Steering Committee Meeting – MINUTES
Sunday, April 26, 2026
8:00 pm EDT
1. Arshia Papari (co-chair) – present
2. Cassandra Lems(co-chair) – present
3. Craig Cayetano (co-chair) – present
4. Charles Ostdiek(co-chair) – present
5. Tamar Yager (co-chair) – present
6. Wissam Charafeddine (co-chair) – present
7. Holly Hart (secretary) – present
8. Mark Elbourno (treasurer) – present
Observers are asked to remain muted and refrain from using the chat function. If someone wishes to speak to an agenda item, please send a request to secretary@gp.org.
Observers: Gus Steeves (MA); Maureen Doyle (MA); Craig Seeman (NY, Media, Animal Rights); Starlene Rankin (WA); Gloria Mattera (NY, Media, Fundraising); Mary Rooker (MD, Animal Rights Committee); Cassiday Moriarity (YES)
Establish Quorum (9 current members, quorum is 5)
ANNOUNCEMENTS, if any – please consider how much time will be needed for these items
ITEMS marked FYI are included for informational purposes, unless discussion is requested.
Approve Agenda (changes require majority, new items require ⅔ approval)
II. Treasurer Report (Mark)
Cash on hand:
Chacking: $19,310.44
Checking: $24,073
Savings: 88,700.
Paypal: $6,842.48
III. New/Current Business \
1. Follow-up from last call: Bank Account – Craig had asked in regard to Mark’s request to remove Darryl! Moch from the ban/not make decisions regarding account access, to bring to a 48/48 process starting Wednesday; And to check with Athena regarding checking the mailbox, then consider Mark’s proposal that Darryl! not make any further decisions (on who has cards/access).
Tamar noted that Athena and a couple FinCom members will be meeting with Signal Bank Monday afternoon. Charles provided an update: we are still waiting for more information regarding mail forwarding and post office box access; we hope to find out more Monday. It will take longer to work out that expected, but they will make progress. He said that Darryl! Moch has been a member in good standing. Mark stated a concern that even a long time member should not override the Treasurer and Finance Committee co-chair, and asked to remove him from making changes to the account. Tamar explained that the authority for the account are the \Treasurer and FinCom co-chair. The P O Box issue has been resolved, but the mail cannot be sent to a residence. That has now been straightened out.
2. Basecamp updates: streamline and re-focus number of hubs, chats, etc. (Craig)
After the first full quarter of Basecamp,. We are seeing more people unsubscribe and stop communicating. Craig hopes we can work on a policy – closing or combining chats, removing the “proposal incubator.” The “proposal incubator” is one person, proposals are not developing organically through state parties. Wissam stated that for the sake of explanation, some people don’t understand the structure of Basecamp. We might have different impressions if we don’t have data to back us up; depends on what a person subscribes to.
Cassandra stated that we should go back to states parties and caucuses to develop proposals. All proposals in the “incubator” are by one person. There has not been much or any interest in most.
Holly agreed with Cassandra. She said she does see evidence of people “checking out” – they can stop notifications, but then may not receive information they are supposed to receive. It’s too easy to silo, easy to miss messages. Discussions can already happen at the early stage. The NC never approved anything like an incubator or Community Hub with unapproved members. Will get an audit/export from Basecamp soon.
Craig noted subscriptions have fallen from around 400 to 200. If there is an open hub, move out the incubator, focus discussion to political chat. Make the Community Hub social
Arshia agreed with Wissam, stated that Wissam is more involved and trying to address things, feels the proposal process is needed.
Wissam replied that when he sent a proposal he had to go back to his state party first, it was [not productive].We should not have a fear of proposals. The NC Hub has shout 200, other space shout 400.
Charles observed a study of the perception of participation of people in small had large groups – 20/80 distinction: 20% in group make 80% of the comments. That may not mean that others are not engaged, rather that 20% is more vocal or more clear.
Holly clarified that her comments indicated people were not getting messages, not a matter of jnt respondin. Recommends tech support group utilize the MOU Wissam created.
Wissam said that people should not miss things. Basecamp is complex, they should set up their notifications to make sure they receive what they need. The price to pay is that they may-get more messages than they wanted.
Moving forward; Holly suggested getting the member export and the MOU reviewed and ready to use. AGREED, Consensus
Craig noted that the point was for communications for the NC to make things work and flow better. This will be a budget item at the end of the year. We need to have stats every quarter, who is leaving who is engaging, etc. Newcomers need to be encouraged to get involved with the state parties and then join working committees. Wissam agreed that Basecamp is not a space for onboarding members,
2. Elections Tabulation Committee (see voting queue) (Holly) – 5 min ‘Ideally 5, normally 3, usually 2 or 3. SC can nominate, people may volunteer. Requires a ranked choice election proposal to approve members. Request to go out Monday.
