Concerned community members gathered in Old Bethpage to focus their efforts on stopping gun violence and passing gun reform laws in New York State.

“The guns are a problem here and until we address the guns, we are not going to solve the gun problem in our country,” said member of Long Islanders for Gun Safety Rachel Klein.

The debate over gun reform comes after 23 school shootings in the U.S. so far this year, averaging out to be about one shooting a week in which someone was hurt or killed.

Organizers say that they hope to change laws and protect the public with events like these.

Teenagers from March for Our Lives Long Island say they're also trying their best to evoke change by spearheading rallies and empowering young people to register to vote.

Organizers say that real change will happen when voters elect legislators who will help them change laws in New York State regarding more than just gun reform.

“If we're going to pass gun legislation it has to accompany mental health legislation as well, or at least funding for mental health across the land,” said guest speaker Eva Pearson.

Meanwhile, there are many who do not believe that banning guns is the answer.

“They're looking to ban inanimate objects as a method of stopping [gun violence,] which it will not,” said President of the Sportman's Association for Firearms Education John Cushman. “And when it doesn't what will you ask for next?”