August 2017 Elections

The Young Greens of the United States are holding our August 2017 elections.

Voting will then begin on August 19th and last until August 29th at 11:59pm Eastern.

Please note, per our by-laws, only dues-paying caucus members are eligible to vote in caucus-wide elections and run as candidates.Please pay your dues at ygus.org/dues.

A ballot will be emailed to everyone who has paid their dues on August 19th. We will periodically check if anyone else has paid their dues during the voting period, and if so, do our best to email them a ballot in a timely manner (within 24 hours) as well but are not liable for people paying their dues at the last minute not receiving a ballot. If you believe you have paid your dues but did not receive a ballot on the 19th, contact [email protected].

Ballots should be emailed back to [email protected].


BY-LAWS AMENDMENTS

By-laws amendments pass with 60% of the tallied vote. Tallied votes include "Yes" and "No" but not "Abstain" or blank ballots.

Please scroll down to see the proposals in full. Or click their name of the proposal below to jump directly to their questionnaire. 

Proposal 1: Section 9 -- Clarifying Young Greens chapters can be campus or local. Clarifying Young Greens affiliates can be campus or local.

Proposal 2: Section 1 -- Elaborating on the explicitly anti-oppression and anti-capitalist principles of the Young Greens

Proposal 3: Sections 4, 7, 8 -- Increasing co-chairs from 4 to 6. Increasing expected hours from YGUS Steering Committee members from 10 monthly to 10 weekly. Housekeeping update that YGUS now has 2 (not 1) National Delegate per the GPUS update in March 2017.

STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS

Ranked Choice Voting is used in YGUS Steering Committee elections. Options include "None of the Above" and a write-in option. Write-in options are only valid if the person write-in is eligible to serve (a qualifying dues-paying member of YGUS). 

Please scroll down to see the candidate questionnaires. Or click their name to jump directly to their questionnaire. 

Co-Chair (2 seats, unless Proposal 1 passes, then 4 seats)

Treasurer (1 seat)

National Delegate (2 seats)



BY-LAWS AMENDMENTS

Proposal 1: Section 9 -- Clarifying Young Greens chapters can be campus or local. Clarifying Young Greens affiliates can be campus or local.

Click here for link to View-Only Google Doc of Proposal [Google Doc allows you to see the proposed changes highlighted in blue] 

 

Proposal to Amend the Young Greens of the United States By-Laws

§ 9 

CONTACT

Jacob Falzone ([email protected])

YGUS Co-chair

SPONSOR

Youth Caucus

(cosponsors): Alison Bittick, Natalia Schurman, Camile McCarthy

TITLE

Proposal to add Language that provides requirements for accreditation and recognition of, Affiliate Young Green Campus Organizations, and, Affiliate Local Organizations, and Young Green Chapters.

Also: to change the sections heading to represent all chapters that are not affiliated with a college campus.

Definitions

Affiliate Young Green Campus Organizations - Any existing campus organization that does not identify as a green organization but do uphold the Greens 10 key values, and, four pillars.

Affiliate Young Green Local Organizations - Any existing organization that does not identify as a Green Party organization but does uphold the Greens 10 key values, and, four pillars.

TYPE OF PROPOSAL, EXPECTED APPROVAL THRESHOLD

Alter by-laws; A majority vote by the YGUS Steering Committee, and, 60%+ yes vote from eligible voting members of the youth caucus

REQUESTED PROPOSAL DECISION-MAKING TIMELINE

YGUS Steering Committee (August 7, 2017 - August 17, 2017)

Youth Caucus (August 19, 2017 - August 29, 2017: 11:59 pm EST

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The current by-laws as written, are classist and racist, putting them in direct contrast  to the YGUS’s own bylaws.  §1.4 “ Additionally the GPUS Youth Caucus underlines or position and interpretation of the GPUS Platform as anti-capitalist, intersectional/anti-oppression, anti-colonialist, and politically independent from the corporate parties and from other forms of corporate influence.” The cost of education is increasing every year and access to education is often determined by social economic conditions, namely race. Nationwide, about 75 percent of African Americans age 25 or older do not have a college diploma, and 80 percent lacked college degrees in all but two of the 15 largest U.S. metropolitan areas—Washington, D.C. and Atlanta. Whites were more than twice as likely to be college graduates in a dozen of these cities, with the largest disparities (2.5 times) in Memphis, New York City, and Philadelphia http://www.prb.org/Publications/Articles/2005/TheSocialandEconomicIsolationofUrbanAfricanAmericans.aspx).  By only recognizing Young Green campus chapters we are in direct violation of our anti-capitalist and anti-oppression stance. In order to build the Youth Caucus as an intersectional alternative political power, we need to build alternative power in all communities wherever we have Young Greens on the ground. The Young Greens of the United States are the future of the GPUS. It is our duty to recruit and build power in local communities not just on college campuses.

PROPOSAL

Whereas current YGUS by-law §9 Youth Caucus Programs states:

9.1 Campus Greens

9.1.1 Campus Greens is the program overseen by the GPUS Youth Caucus to identify, organize, educate, and support campus chapters and coalitions nationwide.

9.1.2 Chapters of Campus Greens that wish to receive the prioritized support of the Youth Caucus must identify themselves as “Young Greens” somewhere in the name of their chapter. This support includes but is not limited to possible funding, merchandise and literature, access to national Green Party resources and Green speakers, strategic organizing support and tools, social media and press amplification.

9.1.3 Other campus chapters that do not identify themselves as “Young Greens” in name may be associated with the Green Party Youth Caucus in so far as they align with the 10 Key Values, the GPUS Platform, and the Young Greens platform interpretation. They also must make a good-faith effort to include Green/Young Green name, branding, and/or language as an aspect of their materials and events, as well as to promote Young Greens movement-oriented initiatives. These chapters will receive second-tier support from the caucus and its resources, but will still be included in the work of the caucus such as movement-oriented actions and trainings.

9.1.4 Both Young Greens chapters and affiliated campus groups must be in good standing with the Youth Caucus for official recognition. In addition to alignment with the values and platform of the party and caucus, all groups must stay current on their dues to the caucus. The dues structure for the campus program can be set and altered by the Young Greens steering committee. It may have tiers or other mechanisms, and it may take into consideration many factors, but it will not include a waiver, which is historically shown to be detrimental to an effective dues program.

9.1.5 The dues gathered from campus chapters should be used to support both overall health and activities of the caucus–including and especially support for the nationwide campus program.

9.1.6 The Youth Caucus steering committee has the ability to further clarify the structure and the direction of the overall campus program, which is a key project of the caucus.

Urges this committee and caucus to vote in favor changing the wording of the YGUS by-laws §9 to reflect the following changes in blue:

9.1 Young Green Campus Chapters, and, Young Green Local Chapters

9.1.1 Young Green Campus Chapters, and, Young Green Local Chapters are programs overseen by the GPUS Youth Caucus to identify, organize, educate, support, and build ideologically and functionally congruent coalitions nationwide.

