Manual’s newly formed club, Student Demands Action (SDA), is a coalition of young activists dedicated to ending gun violence in the United States. This week, they hosted Representative Rachel Roarx, the youngest member ever elected to the Kentucky State House of Representatives, to discuss the ongoing crisis of gun violence and how young people can take action.
Gun violence remains the leading cause of death for children ages 1-17, surpassing car accidents and cancer. As the issue continues to impact communities nationwide, Roarx has made public safety a key focus of her legislative career. Recently re-elected, she also championed healthcare, local development and community initiatives..
Roarx graduated from the University of Louisville with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. She concentrated on Law and Public Policy and minored in Social Change. While in college, she worked the night shift as an Administrative Assistant at UPS. However, it was her personal experience with gun violence that ultimately propelled her into politics, fueling her passion for legislative change.
Throughout the meeting, Roarx spoke about the challenges of addressing gun violence in Kentucky, emphasizing the political and societal barriers that make passing legislation difficult. One significant obstacle is the lack of open conversation and normalization around the issue, which hinders efforts to implement effective solutions. She stressed the importance of lawmakers and citizens engaging in meaningful discussions that bridge ideological divides.
“If we continue to talk about gun violence like it’s a dirty topic, then we don’t find the places where we are willing to compromise and have commonality. Just continuing those conversations is important,” Roarx said.
Roarx also emphasized the power of youth activism, encouraging young people to share their experiences and perspectives in political spaces. She described how firsthand student accounts can shift lawmakers’ perspectives, particularly those resistant to reform.
Behind closed doors, she has witnessed young activists speak to conservative representatives detailing the daily fear and uncertainty they face in schools. These personal testimonies, she noted, are eye-opening to legislators and can cause them to reconsider their stance. She advised students to connect with organizations that align with their views, but also stressed the importance of individual action.
“The number one way you can get involved is to find a group that is advocating around the issue the way you have…the second way that I would say is equally as important is for you to write your state representative and share why you’re so passionate about the issue.”
Roarx encouraged students to stay engaged, whether it be through voting, or directly lobbying lawmakers. She urged them to continue sharing their stories and using their voices to demand action.
She reminded students that young people can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of gun policy and public safety in Kentucky and beyond.
Roarx emphasized that young activists hold more power than they realize when engaging with lawmakers. She encouraged students to step into political spaces with confidence, reminding them that their voices are both valuable and necessary in the fight for meaningful change.
“I would say, number one, you’re very powerful to be in a space. People don’t expect youth to be coordinated and present, and they also really want to hear from youth,” Roarx said. “Remember that you are still like everyone else — you are still someone’s constituent, and they want to hear from you. Just go in with confidence. Everyone’s nervous, don’t let your youth be a barrier.”
Roarx acknowledged that speaking to elected officials, especially those with opposing views, can feel intimidating. However, she assured students that lawmakers value direct engagement from their constituents, regardless of age. She emphasized that while young people may feel underestimated, their ability to share real life experiences and fresh perspectives makes their advocacy especially important.
As the discussion came to a close, Roarx left students with a powerful message: their voices matter, and their advocacy can create real change. The event served as a reminder that young people are not just future leaders–they are leaders now. By organizing, speaking up and pushing for legislative action, they have the power to share the policies that affect their communities. As SDA continues its work, Roarx’s visit further inspires students to stay involved and fight for a safer, more just future.
For those interested in taking action, SDA holds monthly meetings on Mondays from 2:30 to 3:20. All students are welcome to stop by, learn more about the club and find ways to get involved in the movement against gun violence. For more information, visit SDA’s Instagram.
