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March For Our Lives – June 24, 2025

Posted on June 24, 2025

It’s Jackie.

Today, I’m coming to you as the new Executive Director of March For Our Lives. Despite everything going on in our world today, I’m hopeful when I think about mobilizing young people to address gun violence and I’ll tell you why. 

My commitment to this movement is personal. I am a survivor of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

When we started March For Our Lives, we had no idea it would turn into the powerful youth-led movement it is today. But we knew one thing for sure: we wouldn’t sit back while our leaders did nothing to address gun violence. Too many lives depended on it.

We started as a megaphone for the movement, as a tool for young people to be able to channel their anger and fear of experiencing gun violence in their schools, on their streets, at movie theaters, and anywhere else they go. 

The first march was really an accountability tool to call out gun manufacturers, the broader gun lobby, politicians — to tell them that we call BS on the way that our systems currently operate.

Now, we have a president who is governing for the gun industry, NOT for gun safety. 

We are in another urgent moment and I’m proud to stand before you as a young woman and as a survivor at the helm of this incredible organization, ready to take this challenge head-on. 

America’s kids need March For Our Lives and we’re not going anywhere. This is a moment to evolve and to center those who have experienced exactly what we’re fighting against. 

Just as I’ve grown and changed so has the organization. I know both March For Our Lives and myself will rise to this moment and this challenge. 

I had the honor of expanding more on my own connection to this movement and the next chapter of March For Our Lives in my op-ed for Her Campus. You can read the full-op-ed below, but before you go can you donate $20.25 to help support March For Our Lives as we continue to fight for a future free from gun violence?

Donate $20.25 ››

Thank you for all that you do. We couldn’t do this without you,

Jackie 💙
Executive Director and Co-founder, March For Our Lives

When people talk about mass shootings, they focus on the noise: the sirens, the chaos, the names scrolling across the screen in news coverage. But they rarely talk about the stillness that comes after. The ringing that won’t stop. The way time splits. How your body moves through one version of reality while your mind stays stuck in another.

After February 14th, 2018 — the day that 17 of my classmates and teachers at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida were gunned down on campus — I went back to school. I sat in classrooms where others used to sit. Tried to write essays while flinching at the sound of slamming doors. Felt my heart race walking the halls, passing armed officers stationed outside our classrooms. Studied for exams while wondering if the grief would ever let my brain work again. I wasn’t physically injured, but my nervous system was completely rewired. More than the fear, what I remember is the confusion of trying to move forward in a world that had just stolen 17 futures. That’s the part people don’t see. Survivors carry the weight of what didn’t happen: lives not lived, causes not championed, futures cut short.

In the months after the shooting, I co-founded March For Our Lives with my classmates. We were grieving, but we were also determined to act. In the years that followed, I carried that purpose with me as I pursued my education — first at Harvard for my undergraduate degree, then at Oxford for my master’s — always thinking about the people who never got the chance to do the same. Although I moved forward, I couldn’t just move on. I met classmates who had fled war zones, grown up under authoritarian rule, or spent their lives fighting for the right to exist. People who had seen the worst of the world. And still, nearly all of them asked me the same question: How does a country like the U.S. let this happen to its children? The idea that school shootings were a normal part of life in America left them stunned.

Their questions stayed with me. In every room I entered, the focus was on the future — policy students debating what comes next, classmates imagining the change they’d help create. And I kept thinking: My peers should be here too. I couldn’t just study injustice from a distance. I had to return and fight the one that shaped me. That’s what brought me back — to not just organize, but help lead March For Our Lives into its next chapter as Executive Director.

Today, March For Our Lives is fighting for something that should be simple: a world where students worry about midterms, not mass shootings. Where classrooms are for learning, not lockdowns. We’re demanding what should have existed long ago: universal background checks, a ban on assault weapons, and a higher minimum age to buy a gun. And we’re calling out every part of the system that enables this crisis — from the gun industry and the lawmakers who shield it to the corporations that quietly profit while claiming neutrality.