9.1.2 Chapters that wish to receive the prioritized support of the Youth Caucus must identify themselves as “Young Greens” somewhere in the name of their chapter, uphold the GPUS 10 key values, four pillars, and the YGUS’s anti-colonialist, anti-authoritarian, anti-racist, anti-ageist positions in their day to day operations and in all community engagement activities; including but not limited to the following, campus recruitment, direct action, internal policies, and internal elections. Any chapter found to be in violation of section 9.1.2 requirements for accreditation, is liable to lose accreditation.Support includes but is not limited to possible funding, merchandise and literature, access to national Green Party resources and Green speakers, strategic organizing support and tools, social media and press amplification.

9.1.3. Chapters found to be in violation of §9.1.2 accreditation requirement clause, can, and will, lose accreditation with a majority vote by the YGUS Steering Committee.

9.1.4 The dues gathered from campus chapters should be used to support both overall health and activities of the caucus–including and especially support for the nationwide campus program.

9.1.5 The Youth Caucus steering committee has the ability to further clarify the structure and the direction of the overall campus program, which is a key project of the caucus.

9.2 Affiliate Campus Organizations, and, Affiliate Local Organizations

9.2.1 Affiliates that do not identify themselves as “Young Greens” in name may be affiliated with the Green Party Youth Caucus in so far as they align with the 10 Key Values, the GPUS Platform, and the Young Greens platform interpretation. Affiliates must make a good-faith effort to include Green/Young Green name, branding, and/or language as an aspect of their materials and events, as well as to promote Young Greens movement-oriented initiatives. These chapters will receive second-tier support from the caucus and its resources, but will still be included in the work of the caucus, including but not limited to, movement-oriented actions and trainings.

9.3Affiliatesmust be in good standing with the Youth Caucus for official recognition. In addition to alignment with the values and platform of the party and caucus, Affiliates can be set and altered by the Young Greens steering committee. It may have tiers or other mechanisms, and it may take into consideration many factors, but it will not include a waiver, which is historically shown to be detrimental to an effective dues program.

IMPLEMENTATION / TIMELINE / RESOURCES

To be implemented by a majority steering committee vote no later than August 17, 2017, and attached to th11:59pm EST August 29, 2017 (end date)YGUS officer elections; to be voted on by the eligible youth caucus members as defined in the YGUS by-laws. Passes with a majority vote by the YGUS Steering Committee, and,  60% yes vote by eligible voting members of the youth caucus as defined by the YGUS by-laws. 

REFERENCES

Current YGUS by-laws

http://www.ygus.org/bylaws


Proposal 2: Section 1 -- Elaborating on the explicitly anti-oppression and anti-capitalist principles of the Young Greens

Click here for link to View-Only Google Doc of Proposal

Proposal to Amend the YGUS Bylaws: Anti-Oppression/Anti-Capitalist

CONTACT

Damian Gonzales(he/him/his), YGUS Secretary [email protected]

TITLE

Proposal to Amend the YGUS Bylaws: Anti-Oppression/Anti-Capitalist


TYPE OF PROPOSAL, EXPECTED APPROVAL THRESHOLD

Alter bylaws; 60% vote of caucus after Steering Committee approval (per 8.13.1)

REQUESTED PROPOSAL DECISION-MAKING TIMELINE

Vote on our August 6th SC Meeting. Caucus-wide vote during August election.  

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In order to orient the Young Greens of the US toward greater inclusion and diversity, our campus/state/locals must become havens where the oppressed do not have to wade through the justifications of their life experiences and instead focus on building mutual solidarity and collective political power.  The goal is to grow our caucus with a robust membership ready to collaborate in full freedom.   

PROPOSAL

Urges this committee to vote in favor of replacing section 1.4 and adopting the following additions to section 1:

1.4. In keeping with the Green Party’s third pillar of Social Justice, the Young Greens of the US declares itself to be an anti-oppression caucus, actively dedicated to the work of ending capitalism and dismantling white supremacy and cisheteropatriarchy.  As such, expressions of sexism, racism, classism, ableism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and other oppressive behaviors are not in keeping with the values of the Young Greens of the US.

1.5. Further, the Young Greens of the US explicitly rejects the false ideas of reverse racism, misandry, etc., because we understand the role of white supremacy, cisheteropatriarchy, ableism, etc. in the oppression of our comrades of all colors, genders, abilities, and sexual orientations. While it is possible for prejudice against white people, against men, against cisgender people, against able-bodied persons, against straight people (or any other privileged group) to exist, this prejudice is not oppression because there are no institutional power structures designed to disenfranchise these privileged groups.

1.6.  Caucus officers will conduct themselves in official public statements, public appearances and other situations acting in the capacity as representatives of the YGUS, in a manner in keeping with the aforementioned values of anti-oppression. Representatives of the Young Greens of the US shall make every effort to respect and amplify the voices of marginalized people.

1.7. Informed and inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King’s words in his Letter from a Birmingham Jail, in which he decries “the white moderate, who is more devoted to ‘order’ than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice,”caucus officers are charged with the responsibility of wading through the difficult discussions when oppression arises or to ask for help from outside allied organizations if they do not possess the skills.

1.8. Leadership of campus//local/state chapters should also adhere to these values, and they should do everything within their capacity to help develop the consciousness of their membership, so as to create a welcoming, safe space in which to build collective power, with women--including trans women, people of color, people with disabilities and the entire spectrum of the LGBTQIA+ community and the poor and homeless.

1.9. As a corollary to oppression under capitalism is the oppression felt by the white working class members of our community, who are often used as bludgeons by the ruling class against women, people of color, people with disabilities, etc.  It is the mission of the Young Greens of the US to create opportunities for solidarity so that mutual understanding and shared collective power can be built. 

1.10. The Green Party recognizes this nation’s actual history, not its idealized history. A history of empire building, capitalism, white supremacy, and genocide.  The Green Party must lead in the understanding of this history, and the current reality that is this history's result.       

IMPLEMENTATION / TIMELINE / RESOURCES

To be implemented immediately upon passage 

REFERENCES

Current Youth Caucus Bylaws

http://www.ygus.org/bylaws


 

Proposal 3: Sections 4, 7, 8 -- Increasing co-chairs from 4 to 6. Increasing expected hours from YGUS Steering Committee members from 10 monthly to 10 weekly. Housekeeping update that YGUS now has 2 (not 1) National Delegate per the GPUS update in March 2017.

Click here for link to View-Only Google Doc of Proposal

Proposal to Amend the YGUS Bylaws: Officer Duties and Responsibilities

CONTACT

Damian Gonzales(he/him/his), YGUS Secretary [email protected]

TITLE

Proposal to Amend the YGUS Bylaws: Officer Duties and Responsibilities

TYPE OF PROPOSAL, EXPECTED APPROVAL THRESHOLD

Alter bylaws; 60% vote of caucus after Steering Committee approval (per 8.13.1)

REQUESTED PROPOSAL DECISION-MAKING TIMELINE

Vote on our August 6th SC Meeting. Caucus-wide vote during August election. 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Since the last bylaws change we have gained a Steering Committee seat(an additional national delegate) and reshaped the focus of the co-chair positions. This proposal would reflect those changes by doubling the amount of time expected of steering committee members. As is, we meet our minimum hours just by attending organizer calls and steering committee meetings, when the majority of the work we do happens outside of these calls. Finally, this would also add two additional co-chair seats for six total.  

