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), Becoming Independent and Mentor Me Petaluma -- and visiting North Bay cultural venues catering to human rights issues.  Over the years, Youth Commissioners have visited the SF Museum of Modern Arts, Andy’s Park, Mitote Food Park, TedxSonoma, Earthseed Farm, GLBT History Museum in San Francisco, and attended a meeting of the San Francisco Youth Commission on Human Rights.

Participate in Optional Ad Hoc Field Trips and Community Events

Youth Commissioners also have the option to attend local human rights venues to learn more about their selected human rights topics and develop their ad hoc projects. These field trips are coordinated by their project mentor(s) who is a Commissioner on Human Rights and may also receive additional mentorship from the CHR and community partners.

There are additional community events that may arise and side projects Youth Commissioners can support with. Community events vary from tabling with the Commission at a community event, supporting a Youth Commission workshop, volunteering with local organizations and more!

Mentorship Support

Mentors are senior Commissioners who help guide Youth Commissioners with their ad hoc projects in terms of connecting them to local partners, facilitating community partner meetings, suggesting appropriate human rights protocol, and assisting with administrative processes.

Youth Commissioners provide Mentors (Commissioners) with regular updates on the progress of their community service projects and how they would like their Mentors to support them. Mentors schedule meetings and field trips for the ad hoc teams to further their understanding, relativity and expertise surrounding a chosen human rights topic.

Report to Commissioners

Youth Commissioners report monthly (or as needed) on human rights issues affecting youth during meetings with Mentors. During monthly senior Commission meetings, the project manager and Mentors provide updates to the CHR..

Report to Elected Officials

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