WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) — A West Lafayette student-led strike brought a big turnout Friday afternoon.

People came out to tackle the topic of climate change. Students, parents, professors and city leaders all took turns speaking on the issue. They shared a message of change beginning with yourself.

Speakers encouraged people to recognize their own habits contributing to the climate crisis.

They also encouraged people to bring their climate concerns to local and state lawmakers.

West Lafayette High School protest organizers Annabel Prokopy and Abby Lee say being a leader doesn't have one particular age.

“It shows the community that you don't have to be an adult or an older person to make a difference and when a group of really passionate teenagers come together, we can make a difference,” said Annabel Prokopy.

Lee said she hopes attendees left the event empowered to make a difference beyond the strike. 

“Individually a tiny West Lafayette climate strike isn’t going to make such a huge difference but it’s when we all work together around the world, all of us in this town, that we’re really going to make a difference,” said Abby Lee.

This protest was part of a global strike on Friday called Fridays for Future Movement. The students plan to host another strike later this year.