PROPOSAL

Whereas the current bylaws of the Youth Caucus state:

4.2 The steering committee shall be composed of eight positions. The steering committee is composed of four co-chairs, one secretary, one treasurer, one Green National Committee (NC) delegate, and one NC alternate. The duties of an unfilled or vacant position shall be delegated to a co-chair of the committee.

Urges this committee to vote in favor of changing the wording of the previously mentioned subsection to reflect the following changes:

4.2 The steering committee shall be composed of eleven positions. The steering committee is composed of six co-chairs, one secretary, one treasurer, two Green National Committee (NC) delegates, and one NC alternate. The duties of an unfilled or vacant position shall be delegated to a co-chair of the committee.

And

Whereas the current bylaws of the Youth Caucus state:

7.1 Time Commitment to Organizing: While varying in responsibilities, all steering committee members are expected to put in 10 or more hours of work each month. The steering committee is a hands-on body of committed Green organizers whose labor fuels our party and the movements we participate in. Without this level of commitment to work, the caucus operations are inhibited to the detriment of the rest of the steering committee, the caucus as a whole, our constituencies, and the party. Members who have other party or outside commitments are encouraged to understand and consider these requirements prior to seeking office within the Youth Caucus

Urges this committee to vote in favor of changing the wording of the previously mentioned subsection to reflect the following changes:

7.1 Time Commitment to Organizing: While varying in responsibilities, all steering committee members are expected to put in 10 or more hours of work each week. The steering committee is a hands-on body of committed Green organizers whose labor fuels our party and the movements we participate in. Without this level of commitment to work, the caucus operations are inhibited to the detriment of the rest of the steering committee, the caucus as a whole, our constituencies, and the party. Members who have other party or outside commitments are encouraged to understand and consider these requirements prior to seeking office within the Youth Caucus

And

Whereas the current bylaws of the Youth Caucus state:

8.1.1 The regular election for officers shall occur yearly. In February, two co-chairs, secretary, and alternate delegate are elected. In August, the other two co-chairs, treasurer, and delegate are elected. Elections are staggered as such to promote continuity of caucus operations.Urges this committee to vote in favor of changing the wording of the previously mentioned subsection to reflect the following changes:

8.1.1 The regular election for officers shall occur yearly. In February, three co-chairs, secretary, and alternate delegate are elected. In August, the other three co-chairs, treasurer, and two delegates are elected. Elections are staggered as such to promote continuity of caucus operations.

IMPLEMENTATION / TIMELINE / RESOURCES

To be implemented immediately upon passage

REFERENCES

Current Youth Caucus Bylaws

http://www.ygus.org/bylaws


Candidates for Co-Chair

What is your name? * 

Aadam Hammond

What is your city and state? *

Anchorage, Alaska

What is your age?  *

 29

Are you a member of your state Green Party? (Find your state party information at http://www.gp.org/state_parties) * 

Yes I am a member of the Green Group of Alaska

Have you paid your annual Youth Caucus dues? *

Not yet I will be doing that tomorrow.

What position are you self-nominating for? *

I am self-nominating for Co-Chair of the West Coast Region.

Are you able to commit at least 10 hours/month to this position? *

Yes

The Young Greens interpret the 10 Key Values and the GPUS Platform as anti-capitalist, anti-oppression/intersectional, anti-colonialist, and politically independent. Does that align with your political outlook? *

Yes

Are there any of the Green Party's 10 Key Values that you believe are of particular importance right now for Young Greens? *

Yes Non-Violence, Social Justice, and Ecological Wisdom, Feminism

Please tell us if and why you believe the Green Party is the political imperative right now as opposed to other parties or exclusively non-electoral movements? *

Yes. We are a party of, for and by the people. We are strictly funded by those individual people.

Do you identify with or are you a member of any political organizations or parties in addition to the Greens?  *

I am a member of the Native Hawaiian Sovereignty movement.

What experience do you have in organizing? Please clarify any movement, electoral, or student group organizing experience.  *

I was the unofficial coordinator for Jill Stein’s campaign here in Anchorage.

What are initiatives that you would like to begin within the caucus--both generally and within the understanding of the designated role you are applying for? *

I would like to get out there and help educate as many people as possible about who we are and what our purpose is.

What ideas do you have for a vibrant program for Young Greens chapters--both on campuses (college & high school) and any Youth Caucus chapters at the state and local level? *

The biggest problem in my state is communication.  People lose momentum because we aren’t meeting, we aren’t communicating our plans with each other and we aren’t able to reach everyone with how spread out across the state we are.

What schools have you been or are you currently affiliated with?  *

I went to school at Charter College. I want to go back to shcool at the University of Alaska Anchorage but I am already plagued with student debt.

Are you willing to reach out to people at these schools, regardless of whether you serve on the steering committee or not?  *

Yes

We hope to raise money for a part-time staff organizer. Do you have any ideas for how to raise money for the Young Greens?  *

The fundraisers I have done in the past consisted of Luaus (Polynesian dance performances, lunch plate sales, dancing and karaoke for people attending).

What other skills, resources, and ideas can you bring to this committee -- especially as it relates to the specific role you are applying for?  *

I am good at connecting with the people in general.

What else would you like to share? *

I am a Native rights activist.


 

What is your name? *

Alison Bittick

What is your city and state? *

The Colony, Texas (North Texas - Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex)

What is your age?  *

27 (DOB 09/12/89)

Are you a member of your state Green Party? (Find your state party information at http://www.gp.org/state_parties) *

Yes - I’ve been a member of the Denton County GP and GPTX since Spring 2016, was elected Denton County Co-Chair in August 2016, and elected to be a GPTX National Committee Delegate in June 2017.

Have you paid your annual Youth Caucus dues? *

Yes

What position are you self-nominating for? *

Co-Chair

Are you able to commit at least 10 hours/month to this position? *

Yes - I can commit at least 25 hours (up to 50) or more per month to YGUS. I work part-time as an online English teacher and am not in school, so I have the time.

The Young Greens interpret the 10 Key Values and the GPUS Platform as anti-capitalist, anti-oppression/intersectional, anti-colonialist, and politically independent. Does that align with your political outlook? *

Yes. Absolutely.

Are there any of the Green Party's 10 Key Values that you believe are of particular importance right now for Young Greens? *

I firmly believe in an intersectional approach to the issues and to organizing, and so with this in mind Community Based Economics & Economic Justice is particularly important now. The system of Capitalism and all the forms it takes is the current evil and power that is systematically oppressing the people of our communities, country, the world, and future generations. Without a takedown and complete reform of this system to provide for all people, the earth and all its inhabitants, and future generations - our work is just putting out fires rather than addressing the root cause of oppression and suffering.

