The Seattle Office for Civil Rights (SOCR) is accepting applications to fill vacancies on the Disability, LGBTQ, Human Rights, and Women’s commissions. Commissioners promote positive change by advocating for equitable policies, raising awareness about social justice issues, and serving as a liaison between the public and city government. The application is available on the City of Seattle Boards and Commissions website and will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Those interested in volunteering to join a commission are welcome to attend a meeting to connect with current commissioners and learn more about the commitment. Meetings are hosted online and in-person at City Hall. Click here to view the schedule of upcoming meetings and instructions on how to join. Meeting accommodations are available upon request at sebastian.wilson@seattle.gov.
What to Expect
The only requirement to be a commissioner is to work or live in Seattle and share a passion to advocate for the communities that the commissions represent. Each commission welcomes diversity in all ways of thinking, believing, and lived experiences. Women, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people, youth and young adults, older adults, people of color, and immigrants are encouraged to apply.
Commissioners serve two-year terms and dedicate up to 10 hours per month to commission activities, including attending at monthly meetings, participating in committee work, hosting events, meeting with City departments, communicating with legislators, and addressing community concerns.
How to Apply
To be considered to serve, submit an application, resume, and cover letter through the City of Seattle Boards and Commissions website. Alternatively, as an accommodation, applicants may email a video to sebastian.wilson@seattle.gov that details their resume and interest. Additional accommodations for the application process are also available upon request.
About the Commissions
The Seattle Office for Civil Rights provides staff support to four volunteer community advisory boards, including the Disability, LGBTQ, Human rights, and Women’s commissions. Commission highlights this year so far include the LGBTQ Pride Flag Raising at Seattle City Hall, hosting a ceremony honoring women in Seattle for their advocacy and leadership on women’s issues, and installation of new public wheelchair charging stations at Seattle Center.
To learn more about each commission, view SOCR’s 2022-23 Annual Report or visit their websites:
- seattle.gov/seattle-disability-commission
- seattle.gov/humanrights
- seattle.gov/lgbtq
- seattle.gov/womenscommission
Contact Sebastian Wilson at sebastian.wilson@seattle.gov or (206) 310-5366 for questions and requests for accommodations.
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