County of Sonoma
Commission on Human Rights

Current Events

Information on the Commission is provided below.  You can also contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Division at (707) 565-2693 or via e-mail at chr@sonoma-county.org.

When and where does the Commission meet?
The Commission holds its regular meeting on the 4th Tuesday of each month, beginning at 5:30 PM.  Meetings are held in the Human Resources Training Center, located at 575 Administration Drive, Suite 117C, Santa Rosa, CA 95403.

• Agenda & Minutes
• Information on Commission Meetings and Public Comment

What are the Commission’s goals, projects and activities?
TheWork Plan describes the Commission’s current objectives and projects.  The Plan has been approved by the Board of Supervisors.

How is the Commission organized?
The Commission is comprised of 15 members; 3 from each supervisorial district.  The Commission’s structure of Liaisons, Coordinators, and Ad Hoc Committees allows it work effectively in accomplishing its goals.

Who is on the Commission?
TheRoster is the current listing of Commissioners. (updated 10/27/2009)

• Commissioners are appointed by their respective Supervisor and serve for a 2-year term.  Commissioners are expected to attend monthly Commission meetings and work on at least one Commission project.
  • Role & Responsibilities of a Commissioner: Description of the roles and responsibilities for serving on the Commission on Human Rights.
  • Commissioner Application: Commissioners are appointed by their respective Supervisor (3 to each district) and serve for a 2-year term.   The application form is available at the Board of Supervisors Web site.
     
• Volunteers are members of the public who work with the Commission in several ways.  You can assist Commissioners at an event, help share information about the Commission’s work at an exhibition, or support one of CHR’s projects.   For more information about volunteering please contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Division at 707-565-2693 or via e-mail at chr@sonoma-county.org.

What is the major annual event that the Commission sponsors?
The Rev. James E. Coffee Human Rights Awards, inaugurated in 2004, honor and celebrate individuals, businesses, and organizations from our community whose outstanding contributions on behalf of human rights have made Sonoma County a welcome home to a diverse population.

The Commission has begun plans for the 2009 Awards program and is now accepting nomination applications.

Nomination Application 2009

What resources are available through the Commission?
The Commission has developed a number of brochures and other information to help promote better human relations in Sonoma County.  Here are a few:

• Anti-Bias Resource Guide
  Originally developed as a resource to help local educators identify classroom speakers, the Guide is a valuable resource for information on organizations that work to achieve acceptance of diversity.
   
• Pyramid of Hate:
  The Pyramid of Hate is a valuable tool in understanding how intolerance and hate are developed.
  English Version
  Spanish Version