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.
Our latest endeavor is the development of a Women’s Coalition of organizations here in Sonoma County. We are proud to roll-out a new program within the Commission of the Status of Women that will reach our women by being in support of some of their needs through a Resource for Women and Girls.
Women’s History Month Events This Year
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.
Please call for meeting location.
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 contact us at:
- Contact:
- Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)
- Phone:
- (707) 565-2693 Work
- Email:
- csw@sonoma-county.org
Commission Projects
- Junior Commission
- Women’s History Month
- Representation Events
Past Commission Sponsored Events
- Women’s Coalition SCCWO Event Flyer – January 26, 2013 (PDF: 163 kB)
- Women’s Coalition SCCWO Event Agenda – January 26, 2013 (PDF: 128 kB)
- Women’s History Awards Luncheon March 11, 2012 (PDF: 94 kB)
- Women Honoring Women" Awards Press Release – February 8, 2012 (PDF: 228 kB)
- Public Forum on Issues Impacting Sonoma County’s Women & Girls February 5, 2010 (PDF: 127 kB)
- Foros Públicos en Cuestiones que Impactan a las Mujeres y Niñas del Condado de Sonoma Sábado, 05 de Febrero del 2010 (PDF: 134 kB)
- Public Forums on Issues Impacting Sonoma County’s Women & Girls - in English
- Foros Públicos en Cuestiones que Impactan a las Mujeres y Niñas del Condado de Sonoma - En Español
- 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, April 12, 2012. Guide to Community Involvement at Empire College – April 21, 2012
- 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:
Historically speaking, what was the Status of Women in Sonoma County back in 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 were based on statistical data as well as widespread input from the public, community organizations and public agencies:
How does the Commission Support Youth Interested in Women’s Issues?
The Commission also continues the Junior Commissioner Project (PDF: 41 kB). 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 (PDF: 77 kB) are due in September. If you would like more information about the Junior Commissioner project, please contact the Commission’s office.
2012-2013 Junior Commissioner Project Final Report (PDF: 4.52 MB)
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 is the current listing of Commissioners. There are currently openings in every district. The Commission encourages women who want to make a difference in their community to apply.
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.
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