What Does the Youth Commission Do?

Ad Hoc Committees & Community Service

The Youth Commissioner Project is structured around project-based learning and advocacy. Youths break into groups to learn more about specific human rights issues facing our community, and create a community service-related project to accompany this learning. Ad hoc committee projects in the past have included educating their peers on the existence of human trafficking in Sonoma County; raising awareness and funds for the fight against poverty and food insecurity; bringing awareness to the issue of homeless and bring attention to the services provided to them by dedicated organizations; and raising funds for agencies providing services to LGBTQI Youth.

Educational Field Trips

Each year Youth Commissioners expand their knowledge by participating in various tours of community services providers -- such as the Family Justice Center, Social Advocates for Youth (SAY) and Becoming Independent -- and visiting North Bay cultural venues catering to human rights issues.  Youth Commissioners have visited the GLBT History Museum in San Francisco, and attended a meeting of the San Francisco Youth Commission on Human Rights.

Participate in Legislative Day

Youth Commissioners meet with local and state elected officials -- typically during a field trip to the State Capitol in Sacramento.

Report to Commissioners

Youth Commissioners report monthly on human rights issues affecting youth to the senior Commission on Human Rights, and provide the Commission with an update on the progress of their community service projects.

Report to Elected Officials

Youth Commissioners present the results of their ad hoc committee work to the Board of Supervisors at the end of their term.