The Student Advocacy Council is a unique opportunity for students in the Novato Unified School District to lead positive school-wide change.
Drawing on the yli model for youth leadership development, the groups spend the initial months of the school year in capacity-building — leadership trainings, team building, and learning about social justice frameworks. Trainings are followed by research on issues affecting their schools and communities. In partnership with teachers, administrators and yli staff, the youth then develop and implement solutions to these issues.
Approximately 12 students in each school are selected by teachers, peers, and principals to participate. Schools include:
Novato High School
The Novato SAC, also known as the DEI Action Team, is composed of 8 students who are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all students can be celebrated for who they are through cultural events. In 2019, the Novato SAC was successful in helping launch the wellness center located in the East Annex which has flourished into a beautiful space for youth to receive the support they need.
Novato SAC meetings are held weekly during lunch in front of Ms. Cortez’s office. For more information, reach out to Laura Hay.
Marin Oaks High School
The Marin Oaks SAC is a group of students who dedicate a portion of their time towards changing or improving a policy on campus or their community. Last year, youth worked on a video presentation featuring all of the enrichment programs that Marin Oaks has to offer for their students. Marin Oaks is an alternative education campus so the students wanted to focus on changing the narrative of the school. The video they created was showcased at a Novato County board meeting.
This year, Marin Oaks SAC is currently meeting bi-weekly on Tuesdays.
For more information, reach out to Maria Navarro.
Hamilton Middle School
Composed of students from 6-8th grade, this SAC works to uplift student voice, build leadership skills and host events that spread knowledge and celebrate diversity at Hamilton.
Before the pandemic the SAC worked tirelessly to create a fun and cozy lounge for students to use at lunch. We now hold our SAC meetings in this space.
SAC meets bi-monthy on Tuesday during lunch. For more information, reach out to Maria Navarro.