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About Us

Who We Are

The Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund (SHPAF) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization committed to protecting all children from gun violence in schools, homes, and communities. The Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund advances a holistic policy platform that promotes safer firearm access, youth mental health, and violence prevention education. The organization works at the state and federal level to pass nonpartisan legislation through inclusive partnerships, diverse grassroots education, and community mobilization. It is part of Sandy Hook Promise, founded and led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.

Our Story

Sandy Hook Promise is a national nonprofit organization founded and led by several family members whose loved ones were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. Based in Newtown, Connecticut, our intent is to honor all victims of gun violence by turning our tragedy into a moment of transformation. By empowering youth to “know the signs” and uniting all people who value the protection of children, we can take meaningful actions in schools, homes, and communities to prevent gun violence and stop the tragic loss of life.

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Our Mission

Our shared mission with Sandy Hook Promise Foundation is to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities. The Action Fund is nonpartisan and committed to advancing federal and state legislation through grassroots engagement and mobilization that promotes gun safety, youth mental health, and violence prevention training.

Group photo of Sandy Hook Promise staff and supporters in DC

What We Do

As the leading nonpartisan gun violence prevention organization in the nation, we advance a holistic policy platform that promotes gun safety, youth mental health, and violence prevention education. We work at the state and federal level to pass bipartisan legislation through inclusive partnerships, diverse grassroots education, and community mobilization. 

Our Team

Sandy Hook Promise is led by several family members whose loved ones were taken at Sandy Hook Elementary School and a talented staff of seasoned professionals.

Every member of our organization and its network of supporters is  working to help fulfill our shared mission to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities. People of all ages and backgrounds have come together, united in the cause to protect our kids. Learn more about the people working and volunteering to make our schools and communities safer from gun violence.

Photo of Dr. Sonya Anderson
Dr. Sonya Anderson
Board Director
Photo of Jackie Barden
Jackie Barden
Board Director
Photo of Dr. Colleen Barry
Dr. Colleen Barry
Board Director
Photo of Mark Barden
Mark Barden
Co-founder, Co-CEO of Sandy Hook Promise, and Board Director
Photo of Matt Bennett
Matt Bennett
Board Vice Chair
Photo of Joe Cassidy
Joe Cassidy
Board Treasurer
Photo of Karen Freeman-Wilson
Karen Freeman-Wilson
Board Director
Photo of Nicole Hockley
Nicole Hockley
Co-founder, Co-CEO of Sandy Hook Promise, and Board Director
Photo of Bradley Myles
Bradley Myles
Board Secretary
Photo of Michal A. Nutter
Michal A. Nutter
Board Director
Photo of Dr. Jillian Peterson
Dr. Jillian Peterson
Board Director
Photo of Bill Sherlach
Bill Sherlach
Co-founder and Board Chair
Photo of Peter Willner, Ed.D.
Peter Willner, Ed.D.
Board Director

Join The Team

Visit the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation Careers Page to learn about open positions.