Parkland's Influence: Taking Action From the Youth Up

A spark was ignited across the nation following the tragedy of the Parkland shooting in 2018. The birth of a new sort of gun movement; One led by the youth. The students at Marjory Stoneman Douglass were struck with the most unforgivable tragedy on February 14th 2018, leaving them no choice but to prevent other children from experiencing what happened to them. Days after the shooting, Parkland student Cameron Kasky went to social media using #NeverAgain and co-founded NeverAgain MSD, along with two of his peers. Soon after, the Parkland students received national attention from Emma Gonzalez’s inflammatory speech at the gun control rally in Fort Lauderdale, where she famously “called B.S.” on Washington. Other significant Parkland activists include David and Lauren Hoggs who co-authored the book #NeverAgain: A New Generation Draws the Line, published June 2018.

As the Parkland students gained a following, their presence became instrumental in inciting much of the U.S. to wake up. The emotional recounts and call to action displayed at the March For Our Lives rally in 2018 marked a significant moment in recent history. High school students were taking matters into their own hands. On the way to the rally, the young activists registered folks all across the country to vote, which proved successful in November 2018, resulting in the highest youth voter turnout.

The Parkland students' influence brought upon change to Florida legislation, raising the legal age to purchase firearms to 21 as of March 2018. Since then many states have followed suit. Despite the many adversaries the students have faced over the last year and a half from politicians, conspiracy theorists, and the NRA, they have remained resilient to their mission. Today, the former Parkland students are working on a 10 year plan to reduce gun violence known as the Plan For a Safer America. To learn more or to take direct action either through donation or by joining a chapter, visit their website: