Newsletter Release: December, 2025

Beyond Rhetoric: A New Vision for Firearm Safety and Public Health
 

1. Who We Are

We are the American Rifle Association (ARA™) and the American Rifle Association Foundation (ARAF™), two nonprofit organizations dedicated to moving the national conversation about firearms beyond political rhetoric and fear. Our mission centers on education, responsibility, community connection, and public protection. At the core of our work is a simple truth: Gun ownership requires responsibility beginning with education, secure storage, and a commitment to suicide prevention and mental health.
 

2. What We Do

ARA™ and ARAF™ are building a nationwide framework for responsible gun ownership and community safety. Our work includes:

Public Health & Safety Initiatives:
- Firearm-safety education in schools and local organizations
- Secure-storage campaigns and free gun-lock distribution
- Suicide-prevention and trauma-informed mental-health training

Community Engagement:
- Partnerships with educators, clinicians, veterans, law enforcement, and community leaders
- Marksmanship and safety competitions promoting responsible use
- Town halls and outreach events centered on facts, not fear

Research-Driven Action:
- Using independent evidence to promote policies that reduce accidental deaths and suicides
- Supporting solutions tailored to rural and underserved communities
 

3. Our Innovations & Upcoming Programs

Groundbreaking Firearm Safety Technology:
ARAF™ has completed the design phase for a perimeter-triggered firearm deactivation technology to protect sensitive locations while preserving lawful ownership.

The ARAF Academy (ARAFA) – Coming Soon:
A national training initiative featuring:
- Hands-on firearm training
- Suicide-risk and crisis-response education
- Substance-use and aggression awareness
- Youth brain development and violence-prevention strategies

Partnership for Safer Maryland Webinar Series:
ARA™ and ARAF™ will host a late winter / early spring webinar series focused on practical safety, community prevention strategies, and public-health research. Join our email list to be notified when registration opens.
 

4. How You Can Help & Get Involved

Participate:
- Attend a webinar or safety seminar
- Take part in local events
- Learn responsible gun ownership practices

Support Your Community:
- Host a secure-storage initiative
- Share educational materials
- Partner with us to expand outreach

Strengthen the Mission:
- Support firearm-safety innovation
- Contribute to the work of ARA™ and ARAF™
- Share your lived experience to shape community-centered solutions
- Donate! Please use our secure PayPal link to support our efforts! We nee YOU!

We believe that rights and responsibilities must coexist, and that together, we can reduce preventable harm and strengthen communities nationwide.