Advocate for Change at Keystone Progress Erie's March For Our Lives

Saturday, Mar. 24

In the wake of a string of recent shootings, gun laws are a hot topic being discussed both inside and outside the courtroom, and countrywide, high school students are taking it upon themselves to advocate for their own safety. This month, several groups of students in the area will lead Keystone Progress Erie's March For Our Lives in Perry Square.

"I've got about 16 high school students in two different groups and they are full of action," says event organizer Alayna Gallagher Getchell. "They are so ready to organize and bring about a message of change. I'm proofreading their speeches for them and the same concept I'm seeing over and over is that they just want to be able to focus on high school and being high school students — prom, chemistry, etc. — not where to hide or quickest exit in the event of active shooter."

According to Every Town Research, a total of 18 gun-related incidents have occurred in schools across America within the first three months of 2018 alone. When looking at mass shooting reports via the Gun Violence Archive, that number becomes an even more alarming 41. Starting in Parkland and spreading across the country, these students are creating the change they want to see in the world.

"I absolutely know this is only the beginning for these high school students," continues Getchell. "They are starting by raising awareness and will proceed from there. I have a feeling I will be driving them to and from Harrisburg in the near future. I will guide [them] wherever they want to go." — Aaron Mook

10 a.m. to noon // Perry Square // Free