Why did you decide to join AWA?
I decided to join the Armed Women of America because there was a school shooting in Nashville that made me realize I wasn’t prepared to protect myself or my family if I needed to. That night I googled for local women’s firearms groups, I found the Armed Women of America and joined the very next day!

How has being a member changed your life?
Being a member of the Armed Women of America has changed my life by providing knowledge and training needed to be a woman who can safeguard herself and her family. The situational awareness coaching has helped me create everyday habits so I’m conscious of my surroundings and aware of what’s going on around me. Learning to draw from a holster has been so helpful to get in my muscle memory because that’s the most important thing while carrying!

We’ve gone to training facilities together, learned first-aid protocols and how to be prepared in unexpected situations. All of this has been life-changing because it can mean the difference between defending yourself and being a victim; the teaching is invaluable.

When you look at yourself and your AWA sisters, how would you define “Armed Women of America” not the organization, but the women who so boldly stand with you on the mission to be your own self-protector?
In addition to all the instruction and guidance we’ve gotten through AWA, what has been most meaningful is the community of women I’ve gotten to know and train with that have become friends. We all have the goal of being our own protectors, so learning alongside one another has been inspiring. I love knowing that we’re all trying our best to learn how to avoid sketchy situations AND the steps to protect ourselves if we can’t avoid or escape a situation. These ladies mean the world to me and I love knowing I’m not alone in my pursuit of protecting myself and my family.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I’m thankful that the Armed Women of America exists as a starting point for learning the basics and advancing from there. I feel prepared for everyday life, and like a functioning citizen who is her own first responder. I’m so thankful for this group of ladies to learn alongside and share life with.

~Kelly Z, Knox-Oak Ridge, TN