06/05/2026
June is National .
Today, communities across the nation are recognizing National Day by wearing orange to honor victims and survivors of gun violence and to raise awareness about the impact of gun violence in our communities. The movement began in 2015 in memory of 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton, whose life was tragically cut short by gun violence in Chicago. Orange was chosen as the symbol of the movement because it is the color hunters wear to protect themselves and others from being unintentionally shot.
Today, Trinity Alliance proudly joined communities across the country in recognizing National Gun Violence Awareness Month and encourages everyone to wear orange in support of safer communities.
Trinity Alliance operates two SNUG (Should Never Use Guns) programs—one in Albany and one in Troy. SNUG is a nationally recognized, community-based violence intervention model that utilizes credible messengers, street outreach, hospital-linked response, conflict mediation, and community partnerships to interrupt cycles of violence and prevent future shootings.
In the past year, Albany SNUG and Troy SNUG collectively worked with 40 active youth participants, spent nearly 300 hours canvassing neighborhoods, facilitated 46 mediations, and hosted 45 community events. During that same period, Albany experienced 11 gunshot victims and one fatality, while Troy experienced seven gunshot victims and no fatalities.
Throughout June, Trinity Alliance and Albany SNUG will host a series of events designed to raise awareness, promote healing, strengthen community connections, and support efforts to reduce gun violence. We invite community members to join us on June 6, June 25, and June 26 as we stand together for peace, safety, and hope.
Together, we can build stronger, safer communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
