The LWV Umpqua Valley extends its condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives and who were wounded at Umpqua Community College on October 1.
We know that our entire community is grieving the loss of our sense of security and trust in the goodness of where we live. We stand in solidarity with the students, faculty, and the entire UCC community, and pledge to do what we can to promote healing in our beautiful, Umpqua homeland. 
We welcome President Obama and his efforts to console the grieving and to activate change that will make our country a safer home for all of us.
In an ongoing effort to create safer communities, the League of Women Voters, at both the state and national levels, has positions on Violence Prevention and Gun Safety that it uses to influence the legislative process.
The League believes http://lwv.org/content/gun-controlthat the proliferation of handguns and other non-recreational weapons in the United States is a major health and safety threat to its citizens. We will continue to educate voters on gun safety issues and work for passage of stronger laws to limit the accessibility and regulate the ownership of these weapons by private citizens.
We believe everyone wants to feel safe in our community. When the time is right, we plan to play a role in bringing people in our community together to build from common ground. Contact us for more information.
We want UCC Strong and a community united for safety.
Jenny Carloni, President
League of Women Voters of Umpqua Valley
October 8, 2015
League of Women Voters of the Umpqua Valley 