Please tell us if and why you believe the Green Party is the political imperative right now as opposed to other parties or exclusively non-electoral movements? *

First and foremost the fact that we do not poison ourselves with corporate or superpac monies drew me to the party in the first place. Knowing that we do not serve corporate overlords or special interests other than the interests of the People is why I dedicate a majority of my free time to the party. The 10 Key Values along with our stances as anti-capitalist, anti-oppression/intersectional, anti-colonialist, and politically independent also give us freedoms and a message that the other parties do not have, as well as allow me to organize politically without the guilt of contributing to oppression. I am also a huge fan of the Green Party being an international/global party and the solidarity we have with other countries in our shared struggle.

Some other non-electoral movements are quite inspirational, useful, and we should be involved in them, but fundamentally the way we will assert power and accomplish our goals will be through a combination of popular support/movement and the electoral system. I understand that fundamentally as long as there are still systems of government in place - we must use those systems of government strategically to gain power and to fight for the People. This can mean running candidates and ballot initiatives (in states that have them) and winning, but it can also mean using the legal system and our rights as citizens/residents to lobby our elected officials and help stop State oppression.

Do you identify with or are you a member of any political organizations or parties in addition to the Greens?  *

No - not currently but I am planning on joining Solidarity this year to go along with my Green Party work. Many of my local Greens in North Texas are members of Solidarity and the organization has many Green Party members. I have comrades that I work with and support in DSA, ISO, and various issue organizations (particularly in the immigrant rights community) in North Texas, but I only identify with and organize directly on behalf of the Green Party (and the People of course).

What experience do you have in organizing? Please clarify any movement, electoral, or student group organizing experience.  *

Political Organizing Experience -

  • I have always been very interested and obsessed with politics, history, society, and political/electoral strategy. I voted and followed current events and studied, but didn’t involve myself with organizing until the Bernie Sanders Campaign in late 2015.

  • In Spring 2016, I began attending Denton County GP Meetings and exploring GP more because of the weird structure and corruption in the Democratic Party. I still served as a Senate District Delegate for Bernie to the Texas DNC and went to the TX DNC in San Antonio. It was a shitshow so I fully committed myself to GP.

  • In August 2016, I attended the GP PNC/ANM in Houston. There I met with the Youth Caucus for the first time, as well as attended many workshops and interviews. I also spoke to reporters from Texas Tribune and from local media about the Green Party and our candidates. I met and spent time with some Texas Young Greens, as well as met and talked with people from all over the country and really learned a lot about GP and GPTX.

  • Shortly after in August 2016, I was elected Denton County Co-Chair, and began organizing heavily with GPTX, worked on Gary Stuard’s CD32 congressional race in Dallas, helped with campus events at UTD and UNT for the Stein/Baraka Campaign, blockwalked for our GP candidates a few times, attended debates for our various candidates, and became a sustaining member of GPTX and GPUS. I was also a poll greeter on election day for Gary. Gary’s campaign broke 10% of the vote (22,813 votes total) in a heavily gerrymandered republican district with Texas straight-ticket voting in effect thanks to a strong and caring grassroots campaign team and an amazing and kind candidate.

  • During the campaign season, I attended the founding meeting for the Collin County GP, went to all of my Denton County meetings, and went to many Dallas County GP meetings as well as our campaign organizing meetings to help the greater North Texas region coordinate.  I also participated in several NoDAPL protests at Energy Transfer Partners in Dallas with my fellow North Texas Greens.

  • Post Election - I took part in several post-mortems for GP (Denton County, Dallas County, Gary’s Campaign).  Starting in December I worked on the GPTX 2017 Legislative Watch effort, and wrote organizing and lobbying materials for my local, and researched the filed 2017 Texas Lege bills throughout the winter.

  • In April 2017, I helped table at Earth Day in Dallas which was a huge event and cheered on Gary Stuard when he rocked a debate on climate change/environment/capitalism. Here I also met and befriended a South Korean Young Green Hani Choi.

  • In May 2017, I started organizing with YGUS after Damian Gonzales reached out to me and also became much more involved and focused on GP organizing.

  • In June 2017, I attended and participated in our GPTX Annual State Meeting along with the largest contingent of North Texas Greens that had ever participated. At this ASM I was elected to be one of 9 delegates from Texas to the GPUS National Committee.

  • In July 2017, I attended the GPUS Annual National Meeting in Newark. I went and participated in many workshops/events as well as the Youth Caucus meetings formal and informal. During the ANM I met, got to know, connected with, and learned from the YG in attendance from around the country. Meeting them and hearing their stories from their locals and states made me realize the need to heavily organize with YGUS as well as locally/state/nationally from then on.

  • After returning from the ANM, I did reportbacks to many North Texas Greens and to GPTX. I also soon after became more involved with the efforts to fight against a racist SB4 “show-me-your-papers” bill and 287g agreements affecting my North Texas community and involving the Green Party in that effort. North Texas is also involved with the Fight for $15 and Living Wage efforts here, a Transit Riders Union for North Texas, and making good connections among different organizations.

  • At the same time, I have also been very active on the YGUS Basecamp and working on strategy and sharing ideas, participating on all of the organizing/EDU calls, been active on facebook, and reaching out and talking to YG across the country. I’ve also been organizing locally with my North Texas and GPTX comrades concerning ballot access, candidates, and state and local strategy along with our various issue fights.

Student Organizing Experience:

  • While I was a student at Texas A&M University I was a member (6 months), then Event Officer (1.5 years), then President (1 year) for the Japan Club - an international student organization focused on language and cultural exchange and community building. The organization was comprised of Texas A&M undergrads, international/exchange students, grad students, researchers, and faculty.

  • What the organization did:

    • held bi-weekly language exchange tables

    • welcomed and helped international/exchange students get settled

    • arranged airport pickups, homestays, trips around Texas

    • organized trips to festivals, karaoke, and cultural events in Houston

    • organized holiday parties, potlucks, birthdays, and graduation/going away parties

    • organized cooking events and bbqs/picnics

    • had a soccer team for students to play together

  • When I first started in Fall 2009 - we had average turnout of 2 or 3 students at language tables and few events, to Spring 2012 with average turnout of 10-15 students at language tables, over 75 registered members, and regular monthly social events

  • This experience with this student org taught me a lot about event organizing, how to organize and care for individuals in an organization, help people access the things they need, and building community. It also taught me that a strong team of people working together with a strategy is how you make really successful events happen and organizations grow.

What are initiatives that you would like to begin within the caucus--both generally and within the understanding of the designated role you are applying for? *

Generally - I would like to build Green Party Power and get people active in their locals/states/national/committees as well as empowering them to be active in their communities and the struggles there. In places where locals or the state parties are toxic entities I would like to build camaraderie in YGUS and help connect them to YG or comrades in their area so that they can then help reform their state parties into viable entities. Ultimately I would like YGUS to become the powerhouse I know it can be for organizing, campaigning, and making real progress with the Green Party and our communities through activism and electoral politics.

