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Ethics4Kids Joins the Conversation on Gun Safety in Harrisburg
- B.J. Ellis
- Oct 1
- 3 min read
On Monday, September 29th, Ethics4Kids proudly attended a powerful community meeting hosted by Moms Demand Action in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, focused on gun safety, mental health, and legislative reform. The event brought together lawmakers, nonprofit leaders, student advocates, and mental health professionals to discuss urgent strategies for reducing gun violence—especially suicide—and empowering families with tools to intervene before tragedy strikes.
🔴 Key Topics Discussed
Red Flag Laws (ERPOs): These laws allow family members, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to temporarily restrict access to firearms for individuals in crisis. The goal is not to confiscate weapons permanently, but to slow down the process and prevent impulsive harm. Learn more from Everytown for Gun Safety and the Giffords Law Center.
Gun Suicide Statistics: Over 56% of gun deaths in the U.S. are suicides, according to CDC data. Among youth, 44% of suicides by 18-year-olds involve guns owned by family members. These moments are often brief—but deadly. For more data, visit Gun Violence Archive and the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions.
Mental Health & Community Support: Speakers emphasized the importance of off-site gun storage, voluntary ban lists, and community-based interventions to reduce risk and shift responsibility from individuals to collective care. Explore resources from Active Minds, Moms Demand Action, and The SMART Approach.
🗣️ Featured Speakers & Organizations
Speaker Joanna McClinton – 191st Legislative District, covering parts of Philadelphia and Delaware Counties
Advocated for red flag laws, bans on 3D-printed guns, and restrictions on machine conversion kits.
Rep. Joe Webster – 150th Legislative District, located in Montgomery County
Spoke candidly about the lack of campaign finance and ethics laws in Pennsylvania, linking policy stagnation to unchecked political spending.
Rep. Dan Miller – 42nd Legislative District, representing parts of Allegheny County, including Mt. Lebanon
Highlighted the difference between Pennsylvania’s 302 mental health system and ERPOs, noting ERPOs are faster and still protect gun rights.
Austin Davis – Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania
Shared his role as Chair of the Board of Pardons and emphasized the need for mental health support alongside legislative reform
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Laura Horne – Active Minds
Discussed the nonprofit’s work in mental health education and storytelling, stressing that suicide prevention is a community responsibility.
Mary Kenah – Everytown for Gun Safety
Provided data on youth suicide and veteran gun deaths, advocating for ERPOs as a life-saving tool.
Christopher Srith – Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Spoke on cultural and community-based approaches to violence prevention, representing the fraternity’s commitment to service and advocacy.
George Lobis – Students Demand Action
Facilitated the panel and emphasized youth-led advocacy.
🧠 Ethics4Kids Takeaway
This meeting reinforced our belief that ethical education must include civic engagement, mental health awareness, and community care. We were especially moved by the emphasis on ambient stress, the brief nature of suicidal crises, and the call to lock up firearms and share access codes when someone may be at risk.
Ethics4Kids CEO and Founder Don Evons had several positive conversations with thought leaders and elected representatives about the importance of teaching ethics to young children. The shared belief: if children grow up with a stronger sense of responsibility, kindness, and community safety, they’ll be better equipped to support smart gun safety laws and protect the people around them. Early ethical education isn’t just a classroom goal—it’s a public safety strategy.
We encourage our readers to explore the work of Moms Demand Action, Active Minds, Everytown for Gun Safety, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, and to support legislation that protects lives without compromising rights.
Want to get involved or bring Ethics4Kids to your school or community? Contact us here or follow us on social media for updates.
