How the Virginia Evergreen Book Steering Committee Shapes the Future
At Virginia Evergreen Book, we believe that community-led decision-making is essential for ensuring that this directory remains authentic, transparent, and impactful. That’s why we’ve established a Steering Committee—a group of community members who will oversee major decisions, vet business submissions, and