We assume we’re not alone in saying that 2021 wasn’t necessarily all we’d hoped it would be when we imagined it last December. But despite the challenges posed by our full pandemic year, we were able to accomplish a lot. As the year comes to a close, we wanted to share 21 things from 2021 that we’re proud of. This year we: 

• Welcomed the strongest GVP ticket in history to the White House with the inauguration of Biden and Harris!  
• Adapted our advocacy efforts to a virtual session with remote testimony and livestreamed hearings.
• Passed SB 5078 in the Washington Legislature to reject armed intimidation and prohibit open carry at the state capitol and demonstrations.
• Supported a remarkable coalition that helped pass an historic package of police accountability bills in Washington.
• Passed HB 1320, a sweeping bill to make Washington’s protection orders more efficient and accessible for the most vulnerable Washingtonians. 
• Passed HB 1078 to automatically restore the right to vote to formerly incarcerated people.
• Launched Commonsense Conversations, a new video series.
• Applauded important federal action on Extreme Risk Protection Orders, ghost guns, and more.
• Took our Annual Lobby Day virtual and honored each person killed by gun violence in Washington each year with a display of 842 orange flags.
• Hosted a summit (our second virtual and national!) on white supremacy and guns.
• Organized an empowering and impactful luncheon, hosted by Ijeoma Oluo and featuring Senator Patty Murray, and David Hogg.
• Hosted our first-ever Mayoral Candidate Forum and created an Alliance-approved candidate designation.
• Hosted another candidate forum for Position 9 on Seattle City Council.
• Helped elect 45 gun responsibility champions across Washington!
• Held a summit on firearms and extremism in the Northwest
• Made a cautious return to in-person events! 
• Convened a group of expert strategists to discuss the changing legal landscape around gun laws.
• Grew our amazing Chapter Teams program.
• Celebrated the inclusion of an historic $5 billion in funding for community-violence intervention programs in Biden’s Build Back Better Act. 
• Hosted virtual screenings and discussions about two powerful films On These Grounds and The Price of Freedom
• Continued to be inspired by the strength of our amazing community, especially survivors of gun violence!

Thank you for sticking by our side. Here’s to 2022!