07/29/2026
The Fargo Rough Riders adopted this Resolution in June 2022. Please read.
RESOLUTION: *
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Kiwanis has long established itself as an advocate of our youth. We should engage in civic, nonpolitical programs for firearm safety initiatives to reduce gun deaths. To participate in programs to educate children and their guardians as to the dangers of unsafe gun protocols. To support our community to reduce the underlying causes of su***de, accidents and murder. By working together, members can achieve what one person cannot accomplish alone. Kiwanis supports sensible firearm safety initiatives in the United States. We urge our Kiwanis Clubs to work to reduce mass shootings, hate crime shootings, su***des and accidental shootings.
The Rough Riders adopted this Resolution in June 2022. Our view is: Gun violence is a social issue adversely affecting the United States.
Children have been especially affected and each day young people face the danger of the number one cause of death in the United States – gun violence. Given that firearm deaths disproportionately affect young people, this is the leading cause of death among U.S. children and adolescents. The number of U.S. children dying by gunfire keeps rising and surpasses drug overdoses, poisonings, drowning and car accidents.
Mortality numbers are only part of the story. For each child lost, there are shattered families and grieving friends; there is psychological trauma and impacts all of us as a society; and
Kiwanis Clubs historically takes on humanitarian and civic projects that many public authorities are not prepared or able to perform, the Rough Rider Kiwanis Club of Fargo, ND supports sensible firearm safety initiatives by Kiwanis Clubs in the United States.
We ask that all clubs in the United States consider support of such a resolution to encourage firearm safety initiatives. There are numerous programs available for firearm safety education. Various agencies have safety programs, such as the American College of Surgeons and the NRA. One example is:
Be SMART program
Secure all guns in your homes and vehicles;
Model responsible behavior around guns;
Ask about unsecured guns in other homes;
Recognize the role of guns in su***de;
Tell your peers to Be SMART.
* This resolution was formally submitted for consideration at the 2024 International and 2024 MINN DAK District Conventions. It was rejected in committee.
