Civic Engagement for Students

Looking for ways to contribute to your community?  Here's a list of ways for students to be civically engaged both inside the school district and out. Giving your time and energy to these groups allows you to gain experience and skills, and may support your potential application for the California State Seal of Civic Engagement. Students can earn a seal on their diploma and a cord to wear at graduation. For more information and to find the form to apply, see the linked document (Seal of Civic Engagement Letter).

Ethnic Studies Student Group
Role: Member

Who does this group consist of?
Students who are interested in creating education that examines power, privilege and oppression, and that centers the experiences of marginalized groups.

What does it do?
It meets to learn about, discuss and plan the student role in developing Ethnic Studies in DJUSD.

How and when to apply:
No application needed. Join by contacting Kate Snow of the Climate Office.

Who to contact for more info?

Kate Snow of the Climate Office

Diversify Our Narrative DJUSD Chapter
Role: Member

Who does this group consist of?
Secondary students, all DJUSD high schools

What does it do?
The group is focused on increasing the diversity of representation in DJUSD's English Curriculum. They work to ensure that people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and other marginalized communities are represented through the literature that is read in humanities courses in Davis.

How and when to apply:
Fill out an interest form at: bit.ly/DONInterest; ongoing.

How much time does it involve and when does it meet/do its work?
The group meets Wednesdays 3-4pm on Zoom, with optional meetings outside of Chapter meetings.

What has this group been able to do?
In the 2020-2021 school year DON has submitted public comments for Board of Education meetings. They have helped review curriculum and books for teachers. They are currently working with the District administration. They are also working on setting up community events, a book club, and more.
GENup DJUSD Chapter
Role: Member

Who does this group consist of?
Secondary students, all DJUSD high schools

What does it do?
A local group run by students for students that advocates for education equality, especially equal access to resources and representation for diverse groups of people. They tackle tasks like updating the DJUSD Health Curriculum, and working for education equity in Davis.

How and when to apply:
Ongoing

What has this group been able to do?
They have worked with Instructional Services to help update the DJUSD Health Curriculum

Who to contact for more info?
Jason Ma, DHS Junior, at [email protected]

DJUSD Board of Education
Role: DJUSD Student Trustee

Who does this group consist of?
The five elected adult members of the Board of Education and the two non-voting Student Trustees representing DSHS and DaVinci Charter Academy.

What does it do?
Represent student perspectives, offer input and insight to adult decision makers regarding policies, programs and actions of DJUSD.