Former Parkland Survivor David Hogg Launches Grassroots Organization to Support Young Political Leaders

email address to continue.Nashville School and the Gun Debate

In the wake of the recent shooting at a Nashville school, the debate over gun control has once again been reignited. Former Parkland student and activist David Hogg, who survived the tragic shooting that claimed 17 lives in 2018, is using his advocacy to push for more young people to enter political office.

Hogg, now 23 years old, is launching a grassroots organization called Leaders We Deserve, with the aim of helping young, progressive candidates across the country get elected to state legislatures and the U.S. Congress. The organization was founded by Hogg and Kevin Lata, who served as the campaign manager for Rep. Maxwell Frost, the first Gen Z member of Congress.

According to Leaders We Deserve, Gen Z and millennials make up 45% of the electorate but only hold 21% of state legislature seats. The organization’s PAC and SuperPAC will work with 15-30 candidates under the age of 30 in key states such as Florida, Texas, and Georgia.

Hogg believes that many of the issues surrounding gun control and other important policies are not solely coming from the federal government but also from state capitals. He emphasizes the need for both an “outside game” of holding politicians accountable and an “inside game” of getting young people into office to effect change from within.

The ultimate goal of Leaders We Deserve is to build a pipeline of young leaders who can run for higher state or federal office. The organization will provide support to prospective candidates, including campaign strategies, fundraising assistance, and endorsements.

Hogg and Lata previously worked together on Frost’s congressional campaign in 2022. Hogg gained national attention as a co-founder of March for Our Lives, a youth-driven movement that organized one of the largest anti-gun violence protests in Washington following the Parkland massacre.

Hogg believes that there are many talented and passionate young people who have emerged from the March for Our Lives movement and are now running for office. He sees Leaders We Deserve as a way to help build a pathway for these individuals and create a new generation of leaders who can make a difference.

The Nashville shooting serves as a tragic reminder of the ongoing issue of gun violence in the United States. Hogg’s efforts to get more young people involved in politics and advocate for stricter gun control laws are part of a larger movement to address this pressing issue. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how much progress can be made in preventing future tragedies and creating a safer society for all.

In what ways does Leaders We Deserve aim to raise awareness about the importance of youth engagement in politics and encourage young people to get involved in their communities

E Deserve’s website, their mission is to “empower and support the next generation of leaders who are dedicated to creating positive change and building a more just and equitable society.” They believe that young people have a unique perspective and should have a seat at the table when it comes to decision-making.

Hogg and Lata are focusing their efforts on recruiting and training young candidates who are passionate about gun control, as well as other progressive issues such as climate change, racial justice, and economic inequality. They believe that these issues are interconnected and that by addressing them holistically, they can create a better future for all.

Leaders We Deserve will provide resources and support to candidates, including campaign training, fundraising assistance, and networking opportunities. They also plan to raise awareness about the importance of youth engagement in politics and encourage young people to get involved in their communities.

Hogg has been an outspoken advocate for gun control since the Parkland shooting, co-founding the organization March for Our Lives and becoming a prominent voice in the national conversation on gun violence prevention. He has faced significant backlash and even death threats for his activism, but remains determined to make a difference.

In an interview with CNN, Hogg stated, “Young people today have grown up in a time of unprecedented activism and have been forced to become leaders in their own right. We want to bring that energy and passion into politics and ensure that young people are not only seen, but heard and valued for their ideas and perspectives.”

The organization is currently accepting applications from potential candidates and plans to endorse and support a select number of young leaders in the upcoming 2022 elections. With the recent surge of youth-driven movements such as the Sunrise Movement and Black Lives Matter, Leaders We Deserve hopes to build on this momentum and create lasting change in the political landscape.

As the gun debate continues to dominate national discussions, organizations like Leaders We Deserve are working to amplify the voices of young people and advocate for policies that prioritize public safety. By empowering young leaders and providing them with the necessary tools and support, they hope to build a future where gun violence is no longer a reality.