Learn about the Oakland Youth Commission and the work we completed in the 2023-24 term.
Oakland Youth Commission
The Oakland Youth Commission (OYC) gives youth a voice within city government. Formed in 1985, OYC develops young leaders in Oakland to engage with city affairs and advise City Council and the Mayor on youth priorities. We currently have a full commission with 19 youth commissioners between the ages of 13-21 representing all 7 districts in Oakland.
Related Meetings
Read our 2023-24 Annual Report
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Meet OYC Staff
Sara Tiras (she/her) currently serves as the Director to the Oakland Youth Commission. She comes with over 15 years of experience as a high school teacher, youth educator and organizer. Born and raised in the Bay Area, Sara has lived in Oakland for 20 years. She graduated from UC Santa Cruz with honors in American Studies and went onto earn her Teaching Credential and Masters in Education at Mills College. She taught high school history, government and special education and also instructed and mentored new teachers at the University of San Francisco and Mills College. Her educational practice is grounded in a pedagogy of love, social justice, and wellness for youth. In her free time, she enjoys her time in Oakland by walking around Lake Merritt, hiking in Redwood regional park, and stocking up on all the delicious local produce at the farmer’s market every weekend.
Our Executive Committee
- Amber Johnson, District 6, Co-Chair
- Olivia Richardson Feldman, At-Large, Co-Chair
- Ashley Tchanyoum, At-Large, Operations Officer
- Bryce Hunt, At-Large, Graphic Design Officer
- Ella Killingsworth, District 7, Social Media Officer
- Diego Garcia, At-Large, Organizing Officer
- Michelle Wong, District 5, Ethics Officer
- Haniel Kebede, District 1, Secretary
Subcommittees
Click on these resources to learn more!
OYC History
Learn more about our past campaigns through the following pages!
Press
Check out our youth who have been in the press.
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'We Can Make Some Real Change': Oakland Voters Weigh In on the Issues, Candidates
'We Can Make Some Real Change': Oakland Voters Weigh In on the Issues, Candidates
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Oakland teens witness more violence, feel sadder than U.S. counterparts
Oakland teens witness more violence, feel sadder than U.S. counterparts
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Stressed, scared, tired: 6 Oakland students on school safety after Rudsdale shooting
In the wake of recent violence in Oakland schools, the Oaklandside interviewed OYC youth.
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Mental health, safety, and closures take center stage at Oakland school board candidate forum
Read about OYC advocacy for youth civic engagement with Oakland Youth Vote Candidate Forum
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These teens won the right to vote. Their county disenfranchised them.
Youth are advocating against the struggles around implementation for Oakland Youth Vote.
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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.
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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.
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'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.
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Is Oakland serious about cutting its police budget?
Benjamin Salop speaks about youth perspectives on reimagining public safety.
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Listen to Youth Advisory Board members talk about why they are on the YAB.
Interview with Davey D on KPFA's Hard Knock Radio
Watch our video to learn about the Oakland Youth Commission!
Contact Us
Address
Oakland City Hall, Hearing Room 4
Youth are invited to attend all Commission meetings.
Phone Numbers
- Phone: (510) 238-3245
Email Address
Business Hours
We meet as a full Commission from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Mondays each month.Social Media
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