Documenting People’s Gun Violence Stories: What is The Living Record

Over 300 people are affected by gun violence every day in the United States. The Living Record is MFOL’s space for people to share their stories of gun violence and gun violence prevention. It is for those who have experienced gun violence, have lost someone to gun violence, are passionate about GVP, or anyone else involved in the GVP space.

The Living Record is uncensored; people who share their stories don’t have to conform to any media expectations. No story is too big or too small to be shared. It is truly a space for everyone to express themselves on the issue of gun violence. 

To many people in the United States, gun violence is an abstract concept that doesn’t directly impact them. The Living Record provides examples of the real impact gun violence has every day for people. The mourning of a loved one, the fear of experiencing gun violence, or the passion to stand up against dangerous policies are just some of the reasons we created The Living Record. These deeply personal relations to GVP show that gun violence isn’t removed from reality— it is reality. The effect gun violence has on people’s lives is real; it is unique to each person, and that’s what The Living Record aims to show.

How it Works

Everything published to The Living Record is done at the comfort level of you, the author. Stories can be shared with a name or anonymously. The only details included are the ones the author wants to write. Nothing is shared or used without the explicit permission of the author.

Anyone can add their gun violence prevention story to The Living Record. Whether you’re a survivor, someone who’s lost a loved one to gun violence, or an advocate, The Living Record is for everyone. A main goal of The Living Record is to show how gun violence is a continuous issue in the United States.

Why it Matters

Through the collection of Stories of Self, we create a collective story of purpose for everyone active in gun violence prevention. All of these stories come together to strengthen the GVP community and reinforce what we’re working to combat. 

As we get more people to share their stories, The Living Record’s impact will grow. The intention behind the Living Record is to show that gun violence is a pressing issue in the United States. Each story someone has the bravery to share expands the scope of the impact. Gun violence isn’t merely a policy issue; it is something that impacts millions of people in the United States whose stories deserve to be heard.

How to Tell Your Story

Community organizer and Harvard Kennedy School Professor Marshall Ganz, a legendary figure in both the civil and labor rights struggles, developed a handy framework to help organizers and activists craft compelling public narratives. While telling a Story of Self involves sharing your values, it is very different from an op-ed.  The goal is not to take a stance on an issue; it is to share your authentic gun violence prevention story, whether you are an advocate, survivor, family or community member. 

Share the moment you felt called to act:

Trace your story back to its origins. When was the first time you felt called to participate in gun violence prevention work? Why did you feel called to do so at that particular moment? What choices did you make in that situation, and what did you learn?

Reflect on the values that motivated you to act:

Why did you act? Did something feel unfair, hopeless, inspiring, revelatory? If so, why? What values motivated your actions? Where did those values come from? Did anything about your family, friends, or community help shape them?

Building a narrative:

Where will you start the story? It helps to show, not tell. Consider beginning with a description of a scene or a situation. Think about which details are important to know, and which can be excluded. Don’t be afraid to convey the emotions you felt—facts are important, but your real-life experiences and feelings matter more here.