About Us
The Youth Coalition to End Gun Violence was born from the activism of Parkland students. Following the Stoneman-Douglas massacre, survivors voiced a nation-wide call to action.
We answered that call.
We created a state-wide student association, run by an executive board, with club chapters across Central Florida. We host events, like rallies, protests and discussions, and provide information on gun violence and efforts to stop it. We are a network mobilized for change.
Though formed from irreconcilable tragedy, the Youth Coalition's mission is to transform the youth voice in politics. After Parkland, the gun lobby proved just how much politicians value students' lives. We're changing all that.
We know that with truth, honor, and compassion, #NeverAgain can become reality.
We answered that call.
We created a state-wide student association, run by an executive board, with club chapters across Central Florida. We host events, like rallies, protests and discussions, and provide information on gun violence and efforts to stop it. We are a network mobilized for change.
Though formed from irreconcilable tragedy, the Youth Coalition's mission is to transform the youth voice in politics. After Parkland, the gun lobby proved just how much politicians value students' lives. We're changing all that.
We know that with truth, honor, and compassion, #NeverAgain can become reality.
Core Values
The Youth Coalition was founded on a very specific set of values. Find out what drives us below.
1. Life
The movement to end gun violence begins and ends with life. We want more life--for every child cut down by a stray bullet, every person allowed a gun in a time of crisis, every woman murdered by an abusive partner, and every classmate who met the muzzle of an assault rifle instead of a new day of learning. First and foremost, we demand the human right to life.
2. Safety
Gun violence doesn't only destroy lives--it destroys peace. Though many Floridians own firearms, we know that better policies and practices can save lives. By promoting the safe sale, ownership, and keeping of guns, we can cut down crime and tragic accidents. Only then will every Floridian truly be safe.
3. Community
The Youth Coalition has community in its name. We're centered around a diverse, outspoken coalition of young people. The growth of this movement begins in our own backyard. For that reason, we're committed to racial and economic justice. We understand that hatred--from racism to anti-LGBTQ+ bias--only makes gun violence worse.
4. Democracy
Today, American democracy is broken. Politics are partisan, distant, and dominated by cash. The gun debate has made this painfully clear. Yet we know that a stronger, more responsive democracy-- built by America's youth and accessible to all-- is the only path to change. We believe in expanding voting rights and fighting efforts to hurt our democracy. We'll begin by battling gun violence at the ballot box.
5. Power
Finally, we believe in power. Student power, community power, and people power. It is a common lie that nothing can be done--about gang violence, mass shootings, or even domestic abuse. We know the truth. Apathy is not an option. Each of us has immense power to enact change, no matter who you are.