Student-run organization SOC4CHANGE led the Southern Orange County branch for the national Rally for Change event at Bill Barber Community Park in Irvine on Friday.
The Students of Orange County for Change organization, a high school student-led group advocating for stricter gun control policies, coordinated the Rally for Change walk-out on April 20 in commemoration of the 19th anniversary of the Columbine shootings. Over 100 participants attended the march including students, parents and local candidates running for congress, city councils and education boards calling on the federal government to pass stronger gun control regulations.
“The purpose of this event is to try and rally and show support for increased gun legislation,” said Jack Hartstein, an organizer of the march. “I hope that the representatives around the country look at what is going on and realize that they have to change their positions or there is a huge group of people that will vote them out of office.”
About 10 booths were stationed at the park where marchers could register to vote or acquire information about Congressional candidates and regional organizations promoting stronger gun control regulations such as Moms Demand Action, the Brady Campaign and WAVE.
Prior to marching, attendees gathered around the stage where Dana Hills student Molly Bergan performed two original songs in light of the Parkland shooting and life in Orange County. Guest speakers followed the musical act discussing the importance of the student voice, voting and resilience.
“You can do something about it,” said Brady Campaign Orange County chapter President Charles Blek. “It’s so different now and you’re so electric and you’re so alive and we are very confident that you’ll make the change and you’ll protect yourselves, because quite frankly, people who look like me have done a really lousy job of doing that.”
The marchers carried signs advocating for stricter gun control, safety and peace as they walked on the sidewalks lining the park and the Irvine Civic Center as cars honked in support of the movement. 
“I thought the event was really powerful and really embodies the student movement,” said Eva Stanton, a participant from San Juan Hills High School. “The little bit we can do speaks wonders and as long as we can get people to understand where we come from, in that we are all essentially the same, then we can make effective change.”
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