3.
Of several individuals contacted, three have responded to say they would not be able to participate. The hope is that there will be at least two or three volunteers, so an election proposal can go out this week. The discussion period would need to be shortened. AGREED
The question was raised about what to do if there were no volunteers in time for an election to conclude in the time needed, and whether the SC could consider appointing two or three individuals.
Charles stated that the ETC ought to be elected before the SC elections. (meaning before the candidates are known) .Holly agreed this would be a good rule update. Wissam asked whether the software wasn’t reliable enough, do we need an ETC? Holly stated that the software is reliable and some felt it was no longer needed, but others felt it was still a good idea for an ETC at least to confirm the software was working as it should.
4. Dissolution of the Green Congressional Campaign Committee
With the passage of Proposal #1289 – Closure of the GCCC, what next steps are needed to close the account and committee? Outgoing/most recent past members? of the GCCC will need to decide where to direct any rejoining funds in the account.
Charles reported that he had looked up FEC rules on dissolving committees. He will send that citation to GCCC Treasurer Nancy Gaige and Mark. The proposal said that any remaining funds were to be transferred to the GPUS reserves for general spending. He noted that the reserves are not for general spending. He will find out from Signal financial what account to put the money in. An earlier account still has funds and needs to be closed, as well. We need to find former treasurer.
Regarding the outstanding donation to Sean Dougherty in CA. Sean is willing to return the money. Citing donor intent, Charles believes that money should go to the Coordinated Campaign Committee (CCC) for candidate support.
The transfer of funds to GPUS does not violate federal limits and is allowed.
Craig noted that the time frame for that election is nearly up. If Sean doesn’t advance in that primary, his candidacy is over, and he may be out of funds. We need to get the funds back right away.
4. Arshia: Idea for candidate support
The party is not able to support its candidates. Maybe we should propose to have states take on that function.
Craig asked for this to be on the record: When people voted to close the GCCC, there is now no committee to support them [federal candidates]. Arshia is liaison to CCC and has not been involved. The problem isn’t “us,” it’s the group that wanted to get rid of the GCCC.
Mark noted that there are trainings offered by Greens in some states.
Holly noted that state parties have and are supposed to be supporting and running campaigns; that’s one of their main purposes. Arshia stated the problem is that the party is not doing enough to promote candidates, that can’t be provided by state parties that the national can provide. He stated he had reached out to the CCC, had gotten no response.
Arshia stated two ideas: hypercentralization or decentralization.
Craig asked when the CCC last met. The GPUSCCC Twitter account is tweeting random stuff. Only one co-chair is listed,. When was the last election? The liaison should be keeping the CCC on mission.
Holly recommended getting in touch with the web manager to see if he could step in a reclaim the X account. An observer sent a message explaining that the account had not been hijacked, btu that the co-chair had been posting random, non-Green candidate stuff.
Arshia said felt he should not overstep the co-chairs. We need to boost the effectiveness, we are losing out on this election.
Craig again noted it’s the CCC charge, the mission. Arshia became liaison to that committee last summer; there should have been a plan on how to address 2026 then. Craig and Mark had offered to step into GCCC’s role, during the committee’s co-chair transition.
Holly noted that the SC can appoint new CCC members to fill open seats between election cycles. We should also reactivate or repopulate more of the state liaisons group, a good way to ensuring information being relayed back and forth. This was a vital part of the national/state electoral work.
5. Arshia: staff job descriptions, contracts, records – (executive session?)
Arshia asked for documents he needs to create a review.
Discussion of staff contracts and information. Charlesn explained that everything is in the Finance Committee Google Folder. Discussion of staff contracts.
IV. Standing Business/Old Business 15 min
1. UPDATE, FYI – US Boats to Gaza: GPUS has signed on and is invited to have someone on their Monday calls usboatstogaza.org/our-partners.
Madelyn Hoffman and Jacqui Deveneau of GPAX have volunteered to participate on behalf of the GPUS.
2. Update on “Inactive” State Parties (Holly)
No response yet, but not yet expected. Reports from initial outreach will be sent to the Accreditation and Steering Committees, with requests for proposals, as needed. Only two state parties are left in question; another was an issue of new delegates not being clear on how to vote; will follow up.
