By Eileen Wingard
LA JOLLA, California –Two remarkable young people, Sofie Whitney and Brendan Duff, both alumni of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, were at the Lawrence Family JCC last Sunday evening, talking about the shooting at their high school on February 14, 2018. They were interviewed by Jordan Harrison, senior director of programs at Reality Changers
Seventeen people were killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High school, a tragedy which motivated the formation of the largest youth-led movement, March For Our Lives. This organization, which Sofie and Brendan helped found, has 250 chapters, including one in San Diego. A month after the Parkland killings, MFOL generated a million-strong march on Washington, D.C. and 800 other marches throughout the world.
Sofie and Brendan also contributed to the best-selling book, Glimmer of Hope, which was on sale after the program. The book describes the history and purpose of March For Our Lives.
The two young speakers, leaders in the movement, work tirelessly to achieve ten policy goals, as outlined in their book. Although most of their goals focus on gun control laws, such as universal background checks, limiting assault weapons, disarming abusers, requiring safe gun storage and gun theft reporting, they also work for intervention programs, using violence reduction strategies.
As Sofie commented, “Nearly every teenager feels stressed and depressed and we need more access to mental health resources in our schools.”
Brendan and Sofie spoke about the need to address gun control issues with people who disagree with them.
“We need to listen carefully and try to find some common ground,” advised Brendan.
They also emphasized the need for teen voter registration so that the students can exercise more clout with politicians and influence elections. They complained about the apathy and complacency of some politicians they have encountered.
Attending the free event were a number of dignitaries including Raquel Vasques, Mayor of Lemon Grove, Cindy Marten, San Diego City Superintendent of Schools, Marie Raftery, President of Jewish Family Service, and the family of Lori Gilbert Kaye, who was killed last April in a terrorist attack at the Chabad of Poway.
Betzy Lynch, CEO of the Lawrence Family JCC, welcomed the audience. At the end of the program, she announced a forthcoming program, also under the auspices of Community Divided/Humanity United, scheduled for July 25, featuring members of diverse religious communities in San Diego.
The program opened with a San Diego teen, Emily Fisher, reading a poem by her mother, Lorraine Fisher, entitled, TIME FOR ACTION (excerpts)
From lockdowns to sirens,
These kids live in fear,
Always thinking that the next
Active shooter is near.
So we channel our rage,
Our sorrow, our fear.
And come together at vigils
To shed communal tears.
How ‘bout now we act?
Finally. It’s time.
It’s more than thinking simply
That the punishment fit the crime.
Enough is enough.
Time to MARCH FOR OUR LIVES.
In the ultimate battle
Simply to survive.
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Wingard is a freelance writer based in San Diego. She may be contacted via eileen.wingard@sdjewishworld.com