adviceforpeopletryingto getinvolvedinthecommunity?

What is your

Lea: “Passion without purpose yields the worst results,” Lea says. “By first identifying the purpose of your advocacy, you cultivate a much more focused path to make a difference in your community and beyond."

How did you apply to this position?

Lea: “Before I was a Student Board Member, I was the Student Chair of the Independent Citizens Oversight Committee on Racial Justice and Equity. Through my time on the Committee, I had the amazing opportunity to meet student activists such as Zachary Patterson who introduced me to the role of a Student Board Member. I got my 200 signatures, filled out the application, and started my campaign! I had the privilege of being elected alongside San Diego High School's very own Matthew Quitoriano."

What is the role of a Student Board Member?

Zachary: “A Student Board Member is a student that serves on the governing board of their school district, their role is to not only represent students but also serve as a regular member of the Board of Education and participate in activities. Their primary constituency is the students, and their role entails going to all board meetings, making sure all the students' concerns are heard and are supported. This means visiting schools and coming up with policy proposals to better understand the school district. It's really important to understand that our school district is racially diverse and socioeconomically diverse and that the Student Board members can effectively represent all students.

Why is this position important to have?

Zachary: “Students are the center of the education system. There is no education if there are no students. We all want to make an impact on the next generation because education can change lives. Education is an equalizer. Students can share their experiences and help create policy based on lived experience. Members of the Board have not been in the education system for multiple decades. Students on the School Board have the unique ability to speak on behalf of what students need and to improve education at large. As a student board member you have the unique opportunity to create transformational change, since students' voices do matter and belong in the education system.”

Why did you start this position:

Zachary: “When I was in 7th grade I recognized disconnect; students are 100% of those being served by the education system, and 0% making decisions. I had a bad interaction with a counselor and after that moment I remember thinking, the issues that my friends and I talk about, are the same issues, year after year. If the customer of a system isn't satisfied with the product then the product needs to be changed. This is the main reason for the Student Board member, we care about your voice so much that we want you to be a part of making it better.”