Colorado Ceasefire is the longest-serving statewide, grassroots gun violence prevention organization in Colorado. We are parents, teachers, students, community members, gun violence survivors and others who have worked for more than 20 years to prevent and reduce gun violence in Colorado through education, outreach and legislative advocacy. Our work has made Coloradans safer.
Our History
Colorado Ceasefire was formed in 2000 as a political action committee (PAC), after the Colorado General Assembly failed to pass meaningful gun violence prevention laws following the Columbine High School mass shooting. Realizing we could make an impact at the state level, we formed a 501(c)4 (Colorado Ceasefire Legislative Action) shortly thereafter and focused our efforts on advocating for commonsense gun legislation that would reduce gun violence in our homes and communities. In December of 2015, we added an educational and outreach branch (Colorado Ceasefire Outreach), a 501(c)3, to spread awareness of the dangers of gun violence and the ways we can minimize harm.
Our Organization
Colorado Ceasefire is comprised of three branches: Legislative Action (a 501(c)4), Outreach (a 501(c)3), and a Political Action Committee. We are an affiliate of States United to Prevent Gun Violence.
Colorado Ceasefire Legislative Action – for lobbying
Ceasefire contracts with a lobbyist at the Colorado capitol for legislative advice, direct contact and advocacy with legislators and the governor. Besides direct lobbying, Ceasefire engages in legislative advocacy by generating calls and letters to legislators and providing testimony.
Although our primary focus is the Colorado General Assembly, from time to time we assist in federal grassroots lobbying efforts.
Colorado Ceasefire Outreach – for education
Colorado Ceasefire Outreach was formed in December 2015 and is dedicated to spreading awareness about the dangers of gun violence and ways to minimize harm. We build relationships with community leaders, legislators, educators and members of the public, and work to engage stakeholders in meaningful dialogue on the issue of gun violence prevention.
Colorado Ceasefire Political Action Committee – for electioneering efforts
The PAC evaluates candidates for Colorado legislative office and subsequently makes endorsements and supports candidates financially. While the PAC may make endorsements in federal campaigns, the PAC does not support any federal candidates monetarily.
Our Impact
Key bills we’ve initiated and/or helped to pass:
- Universal Background Checks with Mandatory Clearance
- Ban on Large-Capacity Magazines
- Domestic Violence Firearms Relinquishment
- Extreme Risk Protection Orders
- Firearms Dealers Permits
- Safe Storage of Firearms in Homes and Vehicles
- Ban on Ghost Guns and Machine Gun Conversion Devices
- Ban on Purchase of Firearms by those with Violent Misdemeanors
- Ban on Firearms in Sensitive Spaces
- Minimum Age for Firearm Purchase
- Repeal of Gun Industry Immunity
- Repeal of Firearm Laws Preemption
- Waiting Period for Firearm Purchase
- Standardized Classes for Concealed Carry (CCW) Permits
- Reporting of Lost and Stolen Firearms
- Tightened Reciprocity Laws on CCW Permits
- Creation of Office of Gun Violence Prevention
We’ve also repeatedly defeated efforts to loosen Colorado gun laws, such as Permitless
Concealed Carry, Arming Teachers, and Stand Your Ground.
Community Education and Outreach:
- Offer free Information Sessions on gun violence prevention topics, including Safe Storage, ERPO,
and much more. Check our Speakers’ Bureau for free presentations. - Vigils and Memorials
- Film Screenings
- Gun Violence Prevention Workshops and Curriculum Plans
