To: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Human Resources Department
Staff Name and Phone Number: Janell Crane, 707-565-2885; Meira Bowcut, 707-565-1851
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Commission on the Status of Women 2026-2027 Work Plan
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Accept a report on the 2026-2027 Commission on the Status of Women Work Plan
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Executive Summary:
The Commission on the Status of Women’s 2026-2027 Work Plan focuses on advancing equity, safety, and opportunity for women and girls in Sonoma County. Key priorities include three public forums on human trafficking and violence against women, women involved in the criminal system, and career development and economic empowerment for girls.
Discussion:
The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) has developed a comprehensive 2026-2027 Work Plan centered on advancing equity, safety, and opportunity for women and girls in Sonoma County. The plan focuses on three key issue areas addressed through a series of public forums, alongside ongoing educational programming, community engagement, and recognition initiatives.
The three primary forums will examine:
1. human trafficking and violence against women,
2. women involved in the criminal system, and
3. career development, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy for girls and young women.
Each forum will serve to elevate lived experiences, engage stakeholders, and identify systemic challenges and policy solutions. These efforts aim to increase awareness, inform decision-making, and strengthen coordinated community responses.
In addition to the forums, CSW will continue its Junior Commission Educational Program, which provides mentorship and leadership development opportunities for high school students across the county. Participants engage in discussions, community projects, career exploration, and volunteer activities that build awareness of issues affecting women and girls while fostering civic engagement.
The Commission will also host the annual Sonoma County Spirit Award Ceremony, recognizing five local leaders whose work advances equity and improves the quality of life for women and girls. This initiative highlights community leadership and aligns with the annual Women’s History Month theme.
Overall, the 2026-2027 Work Plan reflects CSW’s ongoing commitment to addressing critical issues impacting women and girls. Through targeted forums, youth engagement, community partnerships, and recognition of local leaders, the Commission aims to drive meaningful change and promote a more equitable and inclusive community.
Strategic Plan:
N/A
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
03/14/2023- Commission on the Status of Women 2020-2023 Work Plan
8/13/2019- Commission on the Status of Women 2018-2020 Biennial Report
10/09/2012 - Board of Supervisors approved and accepted the 2012-2013 Commission on Status of Women work plan.
10/18/2011 - Board of Supervisors approved and accepted the 2011-2012 Commission on Status of Women work plan.
10/27/2009 - Board of Supervisors approved and accepted the 2009-2011 Commission on Status of Women work plan.
04/22/2008 - Board of Supervisors approved and accepted the 2007-2009 Commission on Status of Women work plan.
Fiscal Summary
N/A
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
N/A
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
N/A
Attachments:
Work Plan
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
N/A