One of the most dangerous myths of America’s gun debate is that passing federal gun control laws is the only way to prevent gun violence and save lives – and that therefore the issue is hopeless and nothing will change.

That’s a convenient excuse for apathy, but it’s not true. In fact, there are many different avenues to preventing gun violence. Very few of them rely completely on politicians in Washington. No matter where you live, there are steps you can take to prevent violence and make the people around you safer.

Here are five ways to reduce gun deaths and injuries in America that don’t require a single vote from Congress.

Lois Beckett is a senior Guardian reporter covering gun policy

