Oakland Department of Human Services - Oakland Youth Leadership and Development -

Oakland Youth Leadership and Development (YLD)

The Youth Advisory Commission is a Voice for youth. the Commission advises City officials on issues of concern in schools, neighborhoods and the larger Oakland community.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE YOUTH ADVISORY COMMISSION PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE: WWW.OAK-YAC.ORG!

YLD is a program geared towards generating training and civic engagement opportunities for youth including the Youth Advisory Commission which is a group of 25 young people ages 13 to 21 who are appointed by the Mayor and City Council to advise City officials about youth issues and ensure youth representation in Oakland. YLD along with the Youth Commission empower youth to enter the public arena and make a contribution to the City of Oakland.

To view the Oakland Youth Commission's Public Service Announcement, click here.

Mission Statement

Who Are We?

What Do Youth Commissioners Do?

Requirements to be a Commissioner

Mission Statement

We, the Oakland Youth Commission, serve as a diverse and political group of young leaders working toward a common goal with a shared vision. Young people are encouraged to represent their peers and to advocate for youth needs in the hope of creating change in our community. The Oakland Youth Commission is committed to providing opportunities for young people to understand and influence local government. We believe unity is the key to empowerment, and as youth, we can make a difference!

Who Are We?

The Oakland Youth Commission (OYC) is a dynamic and diverse group of 25 young people, age 13 to 21 who are appointed by the Mayor and City Council to advise City officials about youth issues in Oakland. The OYC strives to be the voice of youth citywide. The Youth Commission works with the City’s Youth Leadership & Development Office/Team to empower youth to enter the public arena and make a contribution to the City of Oakland.

What Do Youth Commissioners Do?

Youth Commissioners represent students at their high school and youth in their community. Commissioners meet with leaders like the Mayor of Oakland, City Council members, and community groups to advocate for youth. We work with community-based organizations to ensure Oakland youth are represented and gain more opportunities. The Commission tackles issues important to youth such as health and safety, jobs, entertainment and justice. We meet as a full Commission in Oakland City Hall, Hearing Room 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Mondays each month. Youth are invited to attend all Commission meetings. City Hall is located downtown at 14th and Broadway and is accessible by BART and most major bus lines.

To join the Youth Commission or get more information, contact:
Andrea Tacdol
Youth Leadership & Development
150 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Suite 4211
Oakland, CA 94612
Tel: 510-238-3245
Fax: 510-238-3320

Requirements to be a Commissioner

Live in Oakland
Attend 90% of Commission meetings
Be between the ages of 13 to 21
Submit an application
Be appointed by the Mayor's office