What Is the Students Demand Action National Training Team?

Students Demand Action is made up of high school and college-aged students organizing to end gun violence in America. A critical part of that organizing is bringing others into the gun violence prevention movement. And one way we do that is through the National Training Team.

The National Training Team works to provide Students Demand Action leaders with the tools, knowledge, and skills they need to be a ground-breaking generation of advocates and organizers. Members of the team facilitate live workshops, craft toolkits, and more! Their work is essential to ensuring that our on-the-ground organizers are equipped with everything they need to end gun violence.

We asked five members of the Students Demand Action National Training Team about their experience so far. Read below to hear why they joined, how the team has influenced their advocacy, and why others should get involved.

Why did you join the National Training Team?

Sophia Lombardo (she/her)

• New York

  I was involved in Students Demand Action in high school. When I got to college, I knew I wanted to be even more involved in the gun violence prevention movement. I joined the National Training Team to devote more time to educating both myself and my college peers.

Emily Padrow (she/her)

• Oregon

  I joined the National Training Team to advocate on a different level in the gun violence prevention movement. Through the team, I can connect with a diverse range of people at our online training sessions.

Salsabil Qaddoura (she/her)

• Indiana

  I became part of the National Training Team because I wanted to expand my impact with Students Demand Action. I use what I have learned as a Students Demand Action group leader to onboard and educate other youth leaders. I interact with students across the country who have a strong determination to inspire positive change. Our trainings center around making our communities safer and better places.

Jakoby Mitchell (he/him)

• South Carolina

  I joined to help others navigate through their advocacy journey. For some students, this is very new; for others, they’ve been on the journey for a while. We all have new things to learn and new things to teach to others—this team helps others learn while learning ourselves!

Sophia Wong (they/them)

• California

  I joined the National Training Team to be more involved in Students Demand Action and grow as a leader, activist, and person. I wanted to diversify my understanding of how to lead and train, and to meet other leaders from across the country!

Why did you first join Students Demand Action, and what keeps you involved today?

Sophia Lombardo (she/her):

I have been involved with Students Demand Action since 2018, which was my first year of high school. My sister and I co-founded my chapter at my high school after the Parkland shooting and we gained a small yet strong following. My sister and I started the group because we wanted others in our school community to join us in fighting the gun violence epidemic.

After many movie nights and meetings, we went to our first Advocacy Day in Albany. I was able to meet so many other incredible student advocates my age as well as Moms Demand Action volunteers. Seven years later, I continue to rely on the experiences and advice from that day. Today, I am a member of the Text Team, Welcome Text Team, and the National Training Team in Students Demand Action. I have stayed in this work because we continue to evolve as individuals and as a movement. The gun violence prevention movement is not catered to a specific age, identity, or socioeconomic status; it is energizing, not static. Students Demand Action reflects that and is consistently new and fulfilling. No two meetings are the same, and we continue to welcome more and more volunteers each day.

Emily Padrow (she/her):

I joined Students Demand Action after the Robb Elementary shooting in Uvalde, Texas, in May 2022. I’m currently going to school to become an elementary school teacher. The shooting in Uvalde made me want to find out how I can help prevent shootings from happening around the country. The safety of myself, my future students, and others across the country has kept me going. Gun violence isn’t something we should have to worry about—in the classroom, or anywhere else.

I started as a Text Team member in 2022, and I’ve enjoyed it. Even after joining the National Training Team, I’ve continued to text—it’s an easy, on-the-go way to advocate for gun violence prevention. It is flexible, and I can do it when I’m available. It is so satisfying to send hundreds and thousands of texts to individuals across the country.

Salsabil Qaddoura (she/her):

My family has been impacted by gun violence and, as I got older, I realized how unfortunately common that experience is. When I started high school, I engaged in more local conversations and initiatives. These made me realize just how much gun violence was plaguing our communities, particularly youth.

My high school of over 4,000 students had several incidents involving a gun. In one of the most recent, a student brought a Glock pistol modified as an assault weapon. These incidents combined with my family’s experience with gun violence prompted me to start a chapter of Students Demand Action at North Central High School in 2022, where I led it for two years. I wanted to provide a safe space to learn and help others by directing them to resources and support they might not otherwise have known were available to them. 

Today, I am part of the National Training Team and the Arab Affinity Group with Students Demand Action. I am also a speaker for local events in collaboration with Indiana Moms Demand Action and other chapters of Students Demand Action. Continuing my work means that I will keep learning and be able to teach others from my experience.

Jakoby Mitchell (he/him):

I’ve been an advocate with Students Demand Action for two years. My entryway into this organization came from speaking at the “Don’t Look Away rally.” During this rally, I connected with so many great leaders and survivors. They shared many stories of experiences they had with gun violence and its profound impact on them. After the rally, I knew I wanted to be a part of something that fights for change and helps others heal. Knowing we are all together and fighting for safety keeps me involved!

Two years later, I’ve been meeting with many legislators, congressional members, and representatives to talk about the issue of gun violence and to demand change surrounding our unfit gun laws.

