about you are the power
Founded and operated by Spike Cohen, You Are The Power is a Membership-based nonprofit whose network has a shared social media reach of over 100 million, and a working relationship with activists and organizations in all 50 states.
The Mission of You Are The Power is to spread, and act on, the Principle of Human Respect.
We accomplish this through:
- Building Community Roots – We find people who are in need, activate our Members to organize that community around their cause, and demonstrate that we care, our solutions work, and they are welcome to join us to accomplish even more.
- Network Effect – We grow and nurture a network of engaged and likeminded activists, train them on best practices for organizing and winning on causes, and communicate the principle behind why our solutions work: that people flourish without coercion, force or theft.
- Education and Action – For both our Members and the general public, we use these causes and our network as an opportunity to educate them about the foundational Principle of Human Respect, and give them a direct call to action to implement this Principle into practice.
Our purpose is to use localized, grassroots, single-issue activism to empower people to work together to set our communities free, restore individual rights, and take the power away from government and put it back in your hands, where it belongs.
We are a non-partisan network of activists, community leaders, and candidates for elected office who identify problems and work to implement solutions.
Below you will find our Statement of Goals, our Statement of Values, and information about our Team.
Our Statement of Goals
You Are The Power engages in activism to accomplish the following Goals:
Empowerment: When people feel helpless in their communities against an overreaching government, we show them how much power they have to enact the changes they wish to make. For far too long, politicians and bureaucrats have convinced many that they have no power. We’re here to remind them that they do.
Accountability: When politicians, law enforcers, or other people in positions of power abuse their authority, we use our resources and experience to expose their deeds to the public and hold them accountable. Those who abuse their power should have an example made of them. We will do just that.
Service: We can help those in need, and improve our communities far better than politicians, bureaucrats and cronies, and we demonstrate it regularly through direct charity and mutual aid initiatives.
Awareness: We utilize positive, solutions-oriented messaging and hands-on grassroots activism to demonstrate to the public that we have the best ideas and a feasible strategy to implement them. We win people to our side and achieve victory.
Nullification: Bad laws, policies and actions by politicians and bureaucrats can be nullified in many ways. Nullified at the ballot box through referendums and initiatives, nullified by informed jurors in unjust trials, and nullified by local governments through “sanctuary” laws and other nullification laws. The elected officials in the state and federal offices are not our rulers, and we show them just how little control they truly have over us.
Respect: Harmful measures from government come from a lack of respect for people, and growing a culture of human respect is the best way to combat it. In all of our endeavors, we drive home the message that theft, violence and coercion always reduce happiness, harmony and prosperity every single time, and that cooperation and respect are the way to create the kind of society we wish to live in.
Liberation: We have a long-term goal of dismantling the oppressive, tyrannical, and harmful systems and programs that those in power have been building up for quite some time. There are many steps that need to be taken on this journey, and we’re prepared for the long-haul – there’s no time to start like now!
Our Statement of Values
You Are The Power operates under the following Values:
We Value Autonomy. We do not harm people except in defense, we do not steal people’s justly-acquired property, and we do not threaten or coerce people into acting against their own will.
We Value Freedom. We believe that all of us do best when we are most free, and respect people’s freedom to do as they wish, as long as they don’t violate anyone else’s lives, rights or property.
We Value Trust. We trust one another, and we are trustworthy. We do not lie or cheat. The truth is on our side, so we have no reason to veer from it.
We Value Decisiveness. We identify problems, determine the solutions, and then work to implement them in a way that helps to inform and shape public opinion. We do not fear failure, because we will learn from it. Failure is better than inaction.
We Value Courage. Our opponents have vastly more resources than we do, but we know that the truth and justice are on our side. We forge ahead.
We Value Dignity. We speak and conduct ourselves in a way that attracts others, wins them over to our side, and inspires them to join us. We act calmly, courteously and with the truth on our side. We do not act disrespectfully, or with disrespect towards others.
We Value Vision and Commitment. We seek to set people free from coercion in our time. We understand that this is a long journey, and that there are many steps we need to take to get there. We seek to identify those steps, and commit to taking them, all the way through to victory.
