June: A Time for Remembrance, Healing, and Action

Each June, communities across the country come together to honor survivors of gun violence, remember lives lost, and recommit themselves to creating safer futures for everyone.

National Gun Violence Awareness Month provides an opportunity not only to raise awareness, but also to reflect on the impact of gun violence on individuals, families, and communities. We’re reminded that behind every statistic is a human story. Stories of grief, resilience, healing, and hope.

At Visioning Beyond Violence, we believe that creating safer communities requires more than prevention alone. It requires creating spaces where people can learn, connect, reflect, and imagine new possibilities together.

Through community art, storytelling, education, and dialogue, we work alongside youth, educators, survivors, artists, and community leaders to address the root causes of violence and strengthen the connections that help communities thrive. Again and again, we witness the power of people coming together to share experiences, listen deeply, and envision a future grounded in healing rather than harm.

This June, we were honored to participate in a special virtual screening of The Missing Word, a short film that explores the profound grief experienced by parents who have lost a child to gun violence. Held in advance of National Gun Violence Awareness Day and Wear Orange Weekend, the event brought together survivors, advocates, educators, artists, and community members from across the country for an evening of reflection, storytelling, and conversation.

More than a film screening, the virtual gathering created space for participants to listen, learn, and connect with individuals whose lives have been directly impacted by gun violence. The powerful stories shared throughout the evening served as a reminder of both the lasting impact of loss and the importance of creating communities where healing can take place.

One of the ways people across the country recognize this commitment is by participating in Wear Orange Weekend. What began as a movement to honor the life of Hadiya Pendleton has grown into a national call to action. Each year, millions of people wear orange to honor survivors, remember those lost, and stand together in support of safer communities.

This year, it was especially meaningful to see communities across the country come together in so many different ways. From local gatherings and educational events to marches, memorials, art installations, and moments of reflection, people showed up for one another with compassion and purpose. Seeing individuals, families, organizations, and entire communities wearing orange served as a powerful reminder that no one is alone in this work and that there is a growing movement committed to healing, prevention, and change.

While awareness is important, meaningful change happens through action. It happens when educators create space for difficult conversations, when community members come together to address challenges, when young people are encouraged to share their voices, and when survivors are given opportunities to tell their stories and be heard.These acts may seem small on their own, but together they help build the foundation for stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.

As we reflect on June, we are reminded that healing is not a destination. It is an ongoing process that requires courage, compassion, and community. We are grateful for every survivor who shares their story, every educator who creates space for dialogue, every artist who helps people imagine new possibilities, and every community member who chooses to engage in the work of prevention and healing.

Thank you for being part of this work. Together, we can continue building communities rooted in hope, healing, and belonging.

Ways to Take Action

• Learn more about the impact of gun violence in your community.

• Support organizations working to promote healing and prevention.

• Attend community events, trainings, and conversations that strengthen connection and understanding.

• Share stories that inspire reflection, empathy, and action.

• Stay engaged in efforts that help create safer, healthier communities for all.