In 2021, Illinois PTA Convention delegates adopted a resolution on safe gun storage. Since then, we have advocated for safe gun storage laws in Illinois and educated members on firearms issues. A new report by One Aim Illinois called Gun Death in Illinois looks at the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). While the data provided are crucial to developing effective public policy, throughout the report are quotes from those whose lives have been affected by gun violence as a reminder that behind the statistics are tragedies that have devastated real human lives.

Gun deaths include homicide, suicide, accidental shootings, and firearms deaths of undetermined intent. Among the shocking statistics included in the report are:

  • Gun deaths in Illinois exceed motor vehicle deaths, have done so since 2014, and the gap between the two has continued to widen.
  • Illinois’s rate of gun deaths ranks 27th in the country. The homicide rate in Illinois is higher than the national average, but the suicide rate is lower than the national average.
  • Victims of firearm deaths are overwhelmingly male (88%), and that figure is consistent for both homicide and suicide.
  • Those under 24 years of age account for nearly 30% of all firearm deaths in Illinois.
  • 87% of the homicides in Illinois in 2021 were committed with a firearm.
  • 45% of the suicides in Illinois used a firearm, and this percentage has been increasing since 2019 (when it was 38%).

What PTAs Can Do

As PTA, our mission directs us to educate and advocate on issues to help make every child’s potential a reality. Far too many children’s lives are cut short by gun violence. Here’s what PTAs can do:

  • Educate your PTA members and school community on the issue. Our resolutions page has a drop-in article you can use on safe gun storage and an infographic to share with members. You can find them in the drop-down box for the resolution on safe gun storage.
  • Illinois PTA will continue to advocate for safe gun storage laws in Illinois. When a Call to Action is sent out on the topic, take a few minutes to send a pre-written e-mail to your legislators asking them to support the bill and encourage your members to do so as well.
  • National PTA also has advocacy campaigns on gun violence. You can see all active National PTA campaigns, along with active Illinois PTA campaigns, on our Take Action page under the Advocacy menu.