A Resolution encouraging school systems in Kansas to adopt the
Eddie Eagle Elementary Gun Safety Education Program of the
National Rifle Association with the view to preventing accidental
firearm-related injuries to children and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, Teaching children to act safely around firearms is a critical step in
the effort to reduce the number of firearm-related accidents among children; and
WHEREAS, The Eddie Eagle Elementary Gun Safety Education Program
teaches the fundamentals of firearms safety to children in an effective and enjoyable
way, communicating to them the lifesaving message offered by the program: ``If you
see a gun, STOP! Don't touch. Leave the area. Tell an adult.''; and
WHEREAS, The nationally-recognized Eddie Eagle Elementary Gun Safety Ed-
ucation Program has been used by more than 10,000 public or private schools and
law enforcement agencies, and has reached over 10 million children since 1988; and
WHEREAS, The Eddie Eagle Elementary Gun Safety Education Program has
been presented the 1994 Golden Achievement Award of the National School Public
Relations Association, the 1995 National Education Award of the American Legion,
and the 1996 Award of Merit from the National Safety Council's Awards & Recog-
nition Committee of the Youth Activities Division; and
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Kansas also encourages civic activists and
community volunteers to adopt and promote this important program: Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Kansas: That, in recognition of the
facts contained in the preamble of this resolution, the Senate encourages civic and
community service organizations which are concerned about the safety and well-being
of the children of our state to help provide funding for the Eddie Eagle Elementary
Gun Safety Education Program at the local level; and
Be it further resolved: That the Senate hereby encourages the State Board of
Education to promote the use of the Eddie Eagle Elementary Gun Safety Education
Program in our schools to help prevent firearm-related accidents among children;
and
Be it further resolved: That the Senate commends the National Rifle Association
for its diligence and service in developing the Eddie Eagle Elementary Gun Safety
Education Program and making it available for use in our communities; and
Be it further resolved: That as a formal expression of the sentiment of the Senate
the Secretary of the Senate is hereby directed to transmit enrolled copies of this
resolution to the State Board of Education and to the Commissioner of Education
at 120 S.E. 10th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66612-1182.