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Youth Commission on Human Rights
County Of Sonoma › Administrative Support & Fiscal Services › Human Resources › Boards, Commissions and Committees › Commission on Human Rights › Current Ad Hoc Committees › Youth Commission Project
Youth Commission on Human Rights

Youth Commission on Human Rights

Commission on Human Rights banner

The Youth Commission on Human Rights was developed by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) between 2008 and 2013 to engage high school youth ages 14 to 18 in education and activism around human rights issues within Sonoma County, as well as provide an opportunity to foster leadership skills by educating their peers, develop a voice for advocacy, and bring awareness to human rights issues affecting members of our community. The students are encouraged to be active participants in their community, engaging with elected officials, community leaders and human rights organizations. The program also provides a vehicle by which County Supervisors are able to learn about current concerns and issues important to youth and important to advancing human rights in Sonoma County.

Fun Fact: We changed our name from the Junior Commission on Human Rights to the Youth Commission on Human Rights in 2023! We changed it for different reasons, however the main reason is to align with the United Nation’s definition “without prejudice to any other definitions made by Member States—defines ‘youth’ as those persons between the ages of 15 and 24 years.” As we focus on the Universal Declaration on Human Rights as the baseline of our work on the Youth Commission, we want to be consistent with our language. Want to learn more? Click here!

Mentorship & Development Goals

  • We provide youth with the opportunity to participate in advocacy and take an active role in County government.
  • Unique opportunities for youth to develop communication, facilitation and presentation skills.
  • Education for youth about human rights issues that impact their lives. We also have the capacity to provide age-appropriate human rights materials or education for middle schoolers and children!
  • Re-empower youth to make a positive impact on their communities.
  • Provide an environment for youth to become confident in their leadership skills and strengthen self-esteem.
  • Support Youth Commissioners to investigate self-selected human rights issues and promote community practices to invest in human rights which affect youth in Sonoma County

Youth Commissioner Commitments

  • Commit to the Youth Commission project for one nine month term (concurrent with school year.)
  • Contribute to an ad hoc committee with a community service-related project.
  • Assist Commission with at least two CHR meetings, projects or community events during the year.

Time Commitment for Youth Commissioners

  • Plan to spend 6-8 hours per month on this project (monthly meetings and ad hoc projects.) There are optional side projects available.
  • Attend monthly Youth Commission meetings (Times vary and range from 2 to 7 hours.)
  • Attend ad hoc meetings with team and mentor to develop projects.

Responsibilities of Youth Commissioners

  • Attend an orientation and training session.
  • Contribute to an ad hoc committee with a community service-related project.
  • Ad Hoc Committee Meetings with Team & Relevant Community Partners 
  • Give input to the Commission regarding issues related to youth.
  • Share Commission news with their school and community.
  • Help with the outreach process for new Youth Commissioners each spring.
  • Monthly Check In with Project Mentor & Ad Hoc Team* (Adaptable Hours)*
  • Youth Commission Participation at Board of Supervisors Meeting 
  • Support 2 Community Events with the Commission on Human Rights
  • Facilitate an activity/discussion during a monthly meeting
  • Be mindful and respectful to uphold Community Agreements developed by Youth Commission annually

Benefits of Becoming a Youth Commissioner

  • Community Field Trips
  • Meet New Community Partners
  • Collaborate with Youth Across the County to Investigate Human Rights 
  • Engage with Local, State, National and Global Human Rights Realms
  • Unique Leadership, Educational and Human Rights Oriented Opportunities for Youth Available Periodically
  • Adaptable and Sustainable Mentorship Support from Youth Commission Mentors and CHR
  • Discuss Critical Human Rights Issues and Solutions with Elected Officials and Community Leaders
  • Volunteer and Community Event Hours Available
  • Letter(s) of Recommendation(s) Available for Professional and Collegiate Purposes