The SC had agreed by consensus to have Holly contact state parties in question to see where they stood: if active, do they want to resume activity on the NC? If there is no response, next steps may involve an assessment as to whether the state party exists to ensure some contact with GPUS. See ADDENDUM B
From SC Call 4-12-2026:
There has been no response from the Accreditation Committee. Request to go forward: contact X states for clarification n(can resume participation or not; informed how to reactive); then proceed, as needed with proposals to designate Inactive status.
—- From SC Call 3-22-2026: See Requests from YES, and Notes from Secretary. One state is missing from the “History” list and has been added, but not relevant here. Request for ask the Accreditation Committee to create or endorse proposals to designate Montana, West Virginia, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri “Inactive,” which means they do not have representatives on the National Committee and will not be counted toward quorum for passage of voting page Proposals. Three of these state parties have activity, some significant, but not involved at the national level. The process is to contact each and see what they wish to do.
V.. Reports
REMINDER: Committees should be reporting on a quarterly basis (or more, if they wish), even if they are not active during certain periods.
NOTE to SC: Liaisons should start contacting committees per the calendar in the Liaison assignment spreadsheet (second tab). Plan to start this now. The following list of Co-chairs and committees can also be updated, as needed. There is a Calendar in the Liaison assignment spreadsheet. Plan to start this now.
Liaisons August 2025
1. Guest Committee(s) : Craig Seeman, Animal Rights Committee
Craig created an ARC logo,and a general cartoon. The committee has produced numerous articles and PowerPoint presentations: oil and meat, animal agriculture and water use infographic to Facebook, statement in support of Greens in Amsterdam banning ads for meat; regenerative grazing vs organic farming, intersecting oppression and framework of liberation – intersectionality and animal liberation, roadbiocks to animal shelter reform, Beagle breeding farms in Wisconsin, importation of sloths to Sloth World in Orlando, FL. Some things might work as Instagram Carousels for educational purposes. Craig met with the NYC Office of Animal Welfare. Greens do get elected to municipal office and NYC is the first to have an office of animal welfare. He noted he was not happy with the results of the office’s work, though. They would like to refer to state parties and Facebook groups when there is a local animal issue. Craig will be speaking with a writer for Unchained TV, an animal rights online channel. They want to talk about running candidates.
2. Staff (Tamar)
– no news.
3. Secretary (Holly) -
Transfer to Google Workspace update: longer than anticipated, but moving forward; Google Folder and subfolders should be complete and intact in order when completed. A couple committees may have created new documents which they will need to reproduce or make sure to transfer.
Renewed call for Delegates 101; Committees 101. There is interest, but was unable to try to schedule anything this past week or weekend; will try to the coming week/weekend, can do more than one. Rules updates to web manager; rules clean-up TBA – security, observers, (clarification of unofficial proposals policy). Progress is being made on voting page updates. Several indices have been completed. Some delay as some of code not developed by the developer needed or needs to be removed; developer and web manager are in touch and getting through to needed access. Among other upgrades, this should be more usable on phones.
4. Craig: Media, Merch, PCSC, Outreach
Merchcom and Outreach met, Media elected a new two-year co-chair, with a current election for a one-year term co-chair. They are asking for collabs with different social media accounts for more candidate exposure. Attempted to work with caucuses, but not all respond. It has been tough to reboot Outreach. They want to do a workshop, possibly with Diversity, and update Green Outreach wordpress sit
5. Cassandra: ANMCom, FundCom,
Credentials , DRC
Has been attending ANMCom weekly meetings; the committee is doing great work. ANM Registration is open; early registration is encouraged, as it helps ANMCom with negotiations with the venue. FundCom is doing good work, snail mailing is progressing, half-way in the mail, half going out this week. There are no active cases for the DRC. Note, they aren’t inactive, they do not have any cases.
6. Wissam: IC, Green Pages, GPAX
, BRPP , BMRC,
Working with committees to ensure a smooth transition to Basecamp. 3 are using it. IC activity is slow, next meeting is [??]; they are considering a proposal to re-join the FGPA and Global Greens. GPAX is presenting monthly webinars; BMRC has good discussions and ideas, and an upcoming proposal; Green Pages is working on interviews with Steering Committee members.
7. Arshia: CCC, Platform
Communicated with CCC about social media and not using GPUS accounts to promote non-party candidates.
8. Tamar: Diversity, Staff Supervisor –
Some DivCom members are working on an application and distributing solidarity funds for the ANM. This should be out in a couple days.
9. Charles: FinCom, Animal Rights
FinCom is working on getting updated debit cards, payment permissions streamlined, removing old items that are no longer used and should no longer be paid for. Accounts for caucus and committees restricted funds are accurate. There is a remaining question of the need for an audit for Ballot Access funds.
