July 17 2025
Guitars Not Guns 501(c)(3) Contra Costa County Chapter - Closure Announcement
This unfortunate outcome follows a series of events:
June 3: GNG three (3) National Board announced a retroactive 20% Administrative Fee Policy via email, referencing a June 25 Directors Meeting to address questions. The California Directors collectively submitted questions in advance to allow National time to prepare.
June 9: An official invitation to the June 25 meeting was issued by National.
June 22: National abruptly canceled the meeting.
June 29: National sent a partial response to the submitted questions, along with the finalized Administrative Policy, directing chapters to sign by July 10, 2025. Four chapters, still seeking clarification, did not sign.
July 17: Without further dialogue or clarification, the four non-signing chapters were informed to cease-and-desist.
Although this decision was not ours, we—the former Guitars Not Guns Contra Costa Chapter—wish to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support over the years, and to the incredible volunteers who stood beside us throughout our many years of service.
Please know that our commitment to the community and the children we’ve served remains as strong as ever. We are actively exploring new ways to continue providing free guitar lessons to deserving youth.
(I no longer have access to the email associated with that organization. If anyone would like to reach me, you can message me here).
Sincerely,
Barbara Gorin
FORMER Director
Contra Costa County