As Co-Chair - I would like to help carry the burden and provide leadership on the YGUS Steering Committee, submit proposals, and help develop relationships and trust between individuals and local/state parties. As someone who has free time because of the nature of my job, I can be available for calls, for organizing, and for outreach that others might not be available for. I can also provide a perspective coming from organizing in the South and draw focus to the struggles that happen here. This region needs more representation and agency and good folks working on important and vital tasks. I think I could help organize that in a way that focuses and empowers the individual and takes care of their human and emotional needs while getting work done.

What ideas do you have for a vibrant program for Young Greens chapters--both on campuses (college & high school) and any Youth Caucus chapters at the state and local level? *

I made a quick writeup of my general vision for on-campus/off-campus organizing in basecamp which a public link can be found below here: https://public.3.basecamp.com/p/J5M7c4aoZ57TxTK2p4q53QFW

These ideas though are just a small part of what a larger group of people collaborating could come up with and are by no means perfect or complete. In general though I believe we should be utilizing Young Greens chapters both on and off-campus in the following directions: social, educational, activism, community, and campaigns.

  • Social - make socializing events where they can make friends and create a community for them to hang out and have fun and do awesome things together. Could have things like board game nights, potlucks, parties, study sessions, etc just make it fun. (For example in Austin we have "Socialize with Socialists - Board Game Night" at our Austin office for people to come together

  • Educational - educational meetings around direct action training, facilitation, campaigning, political/historical, socialism/communism, activism organizing, philosophical, as well as around issues they need to discuss and know about (student debt, housing crisis, healthcare crisis, police brutality, drug wars and epidemics, climate change and climate disruption, jobs crisis, precariat and basic income, etc etc)

  • Activism - have activism days, direct action training, get good turnout to Action Days protests/rallies/marches/strikes etc, as well as doing voter registration and voter education, blockwalking, petition driving etc

  • Community - make events to get the students/YG involved in the local community and grow the skills and caring that they will take with them to their next place in life. help out the community - trash cleanups, planting trees and community gardens, food not bombs, helping the homeless, hosting potlucks that are either vegan or mostly vegan for students to come eat on campus, hosting coffee/snack break events during midterms and finals (maybe have the locals who aren't students help with this), in general anything that will help the wider community and the student community, as well as help the students grow. Also bring in food and water and supplies and relief to protests and direct actions.

  • Campaigns - organizing campaigns, campaigning, ballot access drives, blockwalking, phonebanking/textbanking/facebanking, fundraising drives, petition drives, social media campaigns, getting good turnout or even hosting precinct conventions, hosting candidates and debates, voter registration, poll watcher, poll workers, working directly on campaigns or helping campaigns for nonpartisan local races as well as larger races like statewide seats/congress/governor/presidential

What schools have you been or are you currently affiliated with?  *

I attended and graduated from Texas A&M University College Station with a BA in Anthropology and Minors in Asian Studies and Japanese. I was a student there from 2008-2012. I also studied for a semester in South Korea at Soonchunhyang University with a focus on Korean Studies and Korean Language in Spring 2011.

Are you willing to reach out to people at these schools, regardless of whether you serve on the steering committee or not?  *

I am definitely willing to help organize my fellow Aggies, even though I believe because of the nature and demographics/politics of the student body it might not be the best school to focus on in Texas. I am absolutely willing to try though as well as any other school in Texas or in other states that need help organizing. I am a firm believer that we should focus equally on young people whether they are on campuses or not, but I do see the critical need for campus organizing along with non-campus state/local chapters. I also very much would like YG to be involved in their states and locals when those states and locals are not toxic entities that will abuse them.

We hope to raise money for a part-time staff organizer. Do you have any ideas for how to raise money for the Young Greens?  *

Membership dues absolutely of course I support. I am also very supportive of selling merchandise such as Young Greens branded shirts, hats, buttons, bumper stickers, drawstring backpacks, and other various swag that people are interested in. In particular I made up a fundraising idea available on basecamp to go through and find vintage designs used by GPs in years past and recreate those sweet designs and sell as a fundraiser. I am also willing to help run fundraising drives and exploring creative ideas for fundraising. I am also open to other fundraising ideas and firmly believe that having paid staff and compensating/refunding/sponsoring our members when necessary is a critical usage of our caucus funds. I firmly believe in the value and necessity and role of money and fundraising to accomplish the goals we have as a caucus.

What other skills, resources, and ideas can you bring to this committee -- especially as it relates to the specific role you are applying for?  *

I bring interpersonal skills and empathy as well as a strict anti-oppression mentality. I also bring a background in anthropology/world history/american history/politics/strategy. I also can speak and read/write Korean and Japanese and will begin working on Spanish shortly. These language skills might be useful at some point when coordinating with YG abroad. I also bring strong leadership skills backed by a caring/understanding/listening mindset to be able to guide and empower others and provide direction and focus. I also bring with me a supportive GPTX family with lifetimes of experience that they are willing to share, and firm knowledge of living in the South and Southern organizing. I also know how to communicate well with others and engage on a deeper level rather than a superficial level. I also have a pretty strong knowledge of electoral politics and strategy, state legislatures and lobbying, as well as grassroots campaign organizing. Finally and most importantly I bring time, dedication, and focus.

What else would you like to share? *

I’m a super big fan of korean dramas and kpop (particularly the group BTS), love going to karaoke/noraebang and singing/rapping, and love eating delicious food and talking with friends. I’ve probably overshared enough, but if you have any questions or would like to get to know me more or share your experiences about working within GP - please feel free to contact me on facebook or by phone/skype (I can give you my info).


What is your name? 

Brendan Phillips

What is your city and state? 

Salt Lake City, Utah

What is your age?  

34

Are you a member of your state Green Party? (Find your state party information at http://www.gp.org/state_parties)?

Yes

Have you paid your annual Youth Caucus dues?

Yes

What position are you self-nominating for? 

Co-Chair

Are you able to commit at least 10 hours/month to this position? 

Yes

The Young Greens interpret the 10 Key Values and the GPUS Platform as anti-capitalist, anti-oppression/intersectional, anti-colonialist, and politically independent. Does that align with your political outlook? 

Absolutely.

Are there any of the Green Party's 10 Key Values that you believe are of particular importance right now for Young Greens? 

It’s very difficult to just pick one, or even two. I think Social Justice and Respect for Diversity should be at the top of everyone’s list.

Please tell us if and why you believe the Green Party is the political imperative right now as opposed to other parties or exclusively non-electoral movements? 

The Green Party is the only choice because it is both anti-capitalist and anti-war. It is also the only party build on grassroots power, not corporate power. In order to put our values into action, we must participate in electoral politics.

Do you identify with or are you a member of any political organizations or parties in addition to the Greens?  

No.

What experience do you have in organizing? Please clarify any movement, electoral, or student group organizing experience.  