Finance committee needs a backup on payroll processing system. Charles asked if SC would approve him as secondary on ADP) payroll processing system to treasurer for ADP. Cassandra seconded. No objections
ADOPTED, by CONSEMSUS
VII. Voting Queue – (Holly et al)
Received for the Voting Queue
1. Advocacy for Reparations to Iran, Lebanon, Gaza
Sponsors: Green Party of Hawai’i, maybe Banking and Monetary Reform Committee; interest from Diversity Committee
Re-submitted to comply with Rules & Procedures regarding submission deadlines.
No findings. Charles asked for an expedited timeline. AGREED
50%+1 threshold
1 week discussion, 1 week vote
Floor manager: Wissam
2. PROPOSAL RESUBMISSION Re: 2026-3-17 2026-4-06 Budget Amendment Request for Party Sustainability
Resubmitted in response to information provided by Charles. See noted, in Addendum A
2 weeks discussion 1 week vote
Majority threshold
Floor manager: Charles
Charles asked to expedite the proposal; as a member of the FinCom, this would be good to be resolved sooner rather than later. He felt this was delayed through findings that have improved the proposal.
AGREED by Consensus.
Craig noted “loosey goosey” chatter on Basecamp, but hopes people will focus on what the position really involves; revitalizing branding kit, materials for outreach. Asks for unanimous support from SC members to vote it down.
3. Approve Appointment of Darryl! Moch to Finance Committee
Darryl! Moch was appointed for a renewed term on the Finance Committee by the DC Statehood Green Party on April 12, 2026 and confirmed his interest in the appointment.
Approval threshold: simple majority
2 weeks discussion, 1 week vote
Floor manager: Charles
4. Expansion of the Dispute Resolution Committee
No update. Have not heard from the DRC.
5. Proposal to Adopt Robert’s Rules, etc.
Unclear status. Green Party of Nevada would like to co-sponsor, not clear if there is a Sponsor. Can follow up with GPNV and see if they want to be listed as a sponsor.
Wissam asked if the SC would review and consider SC sponsorship by the next meeting. Craig stated there would not likely be interest in the SC.
Discussion
#1292 – 2026 Special Election – Steering Committee Co-chair
Voting
#1290 – Budget Proposal to Amend GPUS 2026 Budget
Voting period through 4/26/2026
Completed
#1288 – Dues Research Group
ADOPTED
#1289 – Closure of the GCCC
ADOPTED
IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION – staff pay question 11:55 pm ET – 12:04 am, 4/27/2026
Discussion of staff pay in light of GPUS policy of work week and hourly pay. The SC AGREED to follow up to confirm some points of information, and to write a letter to the staff.
TOTAL TIME – 4 hr, 5 min
===================
ADDENDUM A
Budget Amendment for Party Sustainability
NOTES on FIndings from Charles: AT the 12026 meeting, the SC found that the proposal did not satisfy the following criteria:
“6-5.1(e) Is clear in what it asks the National Committee to decide;”
The 2nd clause of the proposal invites NC dispute about what to do with an amount of money.
The proposal should be clear about what it is asking, namely, that that line of budgeted expense should simply be cut. There’s no money to be transferred to the general fund. Language about transferring money is confusing. Cutting that line item (35) would render the budget even more “in the black” on the bottom line (72). the general fund (tab 1 – case statement, line 13 – total holdings) would not be increased.
Amending the language of the proposal to:
“Eliminate the contract media coordinator position, line 35, and adjust lines 66, Total Other Expenses, and 72, Total Revenue after All Expenses Paid, accordingly.” would satisfy the need for clarity in that it reduces and focusses the decision.
rather than asking the NC to decide 2 things (it asks for first, the elimination of the position, and second, what to do with that amount of money.) The amended proposal language asks only to decide to eliminate that position. The adjustments to the other figures on lines 66 and 72 would be automatic. if GPTXis agreeable to this simple change, the proposal would be clarified and improved.
ADDENDUM B
From SC Call 4-12-2026:
There has been no response from the Accreditation Committee. Request to go forward: contact X states for clarification n(can resume participation or not; informed how to reactive); then proceed, as needed with proposals to designate Inactive status.
—- From SC Call 3-22-2026: See Requests from YES, and Notes from Secretary. One state is missing from the “History” list and has been added, but not relevant here. Request for ask the Accreditation Committee to
create or endorse proposals to designate Montana, West Virginia, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri “Inactive,” which means they do not have representatives on the National Committee and will not be counted toward quorum for passage of voting page Proposals. Three of these state parties have activity, some significant, but not involved at the national level. Process is to contact each and see what they wish to do.