County of Sonoma
Commission on the Status of Women

The Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) was established in 1975 to promote equal rights and opportunities that enhance the quality of life for all women and girls and to address issues of discrimination and prejudice that negatively affect women in Sonoma County.

The Commission operates under the Equal Employment Opportunity Division of the County’s Human Resources Department. For more information refer to the resources provided below or contact the Commission’s office by phone at (707) 565-2693 or by e-mail.

When and where does the Commission meet?
The Commission holds its regular meeting on the 2nd Thursday of each month, beginning at 6:00 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?
The Commission's Work Plan describes the current projects and objectives.  If you have questions about the Commission’s projects, please e-mail us at csw@sonoma-county.org or call the Commission’s office at (707) 565-3323

• Women's History Month Coordinator
• Legislation and Representation Task Force
• Older Women's Task Force
• Speaker Series Task Force
• Women's Organization Liaisons

Past Commmission Sponsored Events

• Running for Office – Where Do I Begin? This seminar will help individuals who are interested in becoming involved politically about how to manage a campaign and the demands of holding public office.  It will feature local elected officials and others who work “behind the scenes” in the political arena.  The seminar will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2008.
  Event Flyer
   
• Human Trafficking Awareness Event: CSW is working in partnership with other agencies, law enforcement and community organizations to increase the public’s awareness of this modern day form of slavery that victimizes the most vulnerable members of our society.  On Wednesday, July 2, 2008 CSW will jointly sponsor a screening of the documentary “CARGO: Innocence Lost” and a panel discussion with local, regional and national experts on this issue.  The Human Trafficking Event Flyer provides details on the event:
  • Human Trafficking Event Flyer - English Version
  • Human Trafficking Event Flyer - Spanish Version

What is the status of women in Sonoma County these days?
In September 2007, the Commission released the Report on the Status of Women in Sonoma County – 2007, the culmination of the Commission’s work for the 2005 – 6 and 2006 – 2007 biennium. The Report’s conclusions are based on statistical data as well as widespread input from the public, community organizations and public agencies. Both the Full Report and an
Executive Summary are available.

How does the Commission support youth interested in women’s issues?
The Commission also continues the Junior Commissioner Project. This nationally recognized, ground-breaking project helps develop and mentor youth for leadership roles by giving them the opportunity to participate in advocacy, develop their communication and presentation skills, educate their school-aged peers about important issues and encouraging them to make a positive impact on their communities.

Each September 8 to 12 youth are selected to serve as Junior Commissioners for a one-year term. Applications are due in September.  If you would like more information about the Junior Commissioner project, please contact the Commission’s office by phone at (707) 565-2693 or by e-mail.

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?
The roster (updated September 2009) is the current listing of Commissioners.

How can I get involved with the Commission?
First, we recommend that you attend one of the Commission’s monthly meetings.   Additional information and applications are provided below.

• 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 of a Commissioner:Description of the roles and responsibilities for serving as on the Commission on the Status of Women.
  • 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 by serving on one of Commission’s project work groups, and/or helping with a special event. For more information about volunteering, please contact Commission’s office by phone at (707) 565-2693 or by e-mail.

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.

• The Women’s History Month Packet (660Kb) is developed and distributed each year to teachers throughout the County.  The packet provides support materials for educational activities related to this important event.

Additional materials, including lesson plan ideas are available by contacting the Commission’s office at (707) 565-2693 or by e-mail.
 

• The Community Resource Women - 2005 is a listing of women available to come to classrooms and share their experiences, their work, their own history or the history of American women with students.  If you would like a copy or would like assistance in identifying a speaker, please contact the Commission’s office by phone at (707) 565-2693 or by e-mail.

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