The intersection between the firearms community and mental health happens actively over at Walk the Talk America. The folks from WTTA are friends of the Bearing Arms team, and I think we all see the value that we bring to the table. Top Shot Chris Cheng recently made a huge pledge and you have a little time to get in on the action by supporting a great organization.

Walk the Talk America is a non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to bridging the gap between mental health and responsible gun ownership. Its mission is to enhance the perception of mental health among gun owners while elevating the standard of mental health care within this community. Walk the Talk America is uniquely positioned as an organization that integrates the wisdom of gun-owning mental health professionals, offering innovative solutions derived from real-world experiences.

All too often when there’s an issue that pops up in the Second Amendment community or without the community, something that just involves guns, fingers start to get pointed. Advocates for the Second Amendment will say, “It’s a mental health issue.” While the mental health and medical community will say things like, “The guns are the problem.” WTTA works to allow a dialogue to occur and to do so without legislative solutions that subvert rights.

In honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, Walk The Talk America (WTTA), a non-profit organization bridging the gap between mental health and responsible firearm ownership, proudly announces a special fundraiser by Top Shot Season 4 Champion Chris Cheng to raise $100,000. The challenge lasts from May 1 – 8, 2024. Cheng is kicking things off by personally donating $5,000, which will be used to match smaller donations of $500 or less. WTTA and Cheng invite the firearms industry to participate in this high-impact, game-changing fundraiser. Donations can be made via https://www.WTTA.org/Fundraiser.

Admittedly, this notice should have gone out a few days ago, because this challenge ends in a day, but there’s still some time. Let’s get Chris Cheng to have to show up with the full 5K he’s pledged by sending in funds too!

“Many of us gun owners believe that a key approach to reducing gun violence in our country is to focus on mental health. Walk the Talk America connects gun owners to mental health services, and also educates mental health practitioners to understand the sensitivity surrounding our Second Amendment right, and that fear of losing that right is often a barrier to mental health services,” noted Cheng. “Walk the Talk America is helping increase access to mental health services, and I strongly believe that the money we raise this May for Mental Health Awareness Month will make our country stronger and safer.” 

Michael Sodini, founder and CEO of WTTA, elaborated “Here at Walk the Talk America, we're passionate about fostering understanding and taking meaningful steps toward better mental health and responsible firearm ownership. This May, our fundraiser isn't just about dollars raised—it's about coming together with Chris and our firearms community to make a tangible difference. By joining forces, we're not only raising funds but also spreading awareness and building a stronger, safer future for all.”

What I love about WTTA, and Sodini and Cheng as individuals, is that these are gun owners who care about gun owners. All too often gun owners are being chastised and those seeking mental health help are stigmatized. That stigmatization comes both socially and sometimes through ways rights are restricted. This group aims to make mainstream the act of getting mental health help without judgment or punishment.

If you have some time and a few extra bucks, do visit the donation site HERE. Also, check out all the other resources that’s available through WTTA at their homepage. I hope to see pictures in the near future of Chris handing over a giant check made out to WTTA in the amount of five thousand dollars. We’ll have to see…