Junior Commission on the Status of Women
The Junior Commission Project has been in existence since 1993 and it has become one of the Commission on the Status of Women’s most visible projects. The purpose of the Junior Commission on the Status of Women of Sonoma County is to mentor high school youth for future leadership roles in our community. Participants are exposed to issues regarding women and girls through assigned ad hoc topics. By allowing each group to create a project based on a specific topic, the junior commissioners gain experience in advocating and actively using their voices to create a positive impact in our community. During roundtable group discussions, junior commissioners are able to voice their concerns and share their views on issues impacting not just our community but the world - with their peer group and in a safe space. This engaging and empowering environment exposes them to participants from other parts of the county and allows them to develop their leadership skills. At the end of the program the projects will be presented to the Board of Supervisors (in-person or virtually) and the junior commissioners will be celebrated for their positive achievements.
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Project Manager: Commissioner Ofra Isler
Mentors: Commissioner Nancy Padian and Julie Shulman
Mentorship and Development Goals
- Provide youth with the opportunity to learn and mentor with the Commission on the Status of Women.
- Create opportunities for youth to develop communication, facilitation and presentation skills.
- Educate high school aged youth about issues that impact the lives of women and girls.
- Empower youth to make a positive impact on their communities.
- Provide environment for youth to develop leadership skills and strengthen self-esteem.
Responsibilities of a Junior Commissioner
- Commit to the project for one nine month term (concurrent with school year).
- Attend an orientation and training session.
- Attend at least 2 meetings of the Commission on the Status of Women.
- Attend monthly Junior Commissioner meetings.
- Volunteer in at least one CSW project or event.
- Junior Commissioners participate in various signature events put on by the Adult Commissioners on the Status of Women
- Attend an all-day trip to meet our legislators.
- Give input to the Commission regarding issues related to youth.
- Share Commission news with their school and community.
- Plan to spend 6-8 hours per month on this project.
- Contribute to outreach process for new Junior Commissioners each spring.