History

“Guitars not Guns” was founded by Ray and Louise Nelson. They became foster parents in 1992 and it was through their experience helping foster kids that Ray noticed that these children needed more positive opportunities to help them grow into productive citizens. Ray was a life long musician and he knew the benefits that learning music can provide to young people; he also noticed that there were few music opportunities for these children. He decided to start a music program for foster kids; any child that had the desire would be provided a guitar and lessons at no cost to them. He began by asking people for their unused guitars to pass along to any foster kid that requested one.

On July 24, 2000 "Guitars not Guns" became a federally exempt 501(c) (3) non-profit. In June 2002 Guitars not Guns started its first guitar class with two volunteer teachers in San Jose, California. Over the next three years classes expanded to neighboring Counties in California and the program expanded to include at-risk and underprivileged youth as well as foster kids. In 2006 the program started spreading to other States. Today GnG’s Music Program is operating in several states and Canada.

Guitars Not Guns Virginia was officially chartered in June 2006; Guitars Not Guns Maryland and Guitars Not Guns Washington D.C. were officially chartered in April 2009.

Virginia, Maryland and DC operate joinly as GnG NCA (Guitars Not Guns of the National Capital Area). Collectively we operate 28 teaching locations and serve over 300 youth annually. New locations are being opened as volunteers are found to staff them.