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Volunteer Stories

Text Team Captains: The Movement Builders Powering the Text Team

The Students Demand Action Text Team is a nationwide group of student volunteers dedicated to ending gun violence through digital outreach. By sending texts, they help mobilize people to take action. The program is designed to be accessible and flexible, allowing students to get involved from anywhere, at any time. 

In addition to its activism, the Text Team fosters a strong sense of community. It connects passionate young advocates from across the country, creating a supportive network rooted in empathy and a shared commitment to making a difference in the gun violence prevention movement.

We spoke with our seven Students Demand Action (SDA) Text Team Captains about their experience on the Text Team, the impact it’s had on their lives, and what it means to be part of a movement driven by youth, passion, and purpose. Their experiences show how digital activism can create real change and inspire others to get involved.

Answers have been lightly edited for clarity.

Why would you recommend joining the SDA Text Team?

Hayden Presley, a Students Demand Action Text Team Captain, poses for a photo taken from a high angle. Hayden is wearing a black dress with bright red high-top sneakers.

Hayden Presley

  • The SDA Text Team is an amazing community filled with flexible ways to take quick action and make a lasting impact.
Gabi Iler, a Students Demand Action Text Team Captain, poses for a photo at sunset along a waterfront.

Gabi Iler

  • You can meet passionate people who all want to fight for gun safety, and most importantly, be your friend.
Aidan Lapatine, a Students Demand Action Text Team Captain, poses for a professional photo outside while wearing a green crew-neck shirt.

Aidan Lapatine

  • It is a great place to start as a volunteer because it connects you to so many different members of our organization.
Kaya Kutzly, a Students Demand Action Text Team Captain, poses for a photo in front of the Thomas Jefferson memorial in D.C. Kaya wears a jacket and scarf.

Kaya Kutzly

  • It is a wonderful way to ease into the work that Students Demand Action does and also a way to meet and interact with people from across the United States.
Leah VanBuskirk, a Students Demand Action Text Team Captain, poses for a photo while wearing a formal long-sleeved green dress and carrying a bouquet of flowers.

Leah VanBuskirk

  • It is a great way to get involved in the gun violence prevention movement.
Jordyn Parker, a Students Demand Action Text Team Captain, takes a selfie while wearing a maroon hooded sweatshirt.

Jordyn Parker

  • If you prefer advocating from the comfort of your own home, the Text Team is the perfect way to do that.
Pearl Lee, a Students Demand Action Text Team Captain, poses for a photo outside. Pearl wears a black lace-knit sweater, a pearl headband, and blue jeans.

Pearl Lee

  • The Text Team is a simple, flexible way to get involved with SDA that fits any student’s schedule and is filled with friendly people.

Why did you choose to become an SDA Text Team Captain?

Hayden Presley:

“I decided to become an SDA Text Team Captain because I had been on the text team for a while and wanted to do more. Being a Text Team Captain allows me to interact and lead a group of diverse volunteers and help expand our movement. I’ve also really enjoyed getting to know the other Text Team Captains and what’s brought them into this work; hearing others’ stories is extremely helpful when fueling our work in this movement.”

Hayden Presley, a Students Demand Action Text Team Captain, poses for a photo taken from a high angle. Hayden is wearing a black dress with bright red high-top sneakers.

What is one reason that you enjoy being part of the SDA Text Team?

Gabi Iler:

“Every time I read a text reply from someone we’ve contacted telling me that the text team brings them hope for the future, I know I picked the right team. Our activism has a real impact, and I love hearing about how we are helping to make people feel safer in their communities.”

Gabi Iler, a Students Demand Action Text Team Captain, poses for a photo at sunset along a waterfront.
Leah VanBuskirk, a Students Demand Action Text Team Captain, poses for a photo while wearing a formal long-sleeved green dress and carrying a bouquet of flowers.

Leah VanBuskirk:

 “I enjoy being part of the Text Team because I get to connect with so many people who I share similar interests and goals with. It is also so inspiring to see everyone work together for such an important cause!”

What do you wish you would have known before joining the gun violence prevention movement?

Aidan Lapatine:

“This work is a marathon, not a sprint. I joined this movement hoping to make real, lasting change—and while every action I take with SDA contributes to that, I’ve learned that change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a long game of progress, setbacks, and persistence, and it’s so important to stay grounded in that reality.”

Aidan Lapatine, a Students Demand Action Text Team Captain, poses for a professional photo outside while wearing a green crew-neck shirt.
Pearl Lee, a Students Demand Action Text Team Captain, poses for a photo outside. Pearl wears a black lace-knit sweater, a pearl headband, and blue jeans.

Pearl Lee:

“I wish I hadn’t been as scared to speak up. You can’t count on others to create the changes you wish to see, so it is incredibly important to push yourself to get involved and advocate for your beliefs. Standing up for what you believe in will always seem scary at times, but once you do, you will likely find that more people support you than you could have ever imagined.” 

How has being a Text Team Captain shaped your understanding of activism?

Kaya Kutzly:

“Although I haven’t been a Text Team Captain for long, it has shaped my understanding of activism by showing me the true amount of planning and work that goes into organizing and advocating for gun violence prevention.”

Kaya Kutzly, a Students Demand Action Text Team Captain, poses for a photo in front of the Thomas Jefferson memorial in D.C. Kaya wears a jacket and scarf.
Jordyn Parker, a Students Demand Action Text Team Captain, takes a selfie while wearing a maroon hooded sweatshirt.

Jordyn Parker:

“By becoming a Text Team Captain, I’ve discovered there are so many different types of activism. You don’t necessarily have to protest on the streets or at your state capital. By engaging with other individuals through texts, you’re still spreading the same information you wish to convey as you would by participating in a protest.”

Ready to take action?

Join the Students Demand Action Text Team today!

Join the Students Demand Action Text Team

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