West Virginia Human Rights Commission Youth Ambassador Program

In these trying times, we at the Commission understand maintaining safe housing for you and your family is critical. With the increased pressure of COVID-19, make sure you are not being taken advantage of. If you feel you are being discriminated against in the areas of race, religion, color, national origin, s*x, familial status or disability, head to our website at hrc.wv.gov and use our complaint background form for housing.

Unfortunately, the WVYAP will be delayed and rescheduled for a date to be named later. For further information, here is Michael Stuart from the US Attorney’s office for clarification:

“At this point, to our knowledge, there has not been a single case of COVID 19 in the State of West Virginia. While we are pleased that West Virginia has thus far not been affected, we are also confident that it is unlikely that will remain the case. Although much work and planning went into the development of the Building Bridges: West Virginia Civil & Human Rights Summit as scheduled for March 26 at West Virginia State University, in an abundance of caution to mitigate unnecessary exposure to the emerging virus threat COVID 19, we reluctantly are postponing the event to a date to be determined. This decision was made after consultation with health professions and with the best interests of participants as the primary consideration. Despite this disappointing postponement, promoting and protecting the right of all citizens to live peaceably and safely in communities across West Virginia is and remains our utmost priority. We will continue to champion America’s highest ideals of freedom, justice and equality for all- protecting our houses of worship; ensuring equal opportunity in the workplace; fighting discrimination in housing; protecting the rights of people with disabilities; and prosecuting crimes of hate, bigotry, and discrimination. We are incredibly appreciative of all of the work and commitment of our amazing sponsors and hosts- West Virginia State University and the City of Charleston. We are also very thankful for those partners who have worked and been committed to this endeavor for many, many months. I also want to particularly thank Tracy Chapman and my team for their incredible dedication and work on such an important subject- Civil & Human Rights.



This is the greatest country in the history of mankind and we have the greatest health system in the history of mankind. We have overcome challenges before; We will overcome challenges again; And, soon, this terrible challenge will also pass but, I appreciate, that doesn’t make it any easier today. During this time, be smart, be safe, be prudent, use common sense, check-in with your family and neighbors, maintain personal space, wash your hands often and frequently, cough and sneeze into your sleeve, and avoid shaking hands (all the things we should do during any flu or other health concern).



These are not normal times, but this is not a time for panic either. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Caution is the better part of valor. After this national concern has passed and the world once again turns right-side-up, we look forward to once again hosting this very important Summit.”



Michael B. Stuart

United States Attorney

Applications are being accepted from students and young adults, ages 14-21 years, who reside in Boone, Cabell, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mingo, and Putnam counties for the newly created West Virginia Human Rights Commission (HRC) Youth Ambassador Program. The program is an initiative of HRC Director Dr. Ronald L. Jones.

“The HRC Youth Ambassador Program is a grassroots initiative designed to create an environment of inclusion and diversity while building youth leadership,” said Dr. Jones. “The goal of this program is to teach our youth about human rights and equip them with the tools necessary to promote tolerance and to appropriately intercede when human rights are violated.”

Grants will be available to these Youth Ambassadors to promote human rights in their schools and communities.

The HRC Youth Ambassador training will be held March 26, 2020, at West Virginia State University. To apply, contact James Westbrook: [email protected] or (304) 558-2616.

Now information is easier to gain than ever before! Applications are live on the Human Rights Commission webpage! Come check it out!

Human Rights Commission We are accepting applications from students and young adults, who reside in Boone, Cabell, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mingo, and Putnam counties.