The L.A. Trust, students and allies start the school year strong
Washington Prep High School SAB members at a table recruiting event.
Our Student Advisory Boards (SABs) have proven to be invaluable in raising awareness and providing feedback on student outreach campaigns, and this school year promises to be another momentous year for student-led action.
The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health continues its education and outreach on student mental health, sexual and reproductive health, healthy living, and substance abuse through our SABs. We currently have 13 SABs located on high school campuses across L.A. Unified School District, including our latest addition, Sylvia Mendez High School in Boyle Heights. The SABs are managed by Adult Allies who serve as professional liaisons and educators to support the student volunteers in their education and outreach efforts to their peers.
Why Join a SAB
Throughout the year SAB volunteers are given opportunities to hone their leadership skills and develop as a persuasive public speaker. Not only does the volunteer experience look good on college applications, but the skills practiced while serving on a SAB can be life changing. For example, a recent graduate of Washington Prep High School, Taaliyah Tucker, credits her work in the SAB for helping her grow into a confident and powerful public speaker.
The Year Ahead
Belmont High School SAB members placing yellow suicide prevention ribbons on student backpacks for anti-suicide campaign week.
SAB volunteers will manage tabling events and workshops throughout the year that focus on student health issues, including HPV and other STIs, substance use, daily challenges, and safer sex. The first major campaign of the year is taking place this September and will focus on suicide prevention. The SABs are scheduled to have tables at events and post extensively on social media throughout this month. Students will share resources that are available 24/7 for those seeking help, including the Trevor Project (866 488-7386), focused on LGBTQ+ youth but open to all, and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800 273 8255 in English and Spanish). One can also text HELLO TO 741741 anytime.
SAB volunteer Emily Galvez is looking forward to the 2022 school year. “I am a senior at Jordan High School and I’m excited to be part of the SAB because this is my first year,” said Galvez. “I get to gain from these experiences and share what I’ve learned with others who might not know where or how to get the resources they need to stay in good health. I’m also looking forward to all the fun events we have planned and meeting new people.”
The L.A. Trust is proud to work with students like Taaliyah and Emily. All of our students are excited about the new school year as they prepare to share and learn with their peers. The L.A. Trust understands that the success of our school outreach efforts and the magnitude of our impact is in no small part thanks to the success of our Student Advisory Boards – and we stand ready to support them in this important endeavor.