Do you have something you want to say? Then you should you join the Oakland Youth Commission (OYC)! We are seeking passionate youth aged 13-18 to join our 2022-2023 cohort! You can learn how to use your voice to implement change in Oakland. We also welcome transitional-aged-youth between 18 to 25 to join us as Peer Advisors and Community Advisors. If you would like to learn more, feel free to review our presentation: OYC 101. Apply at bit.ly/oycapp22 by our early deadline of Friday, June 17th. Submissions will be reviewed on a continuous basis until all seats are filled.
Oakland Youth Commission
The Oakland Youth Commission (OYC) empowers youth to enter the public arena and tackle important issues related to public safety, housing, civic engagement, and health. Formed in 1985, OYC advises City Council and the Mayor on youth priorities. We currently have 17 youth between the ages of 13 and 18. We welcome transitional-aged youth between 18-25 to join us as Peer Advisors and Community Ambassadors.
Interested in Learning More?
Provide your information with us and we will get in touch with you shortly.
2021-2022 Commissioners
Executive Committee Members from 2021-2022 Cohort
- Aniyah Story, D2, Co-Chair
- Estefany Velasquez, D7, Co-Chair
- Mia Hatfield, D1, Operations Officer
- Benjamin Salop, D1, Government Affairs Officer
- Giselle Venegas, D7, Social Media Officer
- Kai Medina-Safir, D3, Graphic Design Officer
Subcommittees
- Oakland Youth Vote and Civic Engagement
- Transitional Aged Youth Homelessness
- Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy
- Citywide Youth Strategic Planning
- Citywide Youth Engagement Training
- Oakland Shadowing Program
- Oakland General Plan
Transitional Aged Youth Homelessness
On April 25th, 2022, our panel of 12 youth commissioners, 4 Youth Advisory Board (YAB) members, and 2 Career Technical Education (CTE) Hub youth leaders MADE HISTORY as the FIRST ever Youth Homelessness Hearing! We as a community gathered at the City Council meeting to be heard by 94 attendees and over 20 callers made up of youth and adult allies. Every single contribution was worthy and moving. Many of us were deeply touched by pain and hope. We appreciate you all for your presence.
This monumental hearing convinced the City Council to unanimously support our proposal to form a Task Force with Council President Pro Tempore Sheng Thao at the helm. In the coming weeks, our coalition will meet with CM Thao’s office to coordinate next steps. We hope that you will continue to be part of our journey to stop and prevent youth homelessness.
- Read more about this hearing at the Oakland Voices news article.
- Watch the recording of the hearing
Oakland Youth Vote and Civic Engagement
Since Measure QQ was passed in 2020, we have been working to ensure young people can get registered to vote before the 2022 school board elections. As part of this work, we are pushing the District to implement programming to expand voter registration across the District starting in Fall 2022. On June 22nd, the Oakland Unified School District Board is meeting and we need your help to ask them to commit to civic engagement in our schools!
- Guide to submit an e-comment or public comment in support of the Oakland Youth Vote (OYV) Civic Engagement Resolution
- Register to Vote and stay updated with Oakland Youth Vote!
Oakland Youth Commission
Allow Us to Reintroduce Ourselves!
Recently in May 2022, we officially renamed ourselves as the Oakland Youth Commission to fully represent our youth representatives and uplift youth voices in city policies. To truly account for youth engagement, we also modified our quorum to 9 Commissioners. Thank you to Commissioner Benjamin Salop for speaking at the May 4th City Council meeting! The name change will be official on May 17th. We did it! Click to read the legislation that we authored to rename ourselves as the Oakland Youth Commission!
Press
Check out our youth who have been in the press.
-
Oakland City Council, Youth Commission Highlight Unhoused Youth Voices and Issues
Co-Chair Estefany Velasquez analyzed the data on lack of services to youth homelessness.
-
Frustrated by OUSD closures, student leaders turn their gaze to school board elections
Oakland Youth Vote coalition, which includes OYC, advocates for youth demands at OUSD.
-
'Defund the police' is more than a protest cry for these youths.
Ivan Garcia and Losaline Moa talk about their reasons for being on the TF.
-
Is Oakland serious about cutting its police budget?
Benjamin Salop speaks about youth perspectives on reimagining public safety.
-
Listen to Youth Advisory Board members talk about why they are on the YAB.
Interview with Davey D on KPFA's Hard Knock Radio
About
Youth know what's best for us, and with the support of adult allies, we can influence positive lasting change in our community. We are committed to listening and providing opportunities to engage in local government.
Contact Us
Address
Address
Youth are invited to attend all Commission meetings.
Phone Numbers
- Phone: (510) 238-3245