By Meredith Murray
This past July, 50 women, one from each state, and each of different race, religion, age, background, and political affiliation descended upon Capitol Hill united with one common purpose - to share their “why” behind supporting the second amendment. Beyond their gun rights advocacy, this dynamic group of women consisting of competitive shooters, hunters, mothers, daughters, and survivors of attacks to name a few, sought to build and maintain relationships with legislators and congressmen. Through candid conversations, these women took the opportunity to “dispel common myths and to garner support for gun rights.” This necessary and timely initiative is called the D.C. Project.
Founded in 2015 by Dianna Muller, a retired law enforcement officer turned professional 3-gun competitor, the D.C. Project was unexpectedly born out of a tourism trip to D.C. While visiting, one of Dianna’s friends who had done some advocacy work asked her if she wanted to meet her congressman. After Dianna’s meeting, a lightbulb went off and she began pondering, “Is there something we should be doing as gun-owners to talk to these people who make decisions that affect us?” She considered the impact that could be made by female gun owners, specifically, speaking with these decision-makers. The typical “gun-rights supporter” mold needed to be broken on Capitol Hill and women who believed in the preservation of the second amendment needed to be represented, seen, and heard. After all, gun rights are women’s rights. So Dianna answered her own question by piecing together the voices and stories of one woman from each state to come together, put boots on the ground, and get to work.
Laura Evans, New York delegate, explains that “Because the D.C. project is nonpartisan, we have more credibility and diversity than many groups that are blatantly partisan. But we’re not there to argue. We’re there to create long-term relationships with lawmakers and be a resource for them when they need legitimate information on guns, gun legislation, and the practicality and consequences of those laws if enforced.”
One of the many ways this group is made distinctive from others is the women assume a posture of respect, professionalism, and honor throughout the entirety of their four days spent in D.C. -- a welcome and refreshing change to be sure for the people occupying the offices they visit. While they are not shaking fists or pointing fingers, they do seek to have honest conversations and speak respectfully, but firmly. In the midst of so many recent devastating massacres, “common sense gun-control” sounds like music to the ears of emotional, well-meaning, yet uninformed citizens. The reality is no law can regulate or decrease acts of either criminal or mentally disturbed violence. The moment of enlightenment, surprise, understanding, or empathy shown by the lawmakers during these conversations is a win for the women visiting their offices.
Dianna strategically divides the 50 women into small groups of 4-5 women with radically different personal stories to participate in pre-planned meetings. Each group has appointments where the women introduce themselves, get to know their representatives, and simply share their stories. There is no agenda. There is no “ask” of the lawmakers to change anything - just an invitation to listen, ask questions, and form a relationship. Conversations naturally flow into discussion around specific legislation on gun issues that open the door for the ladies to explain how certain laws, bills, or policies could have unintended consequences or negative effects on law-abiding citizens, or, even be unconstitutional. Often times, the women of the D.C. Project give real-world examples of why that legislation does not, or would not work, resulting in some of the anti-gun lawmakers reacting with genuine surprise.
This right here - is representative democracy in action. This is citizens exercising their right to have a say beyond casting a vote - to ensure these elected representatives, who swore to defend the constitution, are not only defending it but defending it with major consideration of the inalienable rights of the citizens protected by it.
Before anyone is pro-gun, anti-gun, Democrat or Republican, they are first people and citizens with real stories. The D.C. Project captures the true essence of what “diversity” means, especially in a pro-gun setting. The women that comprise the D.C. Project include:
· A black mother whose son was shot in the head by a felon with an illegally obtained firearm.
· An attorney who successfully defended herself against a stranger that followed her into an elevator and attacked her in a parking garage. He came to a halt and fled after she was able to reach her legal weapon and put a bullet in his neck.
· A Naturalized immigrant Olympian from Venezuela who saw what gun rights restrictions and socialism did to her native country.
· A trans woman.
· A law-abiding wife whose husband was murdered in front of her in a gun-free zone by her stalker, while her personal firearm was in the car. A law created to protect, killed.
· A 4 ft,10 inch former Marine Corps drill instructor of Philippine descent.
· A professional outfitter and hunter who teaches other ladies to hunt.
· An Olympian biathlete who is a competitive shooter and hunter.
· An eleven-year-old champion of the Constitution.
The list goes on.
The women of the D.C. Project share their authentic experiences with a sense of pride and yet also a sense of humility. The ill-conceived notion that most supporters of the second amendment are gun-toting, illiterate, backwoods redneck, white men (nothing wrong with this by the way) is a sorry and lazy perception. The second amendment is for everyone. The D.C. Project encourages women of all demographics and beliefs that find common ground on this subject to link arms and take action.
Every year, a recurring theme during the days that follow the time these women spend together on Capitol Hill is the sincere admiration they walk away with for one another’s story. Instead of allowing their differences to cause division, they embrace the belief that unifies them.
Seeking to build bridges and break barriers, the D.C. Project also hosts “two range days for members of Congress and staff to meet with D.C. Project instructors to experience the culture of the shooting community and learn more about firearms.” This hands-on opportunity for individuals who might be afraid of guns or never been taught how to use one properly is a chance for them to gain a new perspective. Many are surprised to learn that everything the majority of gun-owners do revolves around safety. This type of invitation is what is needed, not just on Capitol Hill, but in our communities among our friends and family. Most gun-owners are not the bad guys or criminals that the media often paints a picture of.
As the D.C. Project continues to grow in supporters, the future is bright for bringing the initiative to the state level. Dianna hopes to connect women interested in getting involved with their corresponding D.C. Project state delegate. From there, plans to meet with representatives in each capital can begin in an effort to start establishing relationships and sparking conversations at a state and local level. Since the D.C. Project is truly a grassroots initiative, with each woman covering her trip’s expenses, financial support is always needed. Fundraisers, silent auctions, or solitary donations are all welcome and allow for the D.C. Project to make an even greater impact. For more information, visit their website or find them on social media!
Website: dcproject.info
Facebook page: “The D.C. Project”
Instagram: @dc_projectfoundation