More than 150 community members will gather on March 16th at a Club of Central Oregon (CCCO) forum focused on how we talk about gun safety. The event will feature a panel discussion facilitated by Zack Demars, special projects reporter at The Bulletin.
A 2020 survey by the RAND Corporation estimated that 50.8 percent of Oregon households own a gun. Our communities live with the prevalence of guns and the deep polarization of the issue. The panel will focus why it is so difficult to find agreement on what gun safety means and how to normalize discussing the issue.
“This is not a forum promoting gun ownership or gun restrictions. Our hope is that if we can lay the groundwork for having meaningful conversations about gun safety, community members will feel empowered to talk to those they care about what gun safety means to them,” said Kim Gammond, Executive Director of CCCO.
The panelists include:
Michelle Barnhart is Associate Professor of Marketing at Oregon State University. Her research focuses on cultural norms, social groups, identity, and consumer well-being as produced in, and challenged by, consumption. Her current research investigates firearm consumption and policy.
Torree McGowan, M.D., FACEP is an Emergency Medicine Physician at St. Charles Medical Group. McGowan’s experience in emergency medicine, 12 years of active-duty military and current service as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Oregon Air National Guard provides an unique perspective on how gun violence impacts our communities and public health.
Shannon Monihan is the Downtown Bend Business Association Executive Director and owner of Red Frog Team, a tactical firearms live scenario training program. Monihan brings an understanding of how safety is practiced in gun ownership and how to approach this difficult topic with gun owners.
Forum Details:
Event: We Need to Talk about Gun Safety
When: March 16, 2023
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: In Person at the Riverhouse Convention Center
Register and more information here: https://cityclubco.org
City Club of Central Oregon exists to be the top-of-mind hub for citizens and community leaders. We intentionally shape our community and influence public policy while preserving our uniquely warm and connected culture. We champion “passionately non-partisan” discussion between diverse perspectives. To learn more, please visit our website at cityclubco.org.
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