Help POWER Survivors EmPOWERED!
Grassroots movements are often characterized by their focus on local communities and bottom-up strategies. They rely on the passion and dedication of individuals rather than financial resources. The key to success lies in mobilizing community members and leveraging their collective power to advocate for change.
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization reliant on grassroots support, we’re here to tell you that it’s what is in your heart—not your pocketbook—that counts most. Our ability to move forward positively has been most impacted by the Power of One—You as a solo donor, volunteer, or goodwill ambassador. It has heartened and empowered us for more than decade. Because of the generous support from many Powers of One, we’re expanding both the depth and breadth of our services to support gun violence survivors.
Goals
- Continue to develop retreats to help gun violence survivors learn how to manage trauma and grief
- Expand efforts in mindfulness training, trauma therapy, and hands-on support tools such as the Survivors Toolkit
- Ramp up Rapid Response efforts to further help survivors on-site at a shooting event
- Broaden the Survivors Empowered website to showcase thought leadership and support for gun violence survivors
- Build upon the organization’s first Gun Violence State of the Union event held in March 2024 with a 2025 event
- Support and push forward meaningful gun control legislation everywhere possible
DONATE
Survivors Empowered relies on grassroots contributions
and the generosity of key supporters.
Donating online is easy.
But if you prefer to mail a donation, you can
do so by mailing your check to:
Survivors Empowered
c/o John Morse, CPA
7469 S. Lewiston St.
Aurora, CO 80016
A History of Empowering Survivors of Gun Violence
Sandy and Lonnie Phillips, founders of Survivors Empowered, have helped transform the lives of survivors suffering the greatest tragedy imaginable—the death of loved ones due to gun violence. Their history of empowering survivors from Sandy Hook to Uvalde shows an unwavering commitment to providing in-depth help despite their searing, ongoing personal pain.
Sandy and Lonnie traveled across the country in their RV for over a decade, offering on-site comfort and support following 14 mass shootings. Additionally, they led Rapid Response teams to assist with seven more tragedies. They have guided and supported survivors as they embark on the challenging, often overwhelming journey from grief and despair towards hope and healing. Moreover, they have dedicated themselves to advocating for sensible gun control laws aimed at reducing violence at both the state and federal levels. In addition, they remain prepared to assist survivors who experience re-traumatization from further incidents of gun violence.
They’ve done—and continue to do—all this without the significant funding of other gun control organizations.
SHOP
The Survivors Empowered Bonfire store offers meaningful merchandise created to support survivors of gun violence and the movement to end gun violence.
Featuring items like hats, mugs, totes, and advocacy apparel, the store reflects a mission of remembrance, resilience, and action.
Proceeds help Survivors Empowered provide support, connection, mindfulness resources, and advocacy for survivors and families impacted by gun violence.
Founded in the wake of the 2012 Aurora tragedy, Survivors Empowered continues to turn grief into purpose by building community and pushing for evidence-based solutions, including a national assault weapons ban.
VOLUNTEER
Volunteer power is the engine of Survivors Empowered.
As gun violence challenges grow, we are expanding our programs for survivors.
We could use your help now!
BE A GOODWILL AMBASSADOR
Goodwill Ambassadors share their influence and support with their social networks and communities. These heartfelt contributions can take many forms, including:
- Spreading the word through networking
- Connecting with influencers
- Making introductions to people who can help
- Contributing an item to help raise funds (e.g., silent auction)
- Sharing an idea for a fundraiser
- Making a monetary donation
A great example of the Power of One is Goodwill Ambassador, actor, and author Griffin Dunne. Griffin’s video for Survivors Empowered is an act of love, and an invaluable contribution to helping us continue our efforts.