The Gay, Lesbian, and Allies Senate Staff (GLASS) Caucus is a non-profit, non-partisan organization open to all whose purpose is to raise awareness of issues affecting the LGBT community, increase visibility and promote the welfare and dignity of LGBT employees of the United States Senate by providing a safe environment for social interaction and professional development.
Please view this election calendar for important dates, and be sure to see below for Frequently Asked Questions and specific information on candidates and voting. If you have any questions please feel free to email the GLASS Caucus Secretary at jacksondroney@glasscaucus.org
Candidates
| Wednesday, February 8 at 6:00 PM ET | deadline to declare candidacy (via email) |
Eligible Voters
| Friday, February 10 at 6:00 PM ET | deadline to pay dues in person and be eligible to vote in election |
| Saturday, February 11 at 11:59 PM ET | deadline to pay dues online via PayPal and be eligible to vote in election |
Election
| Wednesday, February 15 | election begins; ballots sent by email and are available in person |
| Tuesday, February 21 | election ends; balloting no longer available (deadline for paper ballots is 6:00 PM ET; deadline for online ballots is 11:59 PM ET) |
Results
| Wednesday, February 22 | election results are certified and reported to membership |
| Thursday, March 1 | Steering Committee term begins; first meeting held shortly thereafter |
Frequently Asked Questions About the GLASS Steering Committee Elections
Who can serve on the Steering Committee?
Anyone who is a current employee of the Senate and who has paid their 2012 calendar year dues, according to the organization’s bylaws. (Dues are currently $10 through February 11, 2012). This includes staff from personal, committee, leadership, non-designated/non-partisan offices as well as support staff.
What are the responsibilities of Steering Committee members?
Members of the Committee carry out the mission of the organization and respond to current issues affecting LGBT staff. They also plan educational, social and networking events throughout the year – everything from brown bag discussions to happy hours and legislative briefings.
How much time is required to serve on the Steering Committee?
The Committee meets, on average, once a month to discuss issues and carry out plans for upcoming activities. Meetings typically last about an hour and are held in or near the Senate Office Buildings, usually during lunch or after work hours. Members also spend time individually on projects or areas of focus that match their skills and interests.
How do I become a candidate for a position on the Steering Committee?
If you are interested in serving this year, please submit your name, office, and a short paragraph about why you’d like to be on the Steering Committee and what you’d like to see accomplished to GLASS Secretary Jackson Droney at jacksondroney@glasscaucus.org by Wednesday, February 8 at 6:00 PM ET.
The GLASS Caucus values diversity and aims to reflect the demographics of the Senate, therefore women, people of color, straight allies, support staff, and staff members in Republican offices are encouraged to run.
How many Steering Committee members are there? Are there specific “officers” ?
GLASS is lead by nine (9) Steering Committee members. The bylaws call for two co-chairs, a secretary and a treasurer. Other officer duties are assigned to members based on their interests and abilities. The officers and positions are decided upon by the nine Steering Committee members after they are elected.
I haven’t been working on Capitol Hill for very long – is there a minimum amount of experience or other qualification to stand in the election?
GLASS welcomes all interested individuals to be a part of the organization, whether it is serving on the Steering Committee or simply being part of our activities. While there is no minimum requirement to serve on the Steering Committee other than being a Senate employee and paying dues, some institutional knowledge of the Senate and/or LGBT issues is helpful to carry out the organization’s mission. In the past, the Steering Committee has been made of up a diverse mix of individuals who have served in the Senate for many years, as well as newcomers and those who bring other LGBT community related experiences to the organization.
Can interns serve on the Steering Committee?
We welcome and encourage interns to be an active part of the organization while they are completing their internships, however because of the short timing we believe they might best maximize their time by helping current Steering Committee members plan events and activities.
I’m not sure if I’m able to commit to being on the Steering Committee just yet – are there other ways to get involved?
Absolutely. The Steering Committee welcomes any GLASS member and any Senate staffer who wants to get more involved, whether it be assisting with events or coming up with ideas how to best carry out the organization’s mission. Feel free to email us any time at info@glasscaucus.org to let us know how we can help you get more involved.
How long are Steering Committee members elected for?
Steering Committee members are elected each year for a one year term. The upcoming term will be from March 2012 to the end of February 2013. We understand that members of the Senate community often come and go, so we fill vacancies and adapt accordingly. If you are interested in joining but are unsure how long you might be a Senate employee, feel free to reach out to any of the current Steering Committee members (listed below).
How do I pay my dues so I can participate in the election?
You have from now until Saturday, February 11 at 11:59 PM ET to pay your dues for the 2012 calendar year if you want to participate in the election. Dues are currently set at $10 until February 11, 2012 . You can pay your dues via PayPal by clicking the link below. (Note: Major credit/debit cards are accepted, and you do not have to have a PayPal account).
Is it possible for me to pay dues in person instead?
Yes. Please email Jeannie Binniek, GLASS Treasurer at treasurer@glasscaucus.org for further information on paying in person. (Note: checks can be made out to “U.S. Senate GLASS Caucus”). Please note the deadline to pay dues in person and be eligible to vote in the election is Friday, February 10 at 6:00 PM ET.
I don’t have regular access to email – can I vote in person?
Yes. While email is the preferred method of voting in the election, you may request a paper ballot by emailing jacksondroney@glasscaucus.org . Please note that Tuesday, February 20 at 6:00 PM ET is the deadline to submit a paper ballot.
Who are the current Steering Committee members?
| Jonathan Gilad | Co-Chair | jonathangilad@glasscaucus.org |
| Miguel Ayala | Co-Chair | miguelayala@glasscaucus.org |
| Jackson Droney | Secretary | jacksondroney@glasscaucus.org |
| Jeannie Biniek | Treasurer | treasurer@glasscaucus.org |
| Jeffrey Levensaler | Membership Chair | jeffreylevensaler@glasscaucus.org |
| Jake McCook | Community Liaison | jakemccook@glasscaucus.org |
| Mike DiNapoli | Education, Volunteer & Social Chair | michaeldinapoli@glasscaucus.org |
| Annie Walden-Newman | Member-at-Large | anniewaldennewman@glasscaucus.org |
| Joaquin Esquivel | Member-at-Large | joaquinesquivel@glasscaucus.org |