San Diego County Gun Owners (SDCGO), a local political action committee promoting Second Amendment rights, has announced the hiring of Escondido resident Desiree Bergman as project manager of SDCGO’s #NotMeSD initiative. The announcement was made by Michael Schwartz, SDCGO executive director.
Launched last year, #NotMeSD, is a first-of-its-kind, non-partisan movement to promote self protection and prevent sexual assault and domestic violence by educating women about firearms and helping all women everywhere with purchasing a firearm, receiving firearms training and obtaining a permit from law enforcement to carry a concealed firearm. Bergman will oversee volunteer coordination and case management for more than 200 local women who are currently registered to be part of the SDCGO #NotMeSD program, said Schwartz.
Bergman’s hiring was due to growing participation in the SDCGO’s #NotMeSD initiative by women in the community, Schwartz said.
“We are thrilled to expand our staff with the addition of Desiree,” said Schwartz. “She is passionate about our goal with #NotMeSD to empower women everywhere to be their first line of defense. We want to promote the safety of women through concrete action and we oppose anyone who tries to belittle, criticize and silence women who want to protect themselves. With the addition of Desiree, we are re-launching our efforts with an even more robust webpage and program to help people across San Diego County.”
The website address is www.NotMeSD.org.
Bergman, a California native with more than 15 years of experience in sales leadership and project management, was raised in a family with law enforcement personnel.
“I am honored to joined San Diego County Gun Owners,” said Bergman, an Escondido resident. “We are here to empower women and enable them to become their own protector. We are here to help mitigate the fear of firearms and empower women to take control of their own safety. Firearms are dangerous and can be scary, but with the help of SDCGO, we can empower you with the knowledge, comfort and confidence to handle firearms.”
Bergman grew up in Central California and graduated from Shafter High School (class of 2003) in Shafter, Calif., near Bakersfield. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Phoenix and a master’s degree in psychology from Ashford University.
“I grew up to respect firearms and understand their role in personal safety, security and protection,” said Bergman. “The more knowledge and training I have with my firearms, the more confident I am. As a result, I want to help women gain the knowledge and skills so they can be comfortable with their own firearms.”
SDCGO’s #NotMeSD initiative consists of three simple steps, beginning with free information and advice about buying a firearm from reputable licensed dealers who can assist with required documentation. The next step is training by certified trainers to help prepare women to properly handle and store firearms, which is followed with assistance in obtaining a concealed-carry weapon (CCW) permit, if desired.
While every U.S. state has a Second Amendment PAC, along with several nationwide gun rights PACs, SDCGO is believed to be America’s first strictly local, countywide Second Amendment advocacy organization. The local PAC features a diverse and inclusive membership with representatives from the LGBT, Latino, African American, Asian and Pacific Islander communities.
Founded in 2015, the San Diego County Gun Owners is a registered political action committee (FPPC ID #1379388) and advocacy organization focused on organizing the gun industry and community and protecting the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment right to bear arms. With a membership exceeding 2,000 individuals, the PAC provides news and information on new gun laws and Second Amendment advocacy. Its sponsored events include gun safety classes, small gun shows, sporting clay shoots, social gatherings and pistol, rifle and shotgun experiences taught by professional instructors. For more information, visit www.sandiegocountygunowners.com.
