Insights from NJ GVRC Summit: Firearm Safety across the Aisle – Bridging political gaps in the current moment to improve firearm safety
By Michael Anestis 

This fall we hosted our annual NJ GVRC Summit in East Brunswick – bringing together researchers, community leaders, policymakers, and practitioners from the tri-state area and beyond. Our goal for the day was to learn about recent work in the firearm violence prevention field and provide a space for open dialogue and connection. Four keynote speakers presented on different topics across the firearm injury field:

•  Craig Bryan, “Military and Veteran Firearm Suicide Prevention"
• Kerri Raissian, "The Limits of Passing Policy"
• Brooklynn Hitchens, "Unpacking the Triggers: The Evolving Roles of Street-Identified Black Women and Girls in Urban Gun Violence"
• Mike Sodini, "At the Intersection of Guns and Mental Health

We held breakout sessions where attendees shared their work and discussed what challenges and opportunities they see moving forward. Breakout sessions addressed suicide prevention, community violence, current political divides, and domestic and family violence prevention.

The NJ GVRC Summit offered an opportunity to come together across our work in the firearm violence prevention space. The day highlighted the impact of the support we have in New Jersey and how we will keep the momentum towards community well-being and safety going.

At the Firearm Safety Across the Aisle session, we came together to discuss a pressing question: How can we bridge the political divide to advance meaningful firearm safety?

Building Trust and Common Ground:
One of the first points raised was the importance of relationships. When emotions run high, productive dialogue often breaks down. Participants emphasized that bridging divides starts with stepping into each other’s “bubbles”—listening, understanding, and finding shared values rather than focusing solely on disagreements. Having trusted messengers—such as community leaders, firearm instructors, or gun shop owners—can help bring credibility and empathy into conversations that might otherwise be polarized.  Several attendees stressed the importance of resisting the urge to try and bring people from one bubble into their own bubble but to instead see beyond their own perspectives, meet people where they are, and avoid approaches that alienate firearm owners by implying that they are less knowledgeable and in need of correction.

Community Over Politics:
A recurring theme was the need to shift the focus away from partisan politics and toward community-driven solutions. Many participants expressed frustration that relying solely on political figures often stalls progress. Instead, they suggested engaging experts and community members directly to identify practical steps that work locally. When communities lead, policies have a better chance of being implemented effectively and earning the trust of those most affected.

Policy Reform and Accountability:
Participants also discussed the importance of reforming and strengthening existing policies rather than simply adding new ones that may not be enforced. Improving implementation—whether through better oversight or clearer communication—was seen as essential. The group highlighted that accountability shouldn’t stop with policymakers; firearm manufacturers, too, can play a more active role in promoting and supporting safe practices.

Education and Shared Messaging:
Education was identified as a critical bridge. Sharing consistent, evidence-based information from trusted and unified sources can help reduce misinformation and build understanding across different populations. Participants suggested that education efforts can focus not only on outcomes like injury or death, but also on the root causes of gun violence—such as social isolation, economic stress, and lack of access to mental health support. By addressing these deeper issues, communities can move beyond finger-pointing to shared problem-solving.

Looking Ahead:
The session closed with a sense of cautious optimism. Participants agreed that bridging the political divide on firearm safety won’t happen overnight, but progress is possible when people work toward common goals rather than opposing sides. By centering trust, reforming existing policies, and amplifying consistent education efforts, we can move closer to a united, effective approach to firearm safety.

Ultimately, building bridges across the aisle isn’t about compromise for its own sake—it’s about collaboration that makes communities safer. Through empathy, partnership, and shared commitment, we can find common ground and drive real change.

Get in touch with the NJ GVRC at our website or reach out to njgvrc@sph.rutgers.edu.