listen, I feel like this is a topic that comes up often, and no wonder, because it is absolutely terrifying. I'm a mother of four, and I know that when I drop my kids off to school, I, want to make sure that they have everything they need to be safe. I want to make sure that they have their warm winter coat on when it's cold outside, that they have the lunch and they actually eat it. I want to make sure that they're getting everything that they need from the lesson plan, that the teacher creates for them, but also, I want them to be safe. and so this is something on many people's mind, I will say, the good news, even though this still doesn't mean it's any less scary that mass shootings, make up less than 1% of the total gun violence in the country. So, there are lots of ways, but your children are precious gifts, so you. Absolutely. When you drop them off, you let go of their hand and see them into the building. You want to make sure that you're safe. And there's so many things that we can be looking at. I think this is why it's important for parents to get together, to make sure, that we're having the conversations about gun violence. But even the most simple things you think about, people don't necessarily think about these conversations. Playdates, for instance, making sure that when your kids go over, to a playdate, does the family own a firearm? And if so, is it securely stored? We know unsecured firearms are a big cause. when we think about death to children, having access to a gun, easy access to a gun is a problem. So even a simple, question like, that can really save lives. And we have a program called be Smart. that is actually. We work and partner with school systems, with PTAs, with health departments to distribute information that makes sure parents have the tools to have these conversations. and gun owners actually are making sure that they're responsibly securing their firearms. So that's just one, like, scratching the surface. I do realize things like, ah, trauma, that comes along with having the safety school safety drills. My kids themselves, especially my youngest one, we've had some incidents where she's been really scared coming home because they did a drill. This is a lot of the thing that we're trying to work in partnership with the medical community and other partners just to make sure, we're doing all that we can to take care and protect our kids. But again, it goes back to this basic, strong gun safety laws will save lives. They're proven to do so. So, from extreme risk protection orders to making sure we're looking at, arming domestic abusers. We know in many circumstances, domestic abusers, they are linked to a good majority of the mass shootings that we see. It's because it starts their domestic incident and it moves and, it impacts a greater number of people. So there's lots of things that we can be doing to make sure that our schools are safe, our communities are safe. And we got to think about the daily gun violence that doesn't often even get a headline. It's not necessarily related to a school shooting. And we're losing our young people every day to these kinds of things. And we think about even in Missouri, we think that black people in Missouri are 16 times more likely than white people to die by gun homicide. That's a staggering number. and so we're doing everything we can on all fronts to make sure. From the school to place of worship, ah, to a sporting event to just like, shopping at the supermarket doesn't become a tragedy in this country.
Lynn Schmidt: So, before we wrap up, is there anything else you wanted to share about the work that moms demand action is doing or anything else that's on your mind?
Angela Ferrell-Zabala: Sure. I always like to leave with this. Look, there's a lot of heavy information. This is a scary topic. It's frustrating, it's upsetting. Again, like I said, there's so many survivors across this country, and unfortunately, every day that number grows. But you should know that this, again, is not an inevitability. There is something we can do about this. And even if you feel like you might say, well, I don't know. I'm not really a policy person. I don't understand this or that.
Lynn Schmidt: Guess what?
Angela Ferrell-Zabala: Every little step matters. I don't care how small an offering. We are willing to have anybody join us to roll up their sleeves and work on this nebulous of a public health Cris because it's going to take all of us to make sure that we are solving it. But it is solvable. And that's the good news. That there's so many things that we can be doing, to get to the end of this problem and make sure that we have safe communities. So definitely join us again. You can text ready to 64433 if you want to get involved with a local group, but we're so excited that you're having this conversation today. Very important.
Lynn Schmidt: Well, before we wrap up, I will make sure we put that number and the website in the show notes for this episode.
Lynn Schmidt: So I want to thank Angela, Pharrell Zabala with moms demand action for joining me today on the podcast. I hope listeners enjoyed this conversation as much as I did. Make sure you subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast platform so you won't miss an episode of what keeps you up at night. Again, thank you so much, Angela, for joining me and for all the good work that moms demand action is doing.
Angela Ferrell-Zabala: Thank you. It's been a pleasure. Have a good time.
Lynn Schmidt: Bye.