Voters Not Politicians has always been a grassroots organization. As we’ve grown our pro-democracy programming, we’ve learned will need even more support to be able to continue and expand that important work.
Tashia James is the new Grant Manager at Voters Not Politicians, and she’s helping to keep our grassroots movement growing strong!
Tashia joined Voters Not Politicians staff in July 2023 and represents several first for our family of organizations. Not only is she the first dedicated Grants Manager in our Development Department, she’s also the first staff member from outside of Michigan!
Tashia was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, raised in Erie, Pennsylvania, and now resides in what she calls the “Hershey Annex” of Pennsylvania.
While not native to Michigan, Tashia was still aware of the grassroots power that Voters Not Politicians was building in the *cough* better *cough* Midwest state.
I became aware of Voters Not Politicians through news coverage in 2018, witnessing the remarkable achievement of an organization led by volunteers. I genuinely admired Voters Not Politicians’ dedication to empowering voters. Even though I’ve only been on staff for a few months, already my favorite part of working with VNP is the passion of our staff and dedicated volunteers.
Joining our Development Department this summer, Tashia became responsible for overseeing the entire grants process in collaboration with the Development Team. This position has become vital for the continued success of Voters Not Politicians’ pro-democracy programs. While we continue to rely on grassroots supporters and our dedicated volunteers, as the family of organizations has grown, so has our need for funding.
Enter Tashia, who helps find us that funding.
As Grants Manager, I research and identify potential funding sources, collaborate with stakeholders to develop grant proposals, and ensure compliance with guidelines and regulations. I like to say my purpose at VNP is “Find the money!”
But VNP’s bank accounts aren’t the only thing Tashia helps to grow. During the pandemic, she also started helping out at a local community garden!
I began walking through my neighborhood, then explored paved paths at parks, and eventually, I started to love being outdoors. Somewhere along the way, I became an accidental beekeeper, maintaining four hives in a community garden, with a very patient mentor!
