ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Young Ecosocialists Caucus of the Green Party of New Jersey. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Last weekend, the YES (Young Ecosocialists) Caucus of the Green Party of New Jersey was officially recognized by the GPNJ as its Youth Wing for those between ages 14 and 34. Established in March, the YES Caucus has already grown to 22 members, representing 11 of New Jersey's counties (Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, and Union) and 13 different municipalities. On April 7th, the caucus passed its bylaws which introduced the caucus' mission statement as "The Young Ecosocialists Caucus of the Green Party of New Jersey, seeks to educate, support, and empower members and their communities through activism, political discussion, and support for the Green Party and its candidates." Goals of the caucus, as outlined by its bylaws, include supporting and electing Green Party candidates for public office, widening the grasp of political knowledge, amount of political participation, and scope of political interest of young people in government, civic, and political affairs, developing leadership skills in its members, serving members' communities, supporting the development of the activism of young people, uplifting and empowering underrepresented groups within the Green Party and U.S. politics, and providing opportunities for young people to network and socialize.

The Caucus will hold its first state-wide meeting on Saturday, April 18th at 8PM online through Zoom. Interested people can register for the meeting here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAsdeyqqz0sE9LXALzqvxQ_9yHq-7XgnmtU. On April 11th, the Caucus announced candidates for each officer position on its board including Matthew Skolar of Kearny and Justin Roig of Vineland for Chair; Nick Kimble of Edison and Anthony Samaniego of Lyndhurst for Vice Chair; Zoe Tweedie of Mendham for Treasurer; and Vince Ceraso of Sewell, Anthony Messina of Haddon Heights, and Chloe Alce of Scotch Plains for Communications Director. No candidate filed for the secretary position, however the organization's bylaws allow for the appointment of that position by the elected board after elections. Candidates will have the opportunity to speak on Saturday about their positions and goals for the caucus. Elections will symbolically be held on May 1st, 2020, which marks International Workers' Day, and one day before the annual Green Party of New Jersey Convention. Votes will be counted by caucus ally and former Congressional candidate for NJ-07, Diane Moxley who ran as a Green in 2018 against incumbent Congressman Tom Malinowski and former Congressman Leonard Lance.

While the caucus has not officially endorsed any candidates yet for public office, members intend to hold a vote on supporting Green Party candidate, Madelyn Hoffman for US Senate, as well as other Party recognized candidates, after its May 1st election. On May 9th, the caucus will be hosting one of several Green Party Presidential Candidates, Howie Hawkins for a meet and greet via Zoom. The caucus is composed primarily of youth who feel their voices have not been heard by either mainstream political party. Ben Morris, a member from Maplewood in Essex County said, "Because most political discourse, especially that which is exposed to the youth, is through the lens of our two-party system, many become disillusioned with the lack of work being done by Democrats and Republicans on behalf of working class families. Having groups such as the YES caucus gives the youth an opportunity to be involved in truly radical and meaningful politics, as well as community organizing and education in order to uplift those around them."

Another member, Anthony Messina, from Haddon Heights in Camden County said, "The YES Caucus builds a diverse group of youth to become some of the most politically active in the state. It helps bring together those who want to make change in the state, and directs our energy into positive change entirely."

The Green Party of New Jersey seeks to act as a platform for youth, and the YES Caucus invites youth from any background, including former supporters of Democratic Presidential Candidates, Bernie Sanders, Tulsi Gabbard, and Mike Gravel to consider joining its ranks as it begins to make waves in the youth political scene as a progressive movement of young leaders outside the Democratic Party.

Green Party of NJ Co-Chair, Craig Cayetano said, "I'm proud of the organizing by our YES caucus in such a short time. We are an inclusive party that is more diverse and younger everyday, one new member at a time. Welcome to everyone!" The YES Caucus will provide its members with leadership skills, experience working on campaigns, and is a worthwhile time commitment for any young progressive or leftist feeling disillusioned by New Jersey and national politics.