SANDPOINT — A local couple on a mission to bring faith-based conversation to the community through a nationwide nonprofit is one step closer to achieving their goals.  

Through sheer grit and determination, Andrew and Mickey Garcia have officially brought Turning Point USA, a nonprofit founded by the late Charlie Kirk, to Sandpoint and the surrounding areas as of Oct. 7.  

Turning Point is a nonprofit organization founded in 2012 with the mission to identify, educate, train and organize students to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets and limited government. 

“Charlie Kirk poured his life into building a movement rooted in faith, freedom, and love of country. He believed America’s future depended on raising up a generation who would NEVER SURRENDER. That vision is alive and stronger than ever,” says the Turning Point USA website.  

The Garcias felt compelled to bring Turning Point USA to North Idaho after a Sandpoint walk honoring Kirk in mid-September left community members eager for more events that would inspire people to come together. 

Concluding the walk, Andrew Garcia spoke about a conversation between walkers and their desire for a Turning Point Sandpoint chapter.  

“We started thinking about it, and we prayed on it, and we slept on it and we realized that it’s definitely something that needs to happen,” said Garcia. “We wanted to start the faith-based chapter so we could be all inclusive. We want to be able to reach out to as many schools as available for those who are interested.” 

Garcia further shared that the initiative to have a faith-based focus gives the chapter an opportunity to reach multiple schools without restrictions.  

Communities all over the country have submitted applications for a Turning Point chapter in their area since the assassination of Kirk on Sept. 10.  

In a Facebook post published Sept. 24, the nonprofit reported over 121,000 requests from high school and college students nationwide to start or be a part of an existing Turning Point chapter.  

Garcia said the organization’s website was flooded with individuals wanting to start a chapter in their area, just as the Garcias aimed to do. He shared that the organization was overloaded with applications, so much so that the site had crashed multiple times due to the mass chapter requests.  

“My mom told me when I was growing up that if you want a job, or if you want something, you have to make yourself noticed and make yourself loud,” said Garcia as he described how he and his wife were able to get a Turning Point chapter in the area in about three weeks.  

Garcia recalled their efforts to make themselves noticed, each writing emails almost daily and calling the organization often before getting in touch with a regional representative.  

From there, the Garcias' application was fast-tracked and approved Tuesday.  

Now, the new chapter is currently waiting for an assigned adviser to kickstart event planning and scheduling.  

There is no official way to join the chapter yet. Those interested in participating in the cause are welcome to contact the Sandpoint chapter through its Facebook page.

“Charlie’s message really spoke numbers to us and spoke really loudly. You know, you can shoot a messenger, but it will only make the message stronger,” Garcia said.  

The Sandpoint chapter will have its first event Tuesday, Oct. 14, for the National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk, which is also Kirk’s birthday. 

The event will occur at Sandpoint City Beach at 4 p.m. and aims to honor Kirk’s life that was shaped by his faith and belief of peaceful debate and discussion.  

The event has gained traction, with 26 Facebook profiles sharing their intent to attend the event and 233 profiles showing interest. In addition to Facebook, the event received a shoutout from Bonner County Commissioner Ron Korn during Tuesday’s business meeting.  

“I would like to recognize Andrew and Mickey Garcia for putting this on, putting it together. They're in the process of getting a Sandpoint chapter for Turning Point USA. That's quite a big deal, and they can use volunteers and support,” Korn said.