DUNKIRK — The organization that brought a peace rally to Dunkirk in August following the Charlottesville, Va., shooting will orchestrate a “March For Our Lives” event on Saturday.

The Chautauqua County Women’s Action Group is hoping the march, in honor of the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., on Feb. 14, will bring about meaningful conversations on gun and school safety.

“Thoughts and prayers are not enough; it’s time for policy and action,” Sara Dorogi, CCWAG member, told the Dunkirk Common Council recently.

She invited the mayor, council members and city staff to join students, parents, teachers and community members this Saturday at 1:30 p.m. outside the middle school. There are more than 840 marches planned worldwide.

“There’s going to be one in Buffalo and in Erie and we thought we should hold one here too,” Dorogi added.

The CCWAG was also inspired to hold the event by local youth who staged walkouts on March 17 in memory of those killed the Parkland shooting.

One of those students, Jared DeJesus, interviewed his peers and Dunkirk alumni on the subject, and received comments about how current gun laws could be improved nationally.

Julia Bennett a high schooler and older sister said she wants complete assurance that her 6-year-old sister is safe within the walls of her school and would do anything to protect her. “She’s just starting school and she needs to be safe there as well.”

“There need to be mental and physical tests that people need to take every couple years, … There should be probable cause for a gun and frequent check-ups on gun use,” honor student Arielle Harvey said.

According to the March For Our Lives website, millions of American children witness shootings every year, an experience that can have a deep and lasting impact. An estimated three million American children per year witness shootings. One study showed that children exposed to violence, crime, and abuse are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol; suffer from depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress disorder; fail or have difficulties in school; and become delinquent and engage in criminal behavior.

“On March 24, the collective voices of the March For Our Lives will be heard,” Dorogi concluded.

The rally will begin at 1:30 p.m. on the public sidewalks in front of the Dunkirk Middle School, where parking has been made available for participants. A prayer vigil in honor of the 17 school shooting victims will take place there, followed by the march to Sixth Street, and with safe crossing assistance from Dunkirk Police, cross Eagle Street, Central and Washington avenues. Participants will gather at the gazebo in Washington Park for several speakers, including students.

Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, bring water, and prepare for the weather. Signs are also encouraged.

More information is available on the official March For Our Lives website, https://marchforourlives.com and those interested may RSVP at event.marchforourlives.com or on March For Our Lives Chautauqua County Facebook event page.

“We have no idea how many people will show up, but we encourage the community to show up to support lives and school safety,” Dorogi said.