3 Things Every Citizen Can Do to Make a Difference in Reducing Gun Violence...Meet Gotham Chopra (Interview No. 4)

YOU CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT is a series of frank interviews with passionate men and women who are leaders, activists and influencers on the subject of gun violence in America.
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Large caliber handgun with 40 caliber ammunition lying next to a loaded clip.
Large caliber handgun with 40 caliber ammunition lying next to a loaded clip.

I AM DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT. Interview No. 4 Gotham Chopra

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Someone dies from gun violence every 16 minutes in America.

YOU CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT is a series of frank interviews with passionate men and women who are leaders, activists and influencers on the subject of gun violence in America. Some have been my teachers, champions and support system on this very complicated and emotional journey and some I have admired from afar for their bravery, audacity and indomitable commitment to the cause. Although our backgrounds, experiences and the challenges we face in our work are as complex as the causes and the solutions to this epidemic, all have shown that there is more that can be done to end this senseless loss of human life.
I am proud to introduce you to each of them and excited to share their insights into how all of us can be a part of the solution to Raise The Caliber of our communities.

Name: Gotham Chopra

Occupation/Title: Filmmaker
dirtyrobber.com religionofsports.com (coming soon!) and intent.com

Age: 40 yrs old

Race/Nationality: Asian-American

Where do you live? Los Angeles

What quote do you live by? "Don't take yourself too seriously"

What are you most proud of about your work/life?

I enjoy it.

What is the biggest challenge you face in your work?

Relinquishing the false illusion of control.

Why do you think we have such a problem with gun violence in America?

The amount of money derived from the gun industry enables the NRA to exert total control over enacting actual meaningful legislation.

What do you think is the biggest misconception about why we have such a problem with gun violence in America?

That the majority of Americans are gun obsessed or against responsible gun ownership.

Do you think there a law that the government could enact that would really make a difference in reducing gun violence and building safe communities?

Yes.

What are three things the average American citizen can do to "Raise The Caliber" of their community?

Renounce the NRA.

Advocate for the elimination of ownership of automatic weapons by private citizens.

Advocate with their representatives for the modification of the second amendment.

Is there a must read book or article on this topic that has educated and inspired you?
I read articles constantly from Everytown.org that I think are powerful. Not sure this is just one.

About the Editor: Jessica Mindich began the Caliber Collection® in January 2012 as a collaboration with the Mayor of Newark, NJ, Cory Booker, as a way to turn illegal and unwanted guns from our cities' streets into jewelry. Their vision was to create a virtuous cycle by funding gun buyback and amnesty programs from the proceeds of the sales from the Caliber Collection. The jewelry is made with the serial numbers from illegal guns and the metal from shell casings. The Caliber Collection donates 20% of the net proceeds to fund voluntary gun buyback and amnesty programs in some of the toughest cities in America. To date, they have taken over 1,000 illegal guns off the streets and have raised over $100,000 for police departments in Newark, Hartford, the San Francisco Bay Area and Detroit from the sale of Caliber products to customers in over 85 countries.
From the success of the Caliber Collection, Jessica created The Caliber Foundation, which offers support to victims, families and communities who have been affected by illegal gun violence. The Caliber Foundation is the proud recipient of grants from MTV, Shepard Fairey/Obey Giant and The Serena Williams Foundation. Jessica is also the founder of the Raise The Caliber® initiative, a National advocacy campaign to end illegal gun violence. Proceeds from partnerships under Raise The Caliber are donated to the Caliber Foundation.
www.calibercollection.com

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