The San José youth Commission is an appointed body of 11 youth, 14-20 years old, modeled after the City of San José, City Council. They are recognized as the official youth advisory group to the City Council and the Department of Park, Recreation and Neighborhood Services. Youth Commissioners are involved with policy recommendations concerning youth. They support the development of youth who desire to serve their community through active civic participation and constructive decision-making by maintaining a Youth Advisory Council in their district. Time commitment for Youth Commission is anywhere between 15-20 hours a month.

History of the Youth Commission

The San José Youth Commission was designed to support the development of youth who are willing and able to serve their communities through active civic participation and constructive decision-making. 

First established in 1969 by Robert Stroughter, the San José Youth Commission sought to include young people in the decision-making process of the City.  However, the Commission did not gain much recognition until the youth petitioned City Council in 1971.  As a result of their petitions, the City of San José transformed the Youth Commission into a forum for young people to become involved in the governmental process and added the Commission to the City Charter. 11 Youth Commissioners were appointed to represent their individual City Council Districts and recognized them as an official youth advisory group to the City Council and Mayor, Parks and Recreation and Neighborhood Services, and most recently the advisory group to San José Police.

2010-2011 Youth Commission Work Plan

Every year the San Jose Youth Commission participates in a beginning of the year retreat; at this retreat the Commission updates its’ yearly work plan. The work plan is a tool that the Commission uses to drive their focus and efforts for the upcoming year. The Youth Commission work plan is approved by San Jose City Council. The page below highlights the Commission’s Mission, Vision, Core values and the 4 strategic goals for the 2010-2011 fiscal year

To download the entire version of the San Jose Youth Commission 2010-2011 work plan please click the link under the extra’s section on the right-hand side of this page.