In an effort to combat gun violence, the Chicago Sun-Times is launching a new campaign called “31 bullets” that identifies 31 specific actions Illinoisans can take to address this issue locally and nationwide. Developed in partnership with Ogilvy, one of the world’s largest marketing communications companies, the goal of the 31-part series is to educate Americans and inspire them to take action to counter the negative effect that these bullets create.
The first “bullet” in the “31 bullets” campaign is aimed at the discussion around guns in classrooms. The Chicago Sun-Times created a short film that followed seven local Chicago educators – including a pre-school teacher and a military combat veteran – to a firearms training class. Guided by a former police officer, the teachers learn how to safely hold and shoot a gun.
Gun violence is a complex topic with many victims and stories. The namesake of the “31 bullets” campaign is based on the sobering fact that an estimated 10 billion bullets are sold in the United States every year – that’s 31 for every man, woman and child.
The remaining 30 “bullets” in the campaign will be developed with input from the public and revealed throughout the month of May on https://31bullets.suntimes.com/. The campaign acknowledges that there is not one, simple answer, but hopes that with more education, the public can take practical steps to help lawmakers reform state and national gun legislation.