We Value Diversity of Thought and Perspective. All of us come from different walks of life, have different perspectives and experiences, interact in different social circles, and have a different way of doing things. It is in that diversity that we are able to reach everyone, while remaining committed to the same goals and operating from the same values.
We Value Decentralization. We do not order people around or force people to accept the majority opinion. Democratizing everything simply pits allies against one another constantly, squashes minority opinion, and creates losers on every issue for no good reason. We do not form factions or try to create division. We inspire others to join us by doing great work and encouraging others to join us.
We Value Respect. If we disagree with another Member’s activism, we do our own activism. We respect the rights and motivations of others, and are more focused on being productive than criticizing or nitpicking one another.
We Value Tolerance. Not all of us live the same way, and that is good. We respect everyone’s right to live as who they are and how they wish, and we respect everyone’s right to their opinion on others as well. We do not force people to accept, or condemn, the lifestyles of others. We only expect tolerance.
We Value Knowledge. On any subject, hard data is our preferred source. Our second preferred source is the opinion of those with the most experience on the subject. Thinking and feeling are important, but we derive our opinions primarily from data and knowledge.
We Value De-Escalation. When we see the beginnings of conflict, we use positive communication to de-escalate it. We disagree by focusing on positive alternatives, and avoid insults and divisiveness.
We Value Love. At the root of our values, and our activism, is love. Love for ourselves and those closest to us, love for our communities, love for the freedom and wellbeing of others, love for future generations whose lives we want to improve by winning for liberty. When all things are considered, we default to love.
Our Team
Our Top Members
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Blaze Members |
Fire Members |
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| Bryce Acer Andrew Amelang John Bambenek Jesse Betts Lawrence Dickinson Tracy DuPrez Johnathan Dupuis Aaron Fowle Brad Green Todd Hagopian Bradley Malouf D Marchionne Shaun Martin Nathan Maust Ryan McClanahan Dianne McLain Steve Phillips Allison Spink David Thomas Shelby Varney Amy Zdon |
Kimberly Acer |
Scott Landry Randee Laskewitz Jennifer Leatherbury Katie Levins Albert Levy Robert Lodder Kurt Lootens Mandie Marie Thomas McMillin Ines Montalvo Kyle O’Brien Joseph Ortega Judi Ann Pate Dylan Patrick Adam Petty Brian Poole Erik Reinheimer Robert Reynoso Joe Rich Rene Rios Avery Rumberger Leonard Sannes Robert Seifert Annette Shader Kendra Shipman Stephanie Specht Sandi Specht Cory Tallman Jay Thompson Calley Tinley Todd Tucker Parker Webb Esther Weinberger JW Whitmarsh Jennifer Williams Jonathon Williams Charity Williamson David Wilson Nolan Wright Rob Yates Dianna Zullo |
Spike Cohen
Founder & President
Spike Cohen is a successful business owner, Libertarian activist, and media figure. He is the Founder and President of You Are The Power, a nonprofit focused on using solutions-oriented activism to grow the Liberty movement.
Spike started a web design company as a teenager in 1998. In 2017, he retired from web design to focus on effective political messaging, entertainment, and activism. This culminated with him becoming Libertarian candidate for Vice President in 2020, where he traveled across the nation by plane and bus, meeting countless Americans and sharing the message of Liberty with them.
Spike is a tireless advocate for freedom with a commitment to help grow the movement at the grassroots level, training candidates and activists in positive and principled messaging to explain libertarian ideas to everyday Americans, and working with elected officials to implement common-sense reforms to improve people’s lives.
Since the 2020 election, Spike has become a regular guest on cable news networks, nationally syndicated radio, international media outlets, and podcasts across the globe.
Myra Matejka
Executive Director
In 2004 Myra Matejka left her corporate management career to stay home with her children and found herself diving head first into community outreach and activism. Inspired by Ron Paul’s run for the presidential nomination, Myra decided to take her skills into the world of politics.
With over 12 years of experience in grassroots activism, Myra has seen it all. From organizing volunteers, managing teams, planning events, fundraising, guest appearances on local news shows and podcasts, running for office and so much more; Myra brings a wealth of knowledge to the team.
