Building a Culture of Responsibility: Inside the Alliance for Gun Responsibility’s Mission with Gregory Joseph
Alliance for Gun Responsibility Communications Director Gregory Joseph joined host The Big O on The Pop-Up! to discuss the organization's extensive work in nationwide gun violence prevention.
Operating in Washington State since 2013, Joseph said the Alliance has collaborated with community partners and local governments to pass 60 laws through legislative bills and ballot initiatives. These legal achievements include establishing background checks, creating extreme risk protection orders, banning ghost guns, and implementing permit-to-purchase requirements. The organization is currently preparing for a major push in 2027 to pass a safe storage law once and for all.
Joseph clarified that the Alliance is not against gun ownership. Instead, the organization focuses on appealing to a sense of responsibility, noting that even their own CEO and chief of staff are responsible gun owners who follow safety laws and attend classes.
While Joseph acknowledged that an advocacy group cannot directly change the behavior of criminals who ignore the law, he emphasized that the Alliance promotes "behavior change" through peer-to-peer grassroots communication. By encouraging neighbors and friends to discuss using lockboxes and safe storage, they aim to create a culture of responsibility that prevents firearms from reaching the streets or causing home tragedies.
A cornerstone of the movement is the support and elevation of survivors. The Alliance provides platforms for survivors to share their stories with the public and brings them to Olympia to testify directly before lawmakers. Joseph noted that hearing these stories energizes the advocacy base and provides a clear purpose for their work.
For members of the public interested in getting involved, the Alliance offers numerous engagement opportunities that do not require a fee. Supporters can participate in lobby days during legislative sessions, attend candidate briefings, or join office visits where young people speak with members of the legislature about violence prevention.
Those looking for more information can check out the organization’s website or social media platforms.
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