Is it possible to be a gun violence prevention activist and gun owner at the same time? According to Dr. Cassandra Crifasi, Deputy Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, the answer is yes.

Here at Evidence for Change, we use evidence in order to reduce gun violence and save lives. Today, we go deep — uncovering the inspiration behind the 2020 Summer Youth Institute, her experience collaborating with youth in the GVP movement, and dismantling the narrative on gun ownership.

On top of her numerous awards over the years, one being the American Journal of Public Health Editor’s Choice Award for Best Papers of the Year, Cass is an incredible visionary and mentor. I met her at the Summer Youth Institute 2020, and ever since then, she’s been supportive of my gun violence prevention advocacy. The Evidence for Change podcast would not be possible without her.

For more information, follow @evidenceforchange on Instagram and check out our website www.evidenceforchangepodcast.com 

Meet our EFC California Representative; Max Coston!

Max is a passionate gun violence prevention activist who I met from the SYI hosted by the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research as of 2020!  Today, Max is the Executive Director of March for Our Lives San Diego, California.

To learn more about Max and what youth activism is like in the state of California, tune in to this podcast episode!

Meet our EFC Iowa Representative: Chloe Gayer!

Chloe is a passionate gun violence prevention activist, cheerleader, and professional speaker who I met from the SYI hosted by the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research as of 2020!  Today, Chloe works with Students Demand Action on the both state and national level and is a survivor of domestic violence involving a firearm herself.

To learn more about Chloe and what youth activism is like in the state of Iowa, tune in to this podcast episode!

Meet our EFC Minnesota Representative; Ayaka Smart!

Ayaka is a passionate gun violence prevention activist who I met from the SYI hosted by the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research as of 2020!  Today, Ayaka has done Lobbying with Amnesty International on the Break the Cycle of Violence Act & EGV coordination and grassroots work with AIUSA.

To learn more about Ayaka and what youth activism is like in the state of Minnesota, tune in to this podcast episode!

Meet our EFC Kentucky Representative; Ella McCutchen!

Ella is an inspiring gun violence prevention activist who I  met from the SYI hosted by the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research as of 2020! Today, Ella has been involved with Students Demand Action for the past two years now as a chapter lead and has previous work in the Kentucky Virtual Field Office.

To learn more about Ella and what youth activism is like in the state of Kentucky, tune in to this podcast episode!

Meet our EFC Ohio Representative; Arianna Kelawala!

I met Arianna from the Summer Youth Institute 2020 hosted by the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research! Today Arianna has been involved with March For Our Lives since 2019 and is now co-state director for MFOL Ohio.

To learn more about Arianna and what youth activism is like in the state of Ohio, tune in to this podcast episode!

Hello and welcome to Evidence for Change! We are a Youth-led movement, aiming to interview students across the nation from each state, in efforts to better gun violence prevention and policies one state at a time. Thank you for joining our journey as we exemplify youth voices and ignite change in every state. Together, we can and we will reduce gun violence by using evidence for change.