As a Los Angeles native and a dog mom, I have a soft spot for LA County Animal Services. I found my dog, Rosy, at the county animal shelter 3 years ago. Therefore, seeing how the conditions of the animal shelters in LA County are for both staff and animals is truly disheartening. The shelters are facing a severe lack of manpower, and I believe our solution lies within our community, in particular with our youth. Volunteering at an early age has many benefits such as developing leadership skills, communication, and empathy. However, not enough students are aware of these opportunities, and some may lack the motivation to volunteer without a tangible reward. I propose offering a volunteer-class elective or work-study course for academic credit to students. This will encourage more students to get involved in volunteering at local animal shelters to help with staffing issues. It will also give students a well-rounded education that includes both academic and practical skills.

It's simple- Let's leverage this crisis and simultaneously teach our young valuable life skills. Creating a semester-long course in the form of an elective or work-study class. This would motivate more students to volunteer, solve the staffing issues at local animal shelters, and provide students with a multi-pronged education that combines academic and practical skills.

LA city shelters are operating beyond capacity, struggling to accommodate the escalating number of homeless animals while offering numerous other supportive services. According to the latest figures from LA Animal Services, they serve and house approximately 60,000 animals per year— an alarming number that pressures city shelters beyond their capabilities. Offering our high school students in LAUSD the opportunity to experience the issues on the ground, and better understand compassion, responsibility, and the importance of community support while simultaneously gaining high school credits.

It's a win-win situation. Join this cause, and let's help revive our city. Sign this petition to ask LAUSD to develop a program that allows high school students to earn credits by assisting at our overwhelmed city animal shelter.