I served as Co-Chair of the Utah Harm Reduction Project from 2006-2008. We setup booths at local dance music events to educate and raise awareness about recreational drug use. I was also instrumental in the rebuilding of the Green Party of Utah (GPUT), which one year ago was defunct. We are now quite active, accredited, and quickly growing in numbers and organization. I served as Co-Chair of GPUT from 2016-2017. Prior to that, I also served as Utah Ballot Access Coordinator, and Utah Volunteer Coordinator for the Stein/Baraka campaign. In 2016 we helped Jill receive the second highest vote total ever recorded for a Green presidential candidate in Utah. I currently serve as National Delegate for the Green Party of Utah, and Secretary of the Young Greens of Utah. I also serve as Northwest Regional Coordinator of the Ballot Access Committee, Secretary of the Tooele County Historic Preservation Commission, and on the Board of Directors of The Long Memory Project. For about a year and half now, my primary work focus has been on political organizing. (aside from stay-at-home dad duty of course)

What are initiatives that you would like to begin within the caucus--both generally and within the understanding of the designated role you are applying for? 

I would like to see a concerted effort to build state chapters in all 51 states. (DC included as state, as it should be) We must focus regional outreach efforts, and seek to build and maintain chapters all across the US. We must strive to have streamlined communication and sharing through improvement of our technology. The YGUS should fully utilize the functions of basecamp, and actively train our members how to use all of its functions. We must also continue to coordinate social media campaigns nationwide so that we may influence social media formulas, and coordinate nationwide branding/marketing strategies.

What ideas do you have for a vibrant program for Young Greens chapters--both on campuses (college & high school) and any Youth Caucus chapters at the state and local level? 

In order to maintain a “vibrant” chapter, there are a couple of key things to do. First, is to strive for diversity. Diversity of perspective, race, ethnicity, spirituality, sexual preference, etc. Vibrancy of the chapter is directly related to the diversity of it. An array of perspectives will bring vibrant discussion, and equally vibrant ideas. Second, it’s important to have fun. Political work can be both physically and emotionally draining. It’s important to hold social events and non-political get-togethers. Members need an opportunity to have fun, bond, and build relationships. It’s can’t be all work, and zero play.

What schools have you been or are you currently affiliated with?  

Graduate of Brighton High School. No post high-school education. Self-taught.

Are you willing to reach out to people at these schools, regardless of whether you serve on the steering committee or not?  

Yes

We hope to raise money for a part-time staff organizer. Do you have any ideas for how to raise money for the Young Greens?  

Let’s face it, the branding/marketing strategy of the GPUS is failed. People want to give us money by buying our gear. However, the material offered by the GPUS just isn’t that great. We have an opportunity to pick up the slack by providing fresh materials. With some coordinated design and branding strategy, we can create some fashionable, hip, and appealing designs for promotional materials. If we have swag worth buying, people will buy it. There is money out there waiting to be spent, we must need to give them a good reason to spend it. I feel a well maintained YGUS store could be successful in raising money, if we utilize the right branding techniques. We need modern, radical, and eye-catching designs.

What other skills, resources, and ideas can you bring to this committee -- especially as it relates to the specific role you are applying for?  

There are a couple of qualities that I possess that will help me in this position. First, my ability to network. I have created and maintained contacts in the GP all across the country in a very short time. I have the personality to meet and engage people, and remember them. I see where talent lies, remember, and call upon that talent when we need it.

I also have an unending dedication to this work. I currently spend roughly 40 hours per week organizing for the GPUT, YGUT, GPUS, and YGUS. Aside from my work as a stay-at-home dad, the Green Party gets the majority of my time and effort. I have both the time and energy to fulfil the duties of this position.

What else would you like to share? 

Just a little bit about me. I am a stay-at-home dad of two young boys, John (8) and Hunter (3). I have been married to my lovely wife, Ashlee (current GPUT Co-Chair) for four years. My interests include vinyl collecting, DJing, music, cats, activism, and tearing down capitalism. I live in Stansbury Park, Utah, where it doesn’t get much redder. I live in a district that is almost 70% registered Republican. Prior to my work on the Stein campaign, I was a Bernie supporter. I am thankful for Bernie helping to make clear the corruption of the DNC, and helping me to find my way here. Never again.


 

What is your name? * 

Eric Graf

What is your city and state? *

Syracuse, NY

What is your age?  *

I turn 26 on August 27

Are you a member of your state Green Party? (Find your state party information at http://www.gp.org/state_parties) *

Yes

Have you paid your annual Youth Caucus dues? *

Yes

What position are you self-nominating for? *

Co-Chair

Are you able to commit at least 10 hours/month to this position? *

Yes

The Young Greens interpret the 10 Key Values and the GPUS Platform as anti-capitalist, anti-oppression/intersectional, anti-colonialist, and politically independent. Does that align with your political outlook? *

Yes

Are there any of the Green Party's 10 Key Values that you believe are of particular importance right now for Young Greens? *

For me, Grassroots Democracy is the key to unlocking all of the other pillars.

Please tell us if and why you believe the Green Party is the political imperative right now as opposed to other parties or exclusively non-electoral movements? *

Yes, I believe that the Green Party needs to be built as a viable anti-capitalist alternative.  In addition, it needs to continue to build non-electoral social movements.

Do you identify with or are you a member of any political organizations or parties in addition to the Greens?  *

International Socialist Organization member

What experience do you have in organizing? Please clarify any movement, electoral, or student group organizing experience.  * 

I am currently in the middle of my first run for political office - for Syracuse, NY Common Council.  I have previously volunteered on three other campaigns.

What are initiatives that you would like to begin within the caucus--both generally and within the understanding of the designated role you are applying for? *

Generally speaking, I would like to see the caucus continue in moving the Party leftward.  Specifically as a co-chair, I would like to be heavily involved in seeking media opportunities to spread the word about our party.

What ideas do you have for a vibrant program for Young Greens chapters--both on campuses (college & high school) and any Youth Caucus chapters at the state and local level? *

Given the fact that young people now prefer socialism to capitalism, I think it is important that we highlight that part of our politics to attract people who would otherwise not look into the Party.

What schools have you been or are you currently affiliated with?  *

SUNY Albany

Are you willing to reach out to people at these schools, regardless of whether you serve on the steering committee or not?  *

Yes

We hope to raise money for a part-time staff organizer. Do you have any ideas for how to raise money for the Young Greens?  *

In my view, speaking to the issues that effect working people has proven to be effective in getting them to donate to our causes.  We should continue to do this.

What other skills, resources, and ideas can you bring to this committee -- especially as it relates to the specific role you are applying for?  *

I have found myself to be good a writing and public speaking.  Even more importantly, I’m a good listener.

What else would you like to share? *

I appreciate the opportunity to have a greater role in shaping the Party I find to be so important.  To my knowledge, this type of opportunity is exclusive to the Green Party.


 

What is your name? * 

Preston Thacker

What is your city and state? *

Savannah, GA

What is your age?  *

16

Are you a member of your state Green Party? (Find your state party information at http://www.gp.org/state_parties) *

Yes

What position are you self-nominating for? *

Co-chair

Are you able to commit at least 10 hours/month to this position? *

Yes

The Young Greens interpret the 10 Key Values and the GPUS Platform as anti-capitalist, anti-oppression/intersectional, anti-colonialist, and politically independent. Does that align with your political outlook? *

Yes

Are there any of the Green Party's 10 Key Values that you believe are of particular importance right now for Young Greens? *

Economic democracy

Please tell us if and why you believe the Green Party is the political imperative right now as opposed to other parties or exclusively non-electoral movements? *

The Green Party is the only anti-capitalist party with a nationwide presence and ballot access in nearly all 50 states. The Green Party is the party of sustainability and a bright future, compared to the dismal vision of the 2 party system.

