Correspondence: Lawrence Wallack, College of Urban & Public Affairs, Portland State University, PO Box 751, Portland, OR 97207-0751, USA. E-mail: wallackl@pdx.edu

Abstract

The California Wellness Foundation's Violence Prevention Initiative (VPI) was a $70 million, 10-year effort to reduce violence among California youth. The Policy and Public Education Program of the initiative advanced two broad policy goals: (1) limiting the availability of handguns to youth, (2) increasing the state's investment in youth resources. Roughly 110 communities passed more than 300 ordinances to limit gun availability or promote gun safety. In addition, California legislators passed 24 statewide gun laws. Funding for youth programs increased to more that $368 million in 2002–03, from about $100 million in 1996–97. Using a framework adapted from the social movements and political communications literature the importance of four key elements was apparent in the VPI: articulating clear policy goals, strategic issue framing, capitalizing on political opportunity, and effectively mobilizing resources. The impact of new gun policies, increased funding for youth programs, and a diverse network of policy professionals and issue advocates interested in social change to decrease violence remain to be fully understood.