Let’s have some fun playing topical trivia and discuss the bigger issues behind them for our Sunday, Zoom platform led by Jim Ball. We will also take some time to collectively generate ethical actions that we as a group can take.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89705683800

Writer, editor, and co-founder of local online magazine Washington Unbound Norah Vawter, will discuss how gun violence has personally affected her life, her frustrations with the lack of movement on what a majority of Americans (both liberal and conservative) consider common sense gun laws, the lack of interest in decreasing the number of guns in the U.S. (through buybacks, less manufacturing, more extreme restrictions, etc.), and how our culture’s relationship with guns leads to many people (even those who would characterize themselves as progressive and anti-gun) glorifying gun violence, finding guns fun or funny, viewing the gun as a symbol of individualism, or allowing themselves to be desensitized to guns in film, television, video games, children’s play, and even real-life violence.

Though these cultural issues are often left out of the serious political debate on guns, Norah would argue that our culture’s casual relationship with guns and gun violence is at the root of the whole problem. Then we will open up the discussion to our audience to share their feelings on the current state of guns in America.

This will be an in person platform only. 

Come join NoVES members and friends to hear a platform talk by Natasha Hakimi Zapata, an international reporter who has traveled the world and has gained observations about how other countries tackle similar issues we face in the United States. 

The Link for this Zoom only Platform is here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88235559416

"Through in-depth reporting, including interviews with senior government officials, activists, industry professionals, and the ordinary people affected by their policies, Another World Is Possible examines innovative programs that address public health, social services, climate change, housing, education, addiction, and more. "

In addition to the platform talk,. We will discuss the book on: November 6, 2025 on Zoom for a NoVES Book Club. You can use this link for the meeting:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84954137858