Jenny Rule
In 2023 the League was proud to present its 14th annual Making Democracy Work award to Jenny Rule who founded the Whitewater Area Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense. The League has great respect and admiration for Jenny. Civic participation, like Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense, allows citizens to influence policy, local values, and local government priorities.
When the Sandy Hook Elementary School mass shooting occurred in 2012, Jenny, whose children were school-aged, was shocked, as were we all. When the Parkland High School mass shooting happened in 2018, her kids were again similar in age to the student victims. Jenny asked herself why nothing had been done in the intervening years. She was determined to do something that would make a difference, so she founded the local chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense. The first meeting drew six people but the group now reaches over 100 concerned citizens on their mailing list.
Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense, Students Demand Action and Mayors Against Illegal Guns share the common goal of ending gun violence through education, policy change, litigation, advocacy, and grassroots organizing. Their work is data driven, aided by a database on gun violence maintained by Everytown for Gun Safety, their umbrella organization.
The Moms Demand Action educational program, BeSmart, raises awareness about child gun deaths and educates citizens on responsible gun storage. Jenny speaks to local organizations on this issue, and youâve likely seen Moms Demand Action volunteers at City Market handing out literature. The BeSmart program was recently approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, so the group hopes to present in schools and before PTAs in the future, provide literature to pediatrician offices and distribute their information directly to gun shop owners and shooting ranges.
To other citizens looking to become civically engaged, Jenny says, âwhen something in the world makes you feel powerless â take action â if you combine your life with an advocacy organization that shares your values and you wonât feel as powerless.â
Jenny accepted her award on behalf of her leadership team that includes Tracey Scherr, Joan Fitzgerald, Anita Loch, Gayle Stettler, Jane Roberts, Sue Chandler, and Kathy Randall, and on behalf of everyone who gives their time and talent in support of Moms Demand Action.
