FAQ Become a Commissioner

FAQ

WHAT IS THE SACRAMENTO YOUTH COMMISSION (SYC)?

The SYC is a youth led legislative body, established in 1993 and designated as the official youth voice of the City of Sacramento. The SYC is comprised of 19 appointed young people that serve as an advisory board providing recommendations to the City Council, the Youth Development Policy Manager, and the Department of Youth, Parks, & Community Enrichment on policies, projects, programs, and other matter pertaining to youth.

WHAT IS THE MISSION OF THE SYC?

To protect, preserve, enhance, and advance the quality of life for Sacramento youth by advising the City Council and the public on issues relating to youth policies, programs, and opportunities.

RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE SYC

  • Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act funding recommendations for various youth programming including youth programming, mental health, workforce development, and education
  • Resolution 2020-0351: Defining the City of Sacramento’s Public Safety Services to Include Emergency Response and Operations as Well as Youth-Centered Prevention Services
  • Support of City funding of the RydeFreeRT providing youth TK-12th grade free monthly transportation access
  • Recommendation to support the adoption of amendments to Chapter 5.138 of the Sacramento City Code to prohibit sales of flavored tobacco products including electronic cigarettes or vaping products

ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS OF A SYC MEMBER?

  • Must be at least 14 years of age and not older than 22 years of age at the time of appointment AND
  • Attend a high school in Sacramento city limits OR live in Sacramento city limits

WHAT SKILLS ARE NEEDED TO BE A SYC MEMBER?

  • No prior experience on a board and commission is required.
  • Commission members are expected to be committed, open to learning, willing to contribute, enthusiastic, and passionate.

HOW OFTEN DOES THE SYC MEET?

  • 1st Monday of the month 5:30-7:30pm
  • No meetings held on observed City holidays
  • All meetings are now in person

WHAT IS THE COMMITMENT OF TIME EACH MONTH OF A COMMISSIONER?

SYC members are expected to make a time commitment of up to 10 hours per month. These hours can include the following:

  • The preparation (review of agendas, reports, and other related materials) and attendance of monthly business meetings and capacity building workshops.
  • Additional engagement and attendance at community meetings, events, and activities.
  • Participation and tasks related to issue-based subcommittees

HOW LONG CAN A SYC MEMBER CAN BE APPOINTED?

Appointed members of the Commission shall serve a term of two years, with no more than two consecutive terms. A member shall hold office until their successor is appointed.

WHAT HAPPENS AT A SYC BUSINESS MEETING?

All SYC business meetings are livestreamed and archived for the public to view

HOW CAN I APPLY TO BECOME A SACRAMENTO YOUTH COMMISISONER?

Apply online

Review qualifications and criteria for each of the open seats.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING A COMMISSIONER?

  • Address the concerns and issues of Sacramento youth by actively engaging in identifying solutions and providing recommendations
  • Gain first-hand experience with local governmental processes and protocols
  • Engage with other motivated youth advocating for change
  • Develop and strengthen personal leadership skills

ARE COMMISSIONERS COMPENSATED AS A SYC MEMBER?

Commissioners that attend the 1st and 3rd monthly meetings receive a $50 stipend for each meeting attended.

WHO PROVIDES SUPPORT TO THE SYC?

The City of Sacramento Department of Youth, Parks, & Community Enrichment Youth Division – Civic Engagement Unit staff serve as liaisons and adult allies to the appointed members of the SYC. The City staff are responsible for guiding, mentoring, and supporting the Commissioners during their appointed term(s).

HOW CAN I CONTACT STAFF SUPPORTING THE SYC?

Rhonda Patterson: RPatterson@cityofsacramento.org
Domynique Herndon: dherndon1@cityofsacramento.org

 

How to become a commissioner

JOIN THE SACRAMENTO YOUTH COMMISSION

Apply for open seats. Review the qualification for of each open seat

HOW TO BECOME A COMMISSIONER

  • No prior experience on a board and commission is required.
  • Commission members are expected to be committed, open to learning, willing to contribute, enthusiastic, and passionate.
  • Review the qualifications of each open seat.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Commissioner Qualifications:
Eligibility Qualifications of a SYC Member?

  • Must be at least 14 years of age and not older than 22 years of age at the time of appointment AND
  • Attend a high school in the Sacramento city limits OR live in the Sacramento city limits

What Skills are needed to be a SYC Member?

  • No prior experience on a board and commission is required.
  • Commission members are expected to be committed, open to learning, willing to contribute, enthusiastic, and passionate.

Benefits

  • Gives opportunities to help address Sacramento’s youth issues and concerns.
  • Provide a unique experience with city governmental procedures.
  • Offers chances to meet motivated youth from around the city.
  • Financially compensates time and effort with stipends.

Process to become a commisioner

  1. Apply online to fill a Seat Vacancy
  2. City Clerk staff does a preliminary review of application
  3. Sacramento Youth Commission Orientation
  4. Supplemental application. Clerk staff frwards applications to district staff for coiuncilmember review
  5. Once a when selection is made the name is provided to the city clerk staff
  6. Mayor makes the formal nomination at a City Council meeting and names are read into the public record.
  7. Two weeks after the Mayoral appointment is announced the Sacramento City Council approves the appointment during a City Council meeting.
  8. Once appointment has been made you will receive an official Letter of Appointment from the Office of the City Clerk.
  9. Commissioners are required to complete ethics training along with the submission of an Oath of Office.
  10. SYC Coordinator will contact you with details and paperwork to complete before your first official SYC meeting.
  11. You will be provided with your agenda packet for your first meeting where you will begin to represent the youth of your community!

ON THIS PAGE