How can I become a Youth Commissioner?

The 2026 - 2027 Youth Commission Application is open!

 We are offering 2 opportunities for high schoolers during the 2026-2027 academic year:

Seasonal Youth Commissioner Volunteer

Optional and seasonal volunteer opportunities for interested students. Optimal for students with busy schedules, looking to learn more about human rights, earn volunteer hours and engage with local community sites. Invitations and updates about local events, human rights action items, educational projects and relevant opportunities. We will offer and coordinate at least 6 volunteer opportunities throughout the academic year. Students can sign up and learn more here: https:tinyurl.com/2026YCHRapp

~No interview required for this role! 

 Focused Youth Commission Cohort

Youth Commissioners choose relevant human rights topics in the community and develop an action-oriented human rights capstone project. This year's Youth Commission "ad hoc" groups have focused on developing campaigns or workshops related to education, environmental, systemic justice, labor rights and health care. (We currently have a health care art competition and it is open until 8/24!) Youth Commissioners meet monthly for an avg of 4 hours with other students across Sonoma County, develop human rights projects and dedicate themselves to at least 70 hours of volunteer service. Learn more and apply here: https:tinyurl.com/2026YCHRapp

~Interviews and final application decisions occur throughout the summer

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!