Are You Passionate About Human Rights?

The County of Sonoma Commission on Human Rights is seeking applicants for the Junior Commissioner Project for the 2020-2021 school year.

In 2008, the Commission on Human Rights began to develop the Junior Commission on Human Rights as a means to engage high school youth ages 14 to 18 in education and activism around human rights issues within Sonoma County, as well as an opportunity to foster leadership skills by educating their peers and creating ad hoc committees of their own design. Over the years, Junior Commissioners have encouraged other young students in the County to become active participants in their community, have engaged with elected officials and human rights organizations, and provided a vehicle by which County Supervisors are able to learn about current concerns and issues relating to youth and human rights in Sonoma County.

This year's Junior Commissioners have created community service projects around many of the county's most pressing human rights issues. Here is a sketch of what they are doing on behalf of our community:

Environmental Justice Ad hoc: This committee is developing a website and online gallery of the beautiful and complex ecosystems of Sonoma County with an added focus on fire recovery.

Homelessness Ad hoc: In an effort to spread awareness around the issue of homelessness in our community, and to bring attention to the need for more housing, this committee is launching fundraising efforts and learning about tiny homes.

Immigrants’ Rights Ad hoc: This committee will hold Dare to Dream: A Day of Art, Justice and Empowerment on May 2nd at Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa, with a follow up screening of May American Dreams films at the Glaser Center Auditorium.

LGBTQ+ Ad hoc: This committee is developing informational materials on LGBTQ+ identities, history and facts for schools.

Mental Health & Illness Ad hoc: This committee is creating a travelling bulletin board of student art focusing on mental health and illness.

Sonoma County high school students to evaluate racial climate in their schools. The committee will be presenting the data to school districts and school boards along with recommendations to improve school

Student Activism Ad hoc: This committee is developing the Sonoma County Youth Action Summit project and website (SOCOYAS).

Please support this project by referring young people who would benefit from this program, and by forwarding this information to faculty of students who might be interested in this project.

The Commission is particularly interested in encouraging diversity and is actively seeking youth who could help us broaden participation in this project.

Deadline for applications is April 15, 2020.

Download application in English (PDF: 228 kB)

Download application in Spanish (PDF: 218 kB)

See our 2020 flyer (PDF: 211 kB)

For further information on the Junior Commission program, please contact CHR@Sonoma-County.org.

For more information about the County of Sonoma Commission on Human Rights (CHR), please visit the CHR website or our Facebook page at CHR Facebook.

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