How is Policymakers for Peace different from other gun violence prevention networks? . . .

Policy Makers for Peace is the first and only national network composed of state and county level policymakers of color fighting to end gun violence. The Network is a program of the Community Justice Action Fund (CJAF), a project of Tides Advocacy, 501(c)(4) organization.

I am interested in joining but I am concerned that I will not have enough time to participate in a meaningful way. Are there required time commitments? . . .

The goal of the network is to provide a centralized space for state and county officials to share best practices and resources that will help officials enact laws that will ultimately invest and protect marginalized groups that are vulnerable to gun violence. Members of Policymakers for Peace are encouraged to:

1. Participate or host 1-3 events regarding violence prevention.

2. Attend CJAF's Annual Policymakers for Peace Event.

3. Attend a quarterly policy and research briefing

4. Post social meida content about proven strategies to reduce gun violence in communities of color (tool kits will be provided).
   

I am running for reelection or for a different office next year, which will restrict my ability to fully participate. Can I still join the Network? . . .

Absolutely! If you are running, we encourage you to still be a part of the network. Although a CJAF can endorse candidates as a 501(c)(4) organization, we will not endorse any candidates in races in 2022, and will not work directly on the campaigns of Network members in this program. Voter engagement support will be provided to members to educate their community on the issue of gun violence.

What are the benefits of joining the Policymakers for Peace Network? . . .

You will receive access to a network of peers to learn from and share resources with regarding proven strategies to reduce violence. In additions, you'll be connected with experts and frontline activists that can garner support for legislation. Lastly, CJAF will collaborate with members of Policymakers for Peace to create a variety of events surrounding violence prevention, and grant digital support to engage and educate constituents and voters in your local communities.

Will the Network support my legislative agenda? . . .

Members of the Network can individually support other members’ legislative agendas. CJAF will provide access to members’ agendas to everyone in the network. In addition, CJAF will work with individual members to support training for community members and provide technical policy assistance in order to help develop and pass legislation.

I am term-limited, can I still participate? . . .

The Network will consist of a robust set of members at various stages of their elected and appointed journeys. In an effort to provide the most effective short and long-term support in furtherance of the Network’s goals, it is important that members have the ability to effectively implement Network strategies and best practices. With this in mind, participation in the Network for electeds serving their last term in term-limited positions will be limited to those who have two or more years of their term remaining. The Network will continue to invite new policymakers whose values and approach to the work align with our own to join its membership on a rolling basis. As such, term-limited electeds may reapply to join the Network upon election to another qualifying position.

Will the Network membership be publicly available? . . .

Yes! We want people to know who is a part of the network. However, if a member prefers not to be listed publicly, we will not include them on the list.

What is the Community Justice Action Fund? How is Policymakers for Peace connected to Community Justice Action Fund? Will the Network be connected to CJAF publicly? . . .

The Community Justice Action Fund is a national advocacy organization that uses a community-led, public health and ecological systems approach to end gun violence in the most vulnerable communities. CJAF builds power through leadership development, policy assistance, and training. The network will be publicly connected to CJAF.

Do Policymakers for Peace plan to work or coordinate with other, more traditional national gun violence prevention advocacy groups? . . .

Yes, CJAF believes that we are stronger together in the fight to end gun violence. Working with other black and brown leaders and organizations will be critical to the success of Policymakers for Peace.