Thomas Keister has, with the assistance of the United States Marijuana Party, established the U.S. Marijuana Party of Indiana (USMjP-IN), the ninth and newest state chapter for the twelve-year-old political party
Keister took advantage of a chance social media encounter with USMjP Organizer and Kentucky Chair Sheree Krider to point out there was not, at the time, an Indiana chapter, and offered to take the lead in getting one off the ground. By the end of the conversation, the USMjP-IN was taking shape, with the chapter launching through a new Facebook group earlier this afternoon.
"I'm excited for this opportunity," Keister commented, "it gives me a chance to address a particular topic of interest politically and take the reins with a new political organization, to possibly sharpen skill sets for my continued work with the Libertarian Party down here in southern Indiana. Marijuana is not a pressing issue for the Libertarian Party chapters down here at the moment, and that is for the best. Dividing my work will be a nice collaboration of efforts, and allow me to focus on what I consider to be an important topic and allow a little separation for the LPCC." Keister has served as Communications Director of the Libertarian Party of Clark County since March 2012.
For 90 days, the USMjP-IN will be considered a "reporting chapter," joining Hawaii and Virginia on probationary status, before being promoted to full chapter status. Keister will serve as administrator of the reporting chapter, and then assume the state chairmanship when the chapter becomes official later this year. Keister is already working on establishing a website and social media presence for the chapter.
To find the U.S. Marijuana Party of Indiana group, search "USMjPartyIN" on Facebook.