Sophia Wong (they/them):

I started a Students Demand Action chapter during my freshman year of high school after my close friend died by suicide using a gun. Her death was a wake-up call for me; I was shocked by how accessible and obtainable guns can be. I realized that the lack of regulations on guns only further exacerbated the mental health crisis impacting my community and my generation.

In my school community, I want to create dialogue and awareness around the gun violence prevention movement, as well as create a supportive space for people to get access to resources. I joined the National Training Team in 2024 and look forward to the change we can make together.

What is the most fulfilling part of being on the National Training Team?

Sophia Lombardo (she/her)

• New York

  It has been incredible to meet so many motivated volunteers, both older and younger than me. Although I haven’t met any in person, I feel so connected to every member and feel immediate comfort when I co-facilitate calls with them. We frequently rely on each other for advice and a greater sense of hope. My fellow volunteers are not afraid to speak their minds or be transparent with others during meetings, which has helped me grow in communicating with others.

Emily Padrow (she/her)

• Oregon

  I love seeing the involvement of the individuals who join our calls. People are super excited to get involved with Students Demand Action, and it shows. My prior connections happened over text as part of the Text Team. Connecting with people face-to-face, even if it’s over Zoom, has been even more inspiring.

Salsabil Qaddoura (she/her)

• Indiana

  It has been rewarding to connect with other youth who are passionate about making a positive difference. We come from all backgrounds and identities, with different races, ethnicities, genders, religions, and political affiliations. Regardless of our differences, our common ground is wanting a better and safer country for everyone. I am constantly motivated and inspired by my fellow peers who have dedicated their lives to helping others.

Jakoby Mitchell (he/him)

• South Carolina

  Despite the gravity of our work, we manage to laugh and have fun with one another. It’s so great to see others come and learn, and to connect in such meaningful ways.

Sophia Wong (they/them)

• California

  It is powerful to see other teens and young adults as passionate and dedicated to ending gun violence as I am.

What is your favorite workshop or call to facilitate? Why?

Sophia Lombardo (she/her):

I truly love facilitating the Suicide Prevention and Awareness workshops that I co-created. I learned so much in that process, particularly about the harmful language that so many of us use while speaking about suicide. 

In one session, I presented to over 60 students at my college and shared about the specific impact of suicide prevention and awareness on college students. I remember looking at my phone after presenting and receiving numerous “thank you” texts from students. Some of them had never thought deeply about the topic before; others had been directly impacted. It was meaningful to know that I had a positive role in making my peers feel seen and heard.

Emily Padrow (she/her):

Our Welcome Calls are my favorite calls to facilitate. They are the first step in getting involved with Students Demand Action. That means many attendees are so excited to learn more about the different ways to advocate for gun violence prevention. I’m also looking forward to facilitating our election season workshops!

Salsabil Qaddoura (she/her):

I enjoy facilitating the microaggressions workshop. When advocating for change, we need to be clear in our communication and respectful; we have to be conscious of how we interact with one another. Educating people on microaggressions is so critical to what we do, both inside and outside of Students Demand Action.

Jakoby Mitchell (he/him):

The Storytelling sessions are something I’m passionate about. I want to help others know there is never a wrong time to share their story. Sharing your personal experiences can be a signal to help someone else share theirs. These stories can make a big difference in changing minds—and laws—on gun violence prevention. 

Sophia Wong (they/them):

I’m going to facilitate an Intro to Gun Sense Candidates workshop soon. I’m excited to help first-time voters—and other peers—understand the power of their vote in electing people who will make change on issues of gun safety. 

What excites you about facilitating elections workshops, and why do you think students should join the sessions?

Sophia Lombardo (she/her):

I love hearing the novel ideas that my peers think of about events and other activities to gain greater retention and recognition of the importance of voting. As a college student, I especially love spreading this information to my friends and peers on campus. This can look like familiarizing them with voting procedures or tips as they research candidates.

It is SO important for students, especially those who are not yet of voting age, to make an impact on their communities! The election workshops are full of ways to help yourself and your community during this upcoming election season. You will feel so gratified once you help everyone around you with all of the amazing information you learn from our lovely facilitators!

Emily Padrow (she/her):

This is my first election season with Students Demand Action, and we have so many great workshops to educate and get people involved in gun violence prevention. I’m excited to engage with a variety of students. Some might even be voting in their first election! Students should join the election workshops so that they can learn more about Gun Sense Candidates and voting. The electoral process can be overwhelming at first glance, and I wish that I would’ve had this opportunity going into my first election season. These trainings will be so beneficial.

Salsabil Qaddoura (she/her):

I’m excited to educate others on how to mobilize and support candidates with the best interest of those they wish to serve in mind. The legal system is very relevant to the work we do and one of the most impactful ways we can inspire change is by electing Gun Sense Candidates. The more knowledge we have, the better action we can take. These workshops are the perfect opportunity to educate yourself on how your vote and voice can impact your own communities. They will also teach you how to determine which candidates support our mission so you can join our work during this critical time.

