Students Demand Action (SDA) is a national student-led organization that empowers young people to advocate for preventing gun violence in America. It was founded in response to the growing concern about gun violence two weeks after the 2016 Parkland shooting. The organization now has over 800 groups in schools across the country, mobilizing students to raise awareness about the pressing issue of gun violence and its disastrous effects on communities.
SDA started a chapter at LFA in the fall of 2023, almost a year after the July 4th mass shooting. The founder, Maddie Rosen ‘25, said that she “started SDA after the shooting that shook Highland Park.” As a resident of a town near LFA, Rosen wanted to do something after what happened to her community. The club organizes a variety of events aimed at reducing the impact of gun violence, including drives for domestic violence victims, fundraisers, and phone banks to endorse pro-gun control candidates.
SDA at LFA includes a leadership team of project leads, a recruitment officer, and a social media manager, allowing it to have a broad range of activities. The club hosts events like phone banking sessions, drives to support victims of domestic violence, and fundraisers for gun violence prevention. Through all these initiatives, the club aims to make an impact within the school community and beyond.
One of SDA’s most impactful activities has been phone banking, where members reach out to constituents to encourage them to vote for “gun sense” candidates who prioritize gun violence prevention. Rosen says that these phone banks have been “helpful in encouraging voters who were not originally going to vote but are generally sympathetic to the cause to vote,” which “increases voter participation.” This effort increases the likelihood of pro-gun control politicians being sworn in and promoting legislation for this issue.
In addition to phone banking, SDA at LFA organizes drives to collect supplies for victims of domestic violence, which is often tied to gun violence. LFA has collected items such as hand warmers, travel-sized toiletries, and basic necessities like socks and underwear.
SDA has also hosted a voter registration drive to engage students and prepare them for their future civic duties. This focus on voting and civic engagement aligns with SDA’s mission to empower young people to participate in politics.
SDA’s commitment extends to fundraising. In partnership with Nothing Bundt Cakes, the club held a fundraiser to support gun violence prevention efforts. Events like these not only raise funds but also increase community awareness of this issue.
As SDA’s influence grows, the students at LFA remain committed to advocating for a safer and brighter future. Gun violence extends beyond mass shootings; supporting victims through fundraising, phone banking, voter engagement, and supply collection are essential parts of SDA’s mission.