Do you identify with or are you a member of any political organizations or parties in addition to the Greens?  *

No

What experience do you have in organizing? Please clarify any movement, electoral, or student group organizing experience.  * 

I am Co-Chair of the Green Party of Chatham County (we recently gained affiliate status with the Georgia Green Party)

What are initiatives that you would like to begin within the caucus--both generally and within the understanding of the designated role you are applying for? *

An important focus of mine is youth rights, and fighting against the ageism that is prevalent in our society.

What ideas do you have for a vibrant program for Young Greens chapters--both on campuses (college & high school) and any Youth Caucus chapters at the state and local level? *

Youth chapters need to get out there and be seen, and destroy the stereotype of politically-apathetic youth. Many people of my age are very interested in politics but can't relate to the generally older membership of establishment political organizations.

What schools have you been or are you currently affiliated with?  *

I was homeschooled.

Are you willing to reach out to people at these schools, regardless of whether you serve on the steering committee or not?  *

Yes 

We hope to raise money for a part-time staff organizer. Do you have any ideas for how to raise money for the Young Greens?  *

Tabling

What other skills, resources, and ideas can you bring to this committee -- especially as it relates to the specific role you are applying for?  *

I can (and have previously) connect anti-capitalists that may not have any hope in parliamentary politics with the Green Party to effect change via both elections and direct action.

What else would you like to share? *

If elected for this position, I will do my absolute best to promote the Green Party as the party for the youth of America, and a party that is explicitly against the oppressions that we face today. 


Candidates for Treasurer

What is your name? *

Stephanie Wild

What is your city and state? *

Chicago, IL

What is your age?  *

23

Are you a member of your state Green Party? (Find your state party information at http://www.gp.org/state_parties) *

Yes

Have you paid your annual Youth Caucus dues? *

Yes

What position are you self-nominating for? *

Treasurer 

Are you able to commit at least 10 hours/month to this position? *

Yes

The Young Greens interpret the 10 Key Values and the GPUS Platform as anti-capitalist, anti-oppression/intersectional, anti-colonialist, and politically independent. Does that align with your political outlook? *

Yes.

Are there any of the Green Party's 10 Key Values that you believe are of particular importance right now for Young Greens? *

Social Justice and Equal Opportunity, Feminism and Gender Equality, and Respect for Diversity.

Please tell us if and why you believe the Green Party is the political imperative right now as opposed to other parties or exclusively non-electoral movements? *

There is a huge gap in a political party that is run by the people, for the people. The Green Party has a major opportunity to step up and change and replace the two party system that has failed us. 

Do you identify with or are you a member of any political organizations or parties in addition to the Greens?  *

No.

What experience do you have in organizing? Please clarify any movement, electoral, or student group organizing experience.  *  

I have been organizing informally in my city for over a year to get people more involved in leftism. In university, I belonged to four clubs and helped with recruiting.

What are initiatives that you would like to begin within the caucus--both generally and within the understanding of the designated role you are applying for? *

Fundraising to put money into outreach. Reaching out to location that have been ignored and forgotten by the two party system. 

What ideas do you have for a vibrant program for Young Greens chapters--both on campuses (college & high school) and any Youth Caucus chapters at the state and local level? *

Getting people more involved and excited about the possibility of getting involved with a party that is for the people. 

What schools have you been or are you currently affiliated with?  *

University of Madison-Wisconsin. Graduated in 2015.

Are you willing to reach out to people at these schools, regardless of whether you serve on the steering committee or not?  *

N/A - No longer affiliated and do not live in Wisconsin.

We hope to raise money for a part-time staff organizer. Do you have any ideas for how to raise money for the Young Greens?  *

Reaching out and making connections with older generations that have disposable income and would like to see a positive change come about. 

What other skills, resources, and ideas can you bring to this committee -- especially as it relates to the specific role you are applying for?  *

I have a lot of connections across the US with people who have been failed by the two party system and want to get involved at a local level, but have nothing near them.


Candidates for National Delegate

What is your name? * 

Michael Dennis (Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs)

What is your city and state? * 

Brooklyn, NY

What is your age?  *

30

Are you a member of your state Green Party? (Find your state party information at http://www.gp.org/state_parties) *

Yes

Have you paid your annual Youth Caucus dues? *

Yes! So glad we’ve implemented dues.

What position are you self-nominating for? *

I am re-nominating myself for another term as National Delegate to the GPUS National Committee. 

Are you able to commit at least 10 hours/month to this position? *

I will continue to commit 10 hours/week or more (and support the by-laws change noting the expected increase in work hours for Youth Caucus SC members)

The Young Greens interpret the 10 Key Values and the GPUS Platform as anti-capitalist, anti-oppression/intersectional, anti-colonialist, and politically independent. Does that align with your political outlook? *

Yes. I am proud that I was a key organizer in passing the Anticapitalist Amendment to the GPUS platform and mobilizing the Youth Caucus to the cause, as well as helping with the Youth Caucus by-laws re-write that spelled our political framework above. 

Are there any of the Green Party's 10 Key Values that you believe are of particular importance right now for Young Greens? *

I believe that the Green Party needs a better understanding of Decentralization. Decentralization does not mean individualization where states and caucuses are not coordinated. Decentralization still requires a reliable and required flow of information between entities and often a vanguard template resource that state/caucuses can opt-in to.
As a Green Party national co-chair, I am working to help create systems that understand this balance. The Youth Caucus, however, is nimble and moves quicker. We ourselves can setup a form of these needed structures before national and lead the way.

Please tell us if and why you believe the Green Party is the political imperative right now as opposed to other parties or exclusively non-electoral movements? *

The Green Party is the electoral imperative, and there is an electoral necessity in the political imperative of this moment. There are certainly other non-electoral movements that Greens are or should work in collaboration and solidarity with. 
However, even as we act in solidarity and as a bridge to movement work, the Green Party is uniquely positioned in that it calls out electoral oppression — that electoral systems are oppressive to the voices of the people. These mechanisms that include first-past-the-post, exclusionary debates, ballot access laws, and other duopoly ploys, intentionally limit the participants in our government and thus limit the range of ideas — especially those such as Green and other intersectional Leftist voices that truly seek to address imperialism and colonialism, white supremacy and cisheteropatriarchy, environmental degradation, and the economic hegemony of the 1%.

Do you identify with or are you a member of any political organizations or parties in addition to the Greens?  *

I do not, as I exclusively devote the majority of my free time to building the Green Party, but I believe we should strive for greater collaboration amongst other Leftist and radical movement groups. 

