How can I become a Youth Commissioner?

Each spring 15 to 20 youth are selected to serve as Youth Commissioners for a nine-month term that runs concurrent with the school year.

Opportunity

• The opportunity to take an active role in supporting human rights with local community groups and the County of Sonoma.

Skills

• Develop and uplift your communication, leadership, critical thinking, human rights expertise, advocacy and public speaking skills! There are multiple opportunities available to help you learn and explore your abilities.

Educate

• Insight into human rights issues impacting the lives of you and your peers. You will learn about many human rights topics, violations and what we can do to help make a difference in our community. Every month we have a different “focus” or theme we explore.

Re-Empowerment

• A chance to make a positive change in your community! 

• We believe that youth inherently have the ability to make a positive change, however, there may be barriers for teenagers to enact positive human rights changes in the world. 

• Since you already have the ability to make a wonderful change in the world, the Youth Commission is here to re-empower you to remember and explore your skills with other youth!

Leadership

• Develop leadership skills through fun activities, community building, networking, presentation building, and working with knowledgeable peers to compliment your skills!

  Benefits of Becoming a Youth Commissioner

  • Individualized Mentorship Support
  • 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
  • If you are a 9th-11th grader, you are guaranteed a spot on the Youth Commission for the upcoming year!