When many people talk about the Steering Committee of an organization, they often think of a group of leaders that determine overall policy and strategy, set goals, initiate projects, and govern the organization. But here is the definition of our Steering Committee’s charge:

The GPUS Steering Committee (SC), along with the party’s staff, oversees and helps execute the day-to-day administration and operations of the party.

Thus, the Steering Committee Co-Chairs for the Green Party are responsible for administrative tasks including monitoring finances, overseeing office and staffing, participating in bi-weekly Steering Committee calls and assisting in other operational undertakings. Each Co-Chair is a liaison responsible for communicating regularly with several committees. This often means providing assistance in re-invigorating committees and assisting in their work. Unlike many organizations, in our party, the Steering Committee doesn’t necessarily “steer” or make policy. The National Committee makes policy and the committees implement with the SC overseeing.

Because I have served in many leadership positions in the Green Party in my local and state and on several national committees, I am well-suited to fulfill the duties of an SC Co-Chair. Having been on staff as Fundraising Manager and later serving as staff supervisor, I have extensive knowledge of most of the inner workings of the party operations, financial systems, NationBuilder database, merchandise issues, and more. When we did not have a treasurer for several months, I did the FEC reports and handled other financial duties. When we laid off staff a few years ago, I served as the volunteer Office Manager. Currently, I am most involved on the Fundraising (I will be replaced as Co-Chair this month) and Annual Meeting Committees but I have served on others in past years. I just served two years on the Steering Committee and hope that you will elect me for another two years. I served as staff supervisor during this past year as well as liaison to the Media, Finance and Merchandise Committees.

Some people have been critical of SC candidates because they seem so busy, often with committee work. Many people say that if you want to get something done, ask a busy person. Well, I am always busy – some would call me a professional volunteer. I am lucky to be able to devote a significant amount of time to the Green Party. In my time(s) on the SC, I regularly put in 20-25 or more hours each week including committee work.

My professional work background is in development, meeting planning and non-profit marketing/administration. I’ve had some great jobs over the past 30 years – I was a community organizer for the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. I worked for many years at Actors Theatre in the marketing department. I was a federal grants writer for the Louisville Metro Government and most recently I was the Community Manager for my housing cooperative until it was bought out by a developer. Currently I am the Associate Director of CTA-USA.org. In my role I oversee all fundraising, finances and human resources.

My work, volunteer and political experience is broad. I was chosen by our town council to serve on the Board of Zoning Appeals (ended in 2021), which is a constitutional office. I recently termed out on the board of our local United Way where I successfully chaired several events that raised over $50,000. I have served in roles on various candidate and issue campaigns since I joined the party in 2006. I feel I can bring a balanced view to the Steering Committee and as a liaison to other committees at GPUS. Some have said I am a voice of reason because I listen to all sides and try to compromise on difficult issues. I try to find common ground on issues while still maintaining the letter and spirit of our rules.

Vision, hopes, dreams, priorities for the Party:

• Work with others to develop a long-term plan to become an anti-racist organization.
• Encourage every Green be a donor at some level – I am currently a sustainer.
• Make ballot access a priority so that we can be on the ballot everywhere in 2024.
• Strengthen affiliated parties in all states and revive dormant state parties.
• Elect more Greens to office at all levels by building state parties.
• Help empower Committees so they can do their work without micromanaging.

I think these priorities are achievable with standing committees, the National Committee and the Steering Committee working together

It has been an honor to serve on the Steering Committee in previous years and I look forward to doing that for another term. I hope I can count on your #1 vote.

Tamar Yager
[email protected]