How Our Storytelling Video Amplified Moms Demand Action’s Fight for Common-Sense Gun Safety
When tragedy becomes routine, it’s easy for society to grow numb. But for advocates pushing tirelessly for safer communities, complacency isn't an option.
Moms Demand Action needs clear, compelling messages to engage its audience, and that’s exactly why the Video Activists Academy worked to bring this personal story to life via video.
The Power of Authentic Testimony
In a recent video we created in collaboration with a member of the local chapter of Moms Demand Action, we featured the powerful testimony of retired U.S. diplomat Randy Fleitman, who spent decades representing the United States internationally. Serving overseas for 33 years, he witnessed reactions around the world each time news broke about another mass shooting here in the U.S.
“People in other countries are just incredulous," he explains in the video. “The number one question I’d get was, ‘What the hell is going on there?’”
Upon returning home and retiring in 2018, he wanted to work actively for reform. After researching advocacy organizations, he discovered Moms Demand Action. He joined because he realized effective advocacy would be critical to creating safer communities and that he had a story to tell.
Clear, Compelling, Actionable Solutions
In our video collaboration, Randy provides Moms Demand Action’s clear solutions for fighting gun violence—answers they know resonate beyond heated debates and onto common ground:
Safe Gun Storage: Promoting responsible gun care so firearms aren't used unintentionally—particularly by children—saving countless lives.
Red Flag Laws: Allowing community members to seek court intervention to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who may present an immediate threat to themselves or others.
Universal Background Checks: Ensuring comprehensive checks that close harmful loopholes and prevent dangerous individuals from easily obtaining guns.
Age Restrictions and Assault Weapons Policies: Advocating for policies like minimum gun-buying ages of 21, restricting new sales of assault weapons, alongside voluntary buy-back programs.
Addressing Gun Theft: Highlighting the need for stricter rules and education around leaving guns unsecured in vehicles, Randy shines a light on an unfortunately common source of violent crime.
Amplifying Voices Ahead of Elections
Our video also highlighted how critical elections are to bringing these sensible solutions forward. As pointed out clearly in the video, candidates supporting common-sense gun laws can help create immediate and lifesaving impacts.
As Randy said before the 2024 election, “The election is coming up and I want everyone to vote … my candidates are all common-sense gun reform candidates who want to make us safer.” There are elections every year, which means we have ongoing opportunities to get this right.
Why Video Makes a Difference—From Debate to Dialogue
At the Video Activists Academy, we know firsthand that real stories have immense power. They transform heated partisan debates into human-centered dialogues. With this collaboration, we've brought a powerful voice forward, adding a face and a story to amplify the statistics and headlines.
In marketing, data doesn’t move people; people move people.
By putting authentic narratives at the forefront of advocacy, this video helped Moms Demand Action break through the noise, clarify vital policies, and demonstrate urgent, compassionate solutions.
Taking Action from Awareness to Impact
Supporting partner organizations in turning stories into action—that's what we strive for at the Academy. With our collaboration, the local chapter of Moms Demand Action has the opportunity to provide compelling storytelling to reach new advocates, start crucial conversations, and inspire action ahead of decisive elections.
Advocates deserve powerful visual tools that articulate their message clearly, creatively, and convincingly. At the Video Activists Academy, we’re committed to providing just that—transforming real stories into meaningful change.
Want your organization's message to resonate deeply and widely? Let's collaborate. Learn how the Video Activists Academy can help you amplify your voice, too, because powerful storytelling is the heart of effective advocacy.
Join us today, and together let's create a safer, stronger future.
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