We empower youth to act.
Research shows education about mental health, domestic violence, and gun safety practices can help reduce tragedies.
But right now, most families don’t get the resources or support they need to help curb gun violence in their homes or communities.
PLEDGE is here to change that.
The pillars of the program we’re developing
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We know that education changes behavior. That's why PLEDGE develops age-appropriate, ready-to-use gun safety curricula for K-12 students. These programs are designed for seamless integration into existing school programs and teach responsible gun handling, safe storage, and mental health awareness, giving children the knowledge to make safe choices..
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We believe that parents are essential partners in gun safety education. PLEDGE provides a comprehensive toolkit that helps parents create a safe home environment and have open conversations with their children about guns. The toolkit includes guidance on safe storage options, age-appropriate discussions about gun safety, and recognizing mental health concerns.
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As a trusted, non-partisan source of information, PLEDGE is committed to providing resources and support for preventing gun violence. Our online platform provides easy access to educational materials, real-life stories, interactive forums, and mental health resources. This ensures that anyone seeking to learn more about gun safety, find support, or make positive change in their community can readily access the information they need.
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We believe young people can lead the movement for a brighter future. PLEDGE offers programs that empower high school students to become change agents for reducing gun violence, including internships, a Youth Advisory Board, and high school chapters that promote peer-to-peer education and advocacy.
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PLEDGE works with diverse organizations and individuals at the local, state, and national levels to amplify our message and expand our reach. We partner with schools, community groups, and other gun violence prevention organizations to create a comprehensive approach to gun safety.
"Collaborating with dedicated peers and mentors showed me that even at a young age, high schoolers can be a part of meaningful change by transforming research into real-life solutions.”
— Nik de Silva, Former PLEDGE Intern
Resources
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Financial burden of pediatric firearm-related injury admissions in the United States
Firearm Legislation Stringency and Firearm-Related Fatalities among Children in the US
Impact of licensed federal firearm suppliers on firearm-related mortality
Structural Sequelae of the COVID Pandemic: The Youth Mental Health Crisis
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Nguyen H, Nepomuceno H, Sun VK, Chao SD. Locked and Loaded for Learning: Understanding Parents’ and Students’ Perspectives on Firearm Safety Curriculum. Table Top Presentation. Academic Pediatric Association Regions 9 & 10 Meeting. San Diego, CA. February 22, 2025.
Nguyen H, Nepomuceno H, Sun VK, Halpern-Felsher B, Chao SD. Locked and Loaded for Learning? Exploring Parent and Student Perspectives on a Firearm Safety Curriculum. Pediatric Academic Society National Conference. Poster Presentation. Honolulu, HI. April 28, 2025.
Nepomuceno H, Sun VK, Peterson M, Nguyen H, Herrera Castaneda E, Kolluru S, Zarrinnegar N, Chao SD. School-Based Firearm Safety Education Programs for Children: A Scoping Review. Oral presentation at Council on Injury, Violence, and Poison Prevention Program and Firearm Injury Prevention Special Interest Group. American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition. Denver, CO. September 26, 2025.
Sun VK, Nepomuceno H, Zarrinnegar N, Chao SD. What Should Schools Teach About Firearm Safety? A Multidisciplinary Modified Delphi Study to Identify Firearm Safety Education Priorities. Oral presentation at 2025 National Research Conference for the Prevention of Firearm-Related Harms. Tempe, AZ. November 19, 2025.
Sun VK, Nepomuceno H, Peterson M, Nguyen H, Herrera Castaneda E, Kolluru S, Zarrinnegar N, Chao SD. School-Based Firearm Safety Education Programs for Children: A Scoping Review. Oral presentation at 2025 National Research Conference for the Prevention of Firearm-Related Harms. Tempe, AZ. November 19, 2025
Sun VK, Nepomuceno H, Nguyen H, Herrera Castenda E, Harnish E, Peterson M, Chao SD. Safety on the Syllabus: Parental Perspectives on Developing a Firearm Safety Curriculum in Schools. National Research Conference for the Prevention of Firearm-Related Harms. Poster Presentation. Tempe, AZ. November 19, 2025.
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Click to download these brochures, which may offer a starting point for finding support, getting involved, and making a difference.
Mental Health Resources: Some information on reaching out for help, including crisis hotlines, trauma support networks, and specialized services for victims of gun violence and their families.
Gun Violence Prevention Organizations: Learn about other organizations working to prevent gun violence through advocacy, education, and policy change. Get inspired to join the movement and take action in your community.
Sign up for a PLEDGE focus group.
Would you like to participate in our current focus groups? We’re seeking participants from the following groups:
Parents of school-age children (grades K-12)
Teachers (grades K-12)
High school students (grades 9-12
Click below to register.