What experience do you have in organizing? Please clarify any movement, electoral, or student group organizing experience.  * 

I was the Systems Manager for the Stein/Baraka ’16 campaign and the Deputy Campaign Manager for Cheri Honkala’s ’17 legislative run. These positions entailed organizing volunteers and structures for things such as phonebanking, text banking, social media, canvassing, poll watching, ballot access, fundraising, etc.
I helped advise the Youth Director for the Stein/Baraka campaign in his implementation of the campus program, and have organized Youth as a member of the Youth Caucus Steering Committee this past year, which has included a for the Million Student March and for the educational call series. 

What are initiatives that you would like to begin within the caucus--both generally and within the understanding of the designated role you are applying for? *

The Youth Caucus is on solid footing right now, and we need to intentionally build our core and expand in sustainable ways. My priorities are still the priorities that we have worked on these past few months — build a 51-state network of point-persons, have those point-persons do outreach to the people in their communities, lead a series of regular educational/organizing calls, and create outreach materials for those point-people and those signing up to start campus/local chapters. That is the bread and butter of this caucus and it must work like clockwork before we take on too much else.
As National Delegate, I will continue to introduce winnable proposals to the National Committee to change structures within the national party as well as fight for the passing of proposals in the interest of the caucus. This includes knowing the GPUS by-laws and knowing what things go through the NC and which can simply go through the SC or standing committees. 
During my tenure, the Youth Caucus has successfully co-sponsored proposals to raise the number of caucus delegates from 1 to 2, and is co-sponsoring a forthcoming amendment in support of sex work decriminalization. We have proposals in the works already regarding personal pronoun use and forum moderation and will soon be voting on GPUS by-laws changes that I crafted to address a recent situation regarding resignation withdrawal. 
I would like to help usher through more STEM-oriented platform amendments, anti-oppression training/frontline outreach, and measures to ensure information flow between national and state/caucuses.

What ideas do you have for a vibrant program for Young Greens chapters--both on campuses (college & high school) and any Youth Caucus chapters at the state and local level? *

I believe our implementation of Basecamp software will in time be helpful to create networks of campus and local chapters for a truly peer-to-peer vision of decentralization. Once we have our 51-state network in place with a budding set of campus/local chapters, we can begin to select some overall goals with what movements we want to align ourselves with. As far as campus specific—one thing I believe Young Greens could uniquely do on campuses is begin to map and chart the money flow—as well as starting or joining movements to protect workers on campuses. 
We should tap into the creation of a Green Party Speakers Bureau happening nationally to have a stock of figures and trainers that chapters could invite to speak with the physically or virtually. We could add our own additions to this.

What schools have you been or are you currently affiliated with?  *

McGill University (Montreal, QC) and Guilford College (Greensboro, NC)

Are you willing to reach out to people at these schools, regardless of whether you serve on the steering committee or not?  *

Yes, though YGUS Co-Chair Jacob Falzone is also an alum of Guilford and has already been organizing youth in Greensboro and North Carolina!

We hope to raise money for a part-time staff organizer. Do you have any ideas for how to raise money for the Young Greens?  *

First and foremost, we need to continue building our network and outreach to those on our email list, to youth in state parties, and those on social media. Solidifying them as Young Greens members, which includes being dues-paying.
Secondly, we need to continue to implement promotion of dues and donations on social media — and add strategic fundraising emails to that. I certainly am willing to work with the Treasurer on those.
Thirdly, we need to explore ways of selling merchandise that is compliant with FEC standards per the GPUS Treasurer. Alternate Delegate Zack Looney and I have already begun to explore a few options. 

What other skills, resources, and ideas can you bring to this committee -- especially as it relates to the specific role you are applying for?  *

I bring institutional knowledge to the Young Greens. As a GPUS national co-chair, I am happy to utilize my knowledge of process and by-laws to support and guide Young Green initiatives through the often complicated, bureaucratic and even outright dramatic entities of the national party. As a former staffer for Jill/Ajamu and Cheri, I bring knowledge on setting up a variety of systems that we as a caucus are still working to implement. 

What else would you like to share? *

I was really happy to meet so many of y’all in Newark at the annual meeting. Whether or not we’ve met, please feel free to friend me on Facebook (facebook.com/mikedennisgpus) or say Hey on Twitter (@mikeldennis). Open to answering any more questions that y’all have. 

What is your name? *

Tahirih Osborne

What is your city and state? *

Huntsville, AL

What is your age?  *

35811

Are you a member of your state Green Party? (Find your state party information at http://www.gp.org/state_parties) *

Yes

Have you paid your annual Youth Caucus dues? *

Yes

What position are you self-nominating for? *

NC Delegate

Are you able to commit at least 10 hours/month to this position? *

Yes

The Young Greens interpret the 10 Key Values and the GPUS Platform as anti-capitalist, anti-oppression/intersectional, anti-colonialist, and politically independent. Does that align with your political outlook? *

Abso-frickin-lutely!

Are there any of the Green Party's 10 Key Values that you believe are of particular importance right now for Young Greens? *

Each of them are vital for a strong Green Party that is committed to positive change. I think, as Young Greens, we especially need to focus on the ideals of Grassroots Democracy, as we reach out to a population that has become increasingly disenchanted with electoral politics and insincere politicians. Our generation needs to fight strongly for each and every voice, from the bottom up.

Please tell us if and why you believe the Green Party is the political imperative right now as opposed to other parties or exclusively non-electoral movements? *

I believe working within and without the electoral system, both building power outside of traditional classist structures, and within the traditional political structure, to push forward progress as quickly and efficiently as possible. The two-party system has abandoned the wellbeing of our citizenry, and our planet, in pursuit of power and money. No other party is willing to take so strong against environmental destruction, war, and profiteering on the backs of our most vulnerable people.

Do you identify with or are you a member of any political organizations or parties in addition to the Greens?  *

Union member of the Industrial Workers of the World

Member of the Tennessee Valley Progressive Alliance

What experience do you have in organizing? Please clarify any movement, electoral, or student group organizing experience.  *

Volunteer and canvasser for The Committee to Elect Devyn Keith (successful)

Volunteer and activist with the Free Alabama Movement

Founding member of the Raise the Wage Huntsville campaign

What are initiatives that you would like to begin within the caucus--both generally and within the understanding of the designated role you are applying for? *

I would like to help the YGUS become a dynamic and responsive caucus within the party, and use all of our 10 Key Values to help draft positions that amplify our collective voices.

What ideas do you have for a vibrant program for Young Greens chapters--both on campuses (college & high school) and any Youth Caucus chapters at the state and local level? *

Developing political educational materials for campuses, training on identifying local issues and developing coalitions, workshops for campuses on things like Volunteering 101.

What schools have you been or are you currently affiliated with?  *

University of North Alabama (Alumna)

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (Student / TA)

Are you willing to reach out to people at these schools, regardless of whether you serve on the steering committee or not?  *

Yes

We hope to raise money for a part-time staff organizer. Do you have any ideas for how to raise money for the Young Greens?  *

Seed packets! Grow your food and grow your party!

What other skills, resources, and ideas can you bring to this committee -- especially as it relates to the specific role you are applying for?  *

I love to write about policy and platform positions. I have a strong skillset in interpreting legal language for laypersons and in writing educational materials for the public.

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