But policy alone won’t save us. What we’re building is power: a generation of young people organizing not just to vote, but to lead. To rewrite the rules. To say, clearly and collectively, that we are not expendable. Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children and teens in the U.S. Not cancer, not car accidents. Guns. And too many lawmakers respond by making it easier to carry a weapon than to cast a ballot. But we refuse to accept that this is normal. We shouldn’t have to choose between getting an education and staying alive.

The gun lobby has money, lobbyists, and political influence. But it doesn’t have us. We’ve grown up with bloodstained headlines and bulletproof whiteboards, and we’ve had enough. You don’t need a title or a perfect plan to be part of this fight. You just have to choose not to look away.

Every day, I fight so that one less student has to text “I love you” from under a desk. So that walking into school doesn’t feel like walking into a trap. So that grief doesn’t become a language we all know by heart. We still have a say in what kind of future we live in — a future where safety is a right, not a privilege. Where children grow up instead of being buried. Where my story doesn’t have to be so familiar.

If you refuse to accept the status quo, here’s how you can fight back: Vote like your life depends on it, because for millions of us, it does — know where your candidates stand. Speak up in classrooms, at dinner tables, on social media, in student government. Make the people in power feel the weight of our voices. Hold your representatives accountable. Ask them, in public or in private, why they won’t protect kids over campaign contributions.

I’ll never know who my 17 peers and teachers would have become. I think about that all the time — what books they would’ve written, who they would’ve loved, what kind of change they might have made. That ache doesn’t go away. But I do know this: Somewhere, a student is alive because we didn’t give up. Because we turned grief into movement. Because we kept going. Those 17 futures were stolen. But ours is still here — and it’s still worth fighting for.

We Can’t Afford to Sit Back — Join the Movement Fund 💌💙

Gun violence is relentless. Our response has to be just as relentless.

The Movement Fund is how we fight back — together, every month. Recurring donations power our organizing, rapid response, youth training, and everything it takes to win.

One-time donations help. Monthly support builds the future.

Join the Movement Fund — start a recurring gift today ››

Email us: info@marchforourlives.com

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2 weeks ago

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Vaccination is described as safe, effective, and the best protection available against respiratory viruses like COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, according to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). ... See MoreSee Less

Washington state releases new vaccine recommendations ahead of flu season

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The state of Washington announced its vaccine recommendations for the 2025-26 respiratory virus season.
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2 weeks ago

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If we're reading this correctly, Trump has just broken the law by advising the public to buy Lilly stock, which is a violation of the STOCK Act - short for the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act, the STOCK Act is a 2012 law that aims to prevent insider trading among members of Congress, government officials, and their staff.🚨INVESTMENT ALERT🚨Eli Lilly is set to build a $5,000,000,000 manufacturing plant in Virginia! ... See MoreSee Less

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2 weeks ago

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What’s different now is the looming threat of entire research programs being eliminated, not just reduced.www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/our-view-sept-2025?fbclid=IwY2xjawM3oFVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHo... ... See MoreSee Less

We can’t afford to lose this much talent. PNNL layoffs put scientific progress at risk

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The real risk of PNNL layoffs is brain drain on a national scale.
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2 weeks ago

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For the first time since 2021, there are more unemployed job-seekers than available openings. ... See MoreSee Less

Trump’s Economy Is Finally Here—and It’s Even Worse Than You Imagined

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Layoffs are spreading and unemployment is rising—and one kind of worker is being hit the hardest.
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2 weeks ago

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Some good news to report this morning, but we wish Rep. Dan Newhouse would step up and work with his WA state Dem colleagues to challenge the potential shut down of Hanford's VIT plant. ... See MoreSee Less

Representatives Newhouse and Schrier push for Washington conservation bill to aid farmers

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WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA-08) and Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced a bipartisan bill to enhance conservation efforts in Washington state.
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Party Calendar

October 2025

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 2, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
3
  • Indivisible Tricities - First Fridays Happy Hour

    Indivisible Tricities - First Fridays Happy Hour

    October 3, 2025  4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Moonshot Brewing 8804 W. Victoria Ave Kennewick, WA

    We are going to start a social every first Friday of the month and BIG thanks to Moonshot Brewing who has agreed to let us meet there. Join us on Friday, Sept 5th, 4-6pm. Let’s come together and have some fun! Hope to see you there!