This former homeschooling mom of four joined forces with Spike Cohen as a staffer on the Jorgensen/Cohen campaign in 2020 and has been with You Are The Power from its inception. Having left politics, she has made it her mission is to focus on community service through the message of human respect.
Ryan Ralston
Volunteer Director
Ryan Ralston was born and raised in metro Atlanta.
He is a steadfast advocate for effective reform within the criminal legal system, having dedicated a decade to volunteering with various civic organizations and non-profits throughout Georgia.
For Ryan, the power of change lies in grassroots activism and voluntarism, a belief that has guided his actions and decisions. He firmly believes that these avenues yield more significant results for our communities than mandated government policies, and he is committed to Human Respect and focusing on positive solutions that return power to the individual.
Ryan did something truly punk rock: he married his high school sweetheart. They have three wonderful children. In his leisure time, he writes short stories and essays, reads voraciously, follows Red Sox baseball, gets tattooed, and cherishes moments with his three Australian Shepherds, Mabel, Junie, and Birdy.
Victoria Lawhorn
Cause Coordinator
For over a decade, Victoria has championed liberty, empowering individuals and resisting government overreach. From marching against mandates and running political campaigns to serving in local government and volunteering with liberty organizations, her dedication is unwavering. Her experience spans public and private institutions, grassroots movements, serving on boards and committees, and consistently pursuing practical, love-centered solutions.
In 2024, Victoria joined You Are the Power as a Regional Coordinator and now serves as Cause Coordinator. Her professional background in administration and local government complements her activism, equipping her with the tools to tackle complex issues with compassion and strategy.
Victoria and her husband are building their off-grid homestead in Southeast Oklahoma with their dog, Lazarus. Outside of her advocacy work, she enjoys crafting, exploring the outdoors, and embracing the self-sufficiency of rural life.
Bob Johnston
Treasurer
Hailing from the great state of Maryland, Bob handles the very important task of keeping our financials neat and tidy. He’s been involved with the liberty movement and libertarian politics since the early 2000’s, serving as the chair of the Maryland party, then as treasurer, and working for the national libertarian party for thirteen years.
Bob brings his skills and expertise to our team because he knows people get hurt by the government, at all levels, every day. You Are The Power works to help these people, who usually don’t know how to defend themselves, and can rarely afford to hire someone to help them.
Brian Lambrecht
Special Projects Director
Brian loves to play his guitar and bass, enjoys directing and producing films, is a proud member of the Silent Film Society of Chicago, is an avid camper and hiker all around the country, and likes to indulge in local astronomy clubs late at night looking through telescopes.
Ciara Mathey
Social Media Director
Ciara is a mother to a rambunctious little girl and stepmom to two wonderful bonus boys. With a household this full, she is never afraid of a challenge! Ciara discovered the Liberty movement through the Ron Paul Revolution in 2012. In 2016, she decided to put her love for liberty into action and became an assistant volunteer director for a well-known figure in the movement, before joining a growing alternative media network and attended protests/rallies/events as a reporter/photographer.
She joined the Libertarian Party in 2017, and has been involved in numerous projects ever since, becoming the Chair for her local Libertarian chapter in DeKalb County in 2018 and earning the Outstanding Young Libertarian Award for the Libertarian Party of Illinois in 2018, and she also received The Tonie Nathan Award later in 2022.
Ciara has contributed to multiple political campaigns over the years. She loved helping candidates expand their social media presence and loves attending events with her camera in hand!
She has since directed this passion to You Are The Power by helping us with numerous projects with the main focus of expanding our social media following.
Jennifer Floyd
Video and Graphic Engineer
When you have a resume which includes being a bartender, limo driver, webmaster, helpdesk operator, retail manager, educator, and independent film maker, you know a lot about many things.
Being the definition of “creative person”, Jeni brings her skills and life experiences to the team making promotional graphics and print media. She also edits all the content for our TikTok and YouTube channels, helping push our social media presence to over 50 million followers.
Born and raised in Chicago, Jeni now enjoys the quieter life in the foothills of Eastern Tennessee with her family and two cats – Tycho and Edwin.