I also look forward to providing clear and accurate information, and reiterating that our work isn’t strictly Republican or Democrat. Regardless of political affiliation, gun violence impacts everyone. Supporting common-sense gun legislation and secure gun ownership is critical to determining the safety of our country. 

Jakoby Mitchell (he/him):

I’m most excited about learning from and connecting with others! Students should join our election workshops to hear from—and get to know—peers. Then you can take the learnings and connections from those trainings and apply them to your own life.

Sophia Wong (they/them):

Meeting new people and keeping the wheels of our organization turning!

The workshops are very helpful in getting a sense of what we do, and we will guide you each step of the way. The workshops are very small so you can get individual help and learn more about the various approaches we take to ending gun violence.

Please attend one! Don’t be shy! We will not put you on the spot.

What motivates you to elect Gun Sense Candidates? What difference do you think they can make?

Sophia Lombardo (she/her):

Electing Gun Sense Candidates can make a world of difference in our community and nation. Gun Sense Candidates prioritize the regulation of firearm legislation, mental health resources, and the overall safety of their community.

Emily Padrow (she/her):

My future as an educator motivates me to work to elect Gun Sense Candidates. These candidates are so important for our country as they will be part of the driving force in gun violence prevention in America. They advocate for policies such as universal background checks, red flag laws, closing loopholes in existing legislation, and so much more. Without their help, it will be much more difficult to address gun violence and create safer communities.

Salsabil Qaddoura (she/her):

Regardless of political affiliation, I want to support candidates who want the best for those they are running to serve. Common-sense gun legislation means working across the aisle to make policies that protect all citizens. As youth voters, we can make a difference! By electing the right candidates, we can be part of the work to make our legal system reflect the values we want to see. Our votes and voices can also hold the gun industry accountable for profiting off of the violence that has taken the lives of many.

Jakoby Mitchell (he/him):

What motivates me to work to elect gun-sense candidates is when I see how others are starting to become aware of the issue of gun violence and the work they’re willing to put in to change the problem. It motivates me to ensure that those in office share those same values.

Sophia Wong (they/them):

It motivates me to know that there are people in power who can make a huge difference in our communities. It’s my greatest pride to work to elect these candidates.

What gives you hope going into the 2024 election?

Sophia Lombardo (she/her)

• New York

  Our generation, Gen Z, is arguably the most active and passionate generation filled with empowered advocates. We understand the importance of voting, and we have firsthand experienced the detrimental effects of poor leadership. Voter turnout is higher than ever, thanks to young voters acknowledging the impact of their voices and votes.

Emily Padrow (she/her)

• Oregon

  The new generation of voters coming in has such a broad range of knowledge. With their votes, I am hopeful we will see some more Gun Sense Candidates getting elected into office so that we can get one step closer to gun violence prevention.

Salsabil Qaddoura (she/her)

• Indiana

  Youth who dedicate their time to making a difference are the hope we need. We will work hard and put every ounce of energy into making our country a safer place for everyone. That’s hope and reassurance enough for what our future will look like. As long as people are kind, considerate, and driven with the right intentions to help others, we will always be winners by that mindset alone.

Jakoby Mitchell (he/him)

• South Carolina

  The changes many legislators or election candidates are willing to make are what give me hope in the 2024 election year. As I see the small changes in laws in different areas of the world, it shows that each day, we are one step closer to a better reality and a hopeful future. It may not always come at a fast pace, but it’s better than nothing.

Sophia Wong (they/them)

• California

  It gives me hope that more Gun Sense Candidates are gaining traction in their communities and that hopefully more will be elected.

What would you say to someone who is ready to get to work electing Gun Sense Candidates, but isn’t sure where to start?

Sophia Lombardo (she/her):

Research, research, research! Before helping others, it is important to first gather all information to improve your own mindset and beliefs. It is one thing to listen to the opinion of a friend or colleague, but it is even more important to rely on your personal opinions and real facts that can be found through scouring legitimate sources. Facts are the strong basis that can start your journey of advocating for Gun Sense Candidates.

Emily Padrow (she/her):

Start with something small, like attending one workshop. See how you feel and go from there! You can start your advocacy journey or stay involved by going to more workshops. You can also take your advocacy further by joining initiatives like the Text Team or an affinity group. There are so many different avenues that you can take with Students Demand Action that accommodate your needs, time, and comfort levels.

Salsabil Qaddoura (she/her):

Check out the Students Demand Action website and reach out to local chapters or leaders to help our movement. The best way to go is to educate yourself and apply that knowledge to your own community. If you are a part of Students Demand Action, be sure to attend our workshops to stay updated and informed.

Jakoby Mitchell (he/him):

Get involved right away! It can be a little scary because it’s something you’re not used to—but this is a great way to connect with others and learn more. The people that you are working with are people who love and care for you. They will help you in any way possible. Most importantly, prioritize your mental health!

Sophia Wong (they/them):

Go to gunsensevoter.org!