    See more details

•
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5
6
7
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 7, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    October 7, 2025  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
8
9
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 9, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

  • MiniVan Training: Democrats University

    MiniVan Training: Democrats University

    October 9, 2025  5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
    https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/JAmvKeUER7yEYZtEgU2dBQ#/registration

    Information you provide when registering will be shared with the account owner and host and can be used and shared by them in accordance with their Terms and Privacy Policy.

    See more details

• •
10
  • Tri-City Democrats Meeting/Potluck

    Tri-City Democrats Meeting/Potluck

    October 10, 2025  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    For current location please visit https://www.facebook.com/TriCityDems/

    See more details

•
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12
13
  • Benton County Executive Board

    Benton County Executive Board

    October 13, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

•
14
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 14, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Kennewick City Council Workshop

    Kennewick City Council Workshop

    October 14, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

    See more details

• •
15
16
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 16, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
17
18
  • NO KINGS Zillah Washington

    NO KINGS Zillah Washington

    October 18, 2025  10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    1st Avenue & Vintage Valley Parkway Zillah, WA 98953

    **In Zillah, we don’t put up with would-be kings. Come out and let your neighbors know they aren’t alone.

    Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.

    The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us.

    A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.

    See more details

  • NO KINGS Tri-Cities WA

    NO KINGS Tri-Cities WA

    October 18, 2025  11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    Columbia Center Blvd 1321 N Columbia Center Blvd Kennewick, WA 99336

    Keep your eye out for the perfect costume because this year’s HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser will take place on Saturday, October 25, at 6pm at the Pasco Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center. Costumes are encouraged at this Halloween Bash celebrating the amazing work that B5 does.

    Guests will hear an update from Executive Director Theresa Roosendaal, and hear two stories of B5 students who are thriving here in the Tri-Cities. There will be auctions, games, a costume contest, and an opportunity to win a two-year lease for a 2025 Cadillac CT4 generously donated by McCurley Cadillac! 

    You can purchase tickets at here or contact Larissa at 509-551-1643 or at larissa.knopp@thriveatb5.org.

    See more details

  • NO KINGS Walla Walla

    NO KINGS Walla Walla

    October 18, 2025  12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    Walla Walla County Superior 315 W Main St Walla Walla, WA 99362

    In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings.

    Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.

    The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us.

    A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.

    See more details

• • •
19
20
21
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 21, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    October 21, 2025  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
22
23
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 23, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

  • BCDCC General Public Meeting

    BCDCC General Public Meeting

    October 23, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

• •
24
25
  • HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser

    HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser

    October 25, 2025  6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    Red Lion Hotel Pasco Airport & Conference Center 2525 N 20th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301

    Keep your eye out for the perfect costume because this year’s HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser will take place on Saturday, October 25, at 6pm at the Pasco Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center. Costumes are encouraged at this Halloween Bash celebrating the amazing work that B5 does.

    Guests will hear an update from Executive Director Theresa Roosendaal, and hear two stories of B5 students who are thriving here in the Tri-Cities. There will be auctions, games, a costume contest, and an opportunity to win a two-year lease for a 2025 Cadillac CT4 generously donated by McCurley Cadillac! 

    You can purchase tickets at here or contact Larissa at 509-551-1643 or at larissa.knopp@thriveatb5.org.

    See more details

•
26
27
28
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 28, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council Workshop

    Richland City Council Workshop

    October 28, 2025  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
29
30
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 30, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
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