When I first got involved with the DC Project (DCP) more than four years ago, I didn’t know how much Second Amendment advocacy would grow and develop in my life. I mean, I was totally for gun rights and gun ownership. I’m a member of several gun-rights organizations. I train new, responsible gun owners all the time. I carry a gun every day! Heck, I even work for the USCCA! But I never realized how much more I could do … or how much even the small, seemingly insignificant things could do to make a difference in our gun community. In fact, being part of the DC Project has motivated me to do several things I may not have done on my own. Just to name a few: I became the first female board member of BamaCarry, Alabama’s “no compromise” gun group; I became a board member of my home range, Brock’s Gap Training Center; and I testified for constitutional carry before the Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee, which approved the bill 6-4.

The coolest thing about this is: I am not alone! Just about every woman who has joined this grassroots, nonpartisan organization has stepped outside of her comfort zone to go on to do so much more than she ever thought or planned!

Here are just a few accomplishments and reflections from a handful of our DCP state directors.

Montana

Kathy Love writes, “The women of the DC Project motivated me to start my own firearms training business with a focus on training women. I also ran for — and won — a seat on my local Republican Central Committee.”

Connecticut

Brooke Cheney states, “I certainly would have never traveled to [our nation’s capital] to talk to our senators and Congress members without [the DC Project]. I also would not be working on finding more women to tell their stories if it weren’t for DCP.”

Ohio

Amanda Suffecool says, “I had been to D.C. once in my life and never really knew how it all worked[…]. But one call from Dianna [Muller, DCP’s founder], and the next thing I know, I am an old hat on how this stuff works, and my elected officials know me instead of just me knowing who they are.”

Pennsylvania

Kelly Pidgeon comments, “I now speak at local, state and national level 2A rallies and conferences. I would not have had these opportunities if it weren’t for DCP.”

Arizona

Cheryl Todd explains, “[The DCP] has changed our entire family’s (three generations) way of interacting with the news we consume, the people in our sphere of influence and the officials we elect. And [DCP offered] something completely unexpected — that I would speak on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol building, help organize annual 2A rallies on the lawn of the Arizona State Capitol building and have the ear of legislative decision-makers in my state.”

Missouri

Susan Myers comments, “Back in March [2020], I had just signed up for DCP … and, eager to get started, I reached out to a state representative who was sponsoring 2A legislation to tell him about [the DC Project][…]. He responded by inviting us to come speak before committee in support of the Second Amendment Preservation Act. Though I tried, I had no luck in finding any ladies willing to speak. Having spoken on DCP’s behalf, I didn’t want to make them look bad by not following through. So, I took a solo road trip and experienced my very first go at public speaking!”

Arkansas

Stephanie Perry mentions, “After becoming Arkansas state director, I had a chance to attend our local quorum court meeting to show support for a Civil Rights Ordinance being read. Luckily it passed, and we are now a Civil Rights Sanctuary County. I realize it’s mostly symbolic and only on a local level, but I am quickly realizing that is where it all starts! Since then, the world has turned quite chaotic and showed me how crucial we are as a group to protect our rights! I’m honored and excited to watch what happens next.”

And Beyond

Even Dianna Muller, the creator of and visionary behind the DC Project, has been inspired by this amazing group of women. In September 2019, Dianna gave a powerful testimony during the House Judiciary Committee hearing on assault weapons, encouraging all gun owners to “get involved and engaged” because the Second Amendment is at stake. She also gained notoriety for drawing the line on any potential “assault weapons” ban by boldly stating, “I will not comply.” But Dianna readily admits, “Testifying in front of Congress was NOT in my plan!”

It’s amazing what a little motivation and a little momentum can do! The DC Project has clearly been making a difference and pursuing its mission of “education not legislation” with dedication and passion. In fact, local groups are now available in just about all 50 states. Those interested are welcome to join like-minded women who are working to share the voices of the responsible gun owner and the faces of the Second Amendment.

About Beth Alcazar

Boasting several training certifications including TWAW, SIG Sauer Academy, ALICE Institute and I.C.E. Training, Beth Alcazar is enthusiastic about safe and responsible firearms ownership. She has nearly two decades in the firearms industry and is a Certified Training Instructor and Senior Training Counselor for the USCCA and Training Counselor, Chief Range Safety Officer and Certified Instructor for the NRA. The associate editor of Concealed Carry Magazine, Beth also uses her experience and degrees in language arts, education and communication management to author Women’s Handgun & Self-Defense Fundamentals.