On Tuesday, April 29 2014, a coalition of well-known national organizations launched a powerful campaign to defund gun manufacturers. The drive is led by Campaign to Unload and States United to Prevent Gun Violence. Their message is simple and brilliant:
Unload gun companies from your 401K/retirement plans and investments.
The 401k Unload campaign will help enable and empower people who are against gun violence, to finally take action and make a difference. Once again, it's about the MONEY. Through this website link the public can easily check to see if their mutual funds include gun/ammunition manufacturers; then request those companies be removed from their retirement plans. Three of the big gun manufacturers being targeted include Sturm Ruger (RGR), Smith & Wesson (SWHC), and Olin (OLN). Close to half of the value of these companies come from mutual funds found in many 401k retirement plans.
Here is a short powerful film on Vimeo, created by 401k Unload, that brings together family members of those killed or wounded in Columbine, Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook and everyday gun violence:
Unload Your 401k
Jennifer Fiore, Executive Director of Campaign to Unload explains:
“Divestment is a new front in the war against America’s epidemic of gun violence. It’s time to defund the companies that profit from gun violence and obstruct the political change that would end it. Over 51 million Americans have a 401K retirement plan that could be contributing to the gun lobby-- driving wealth to gun manufacturers and funding efforts that have stalled all action in Congress.”
Executive Director States United adds:
“People horrified by Sandy Hook and Columbine are financially supporting the gun industry, and with today’s launch they will have the tools to fight back."
According to a Washington Post survey, 90% of Americans want to see expanded background checks. Instead, we see an increase in pro-gun laws. The 401k Unload plan offers a pathway for concerned citizens to use their voices and investment choices to make a difference.
Divestment was a large part of what helped bring an end to Apartheid in South Africa. It is also used in changing U.S. tobacco policies, and now can now be used to help reduce gun violence. A recent study shows the U.S. having the highest count of guns deaths out of 27 other developed countries. It's that real and there's no excuse.
“When my son was shot and killed at Columbine, my world was turned upside down,” said Tom Mauser of Littleton, CO, whose story is featured in the new ‘Unload Your 401K’ video. “The idea that my retirement investments could be supporting this irresponsible industry-- could be supporting the industry that has vigorously fought reasonable gun safety laws-- is devastating. Divestment is an essential tool to fight back against this senseless gun violence and the wealthy gun makers driving it.”
Who can divest?
• Schools
• Religious institutions
• Pension funds
• Foundations
• Anyone who invests money, including individuals
To find out if your 401K retirement plan invests in gun supporting companies, check here.
This is the first sense of hope and relief regarding gun violence, that I've had in years. It makes sense, and 401k Unload campaign makes it easy. Those who don't have retirement plans can still get involved by sending information about this campaign to their schools and religious organizations. This is not only for the millions of people who are still suffering over the loss of their children and loved ones from guns/gun violence, it's for the safety of our own children and the future well-being of America.
The Campaign to Unload is a national coalition of 50 leaders and organizations representing over 20 million Americans calling for divestiture from the gun industry. Find them on Facebook and Twitter.
States United to Prevent Gun Violence is a national non-profit working to reduce gun death and injury through stronger laws, education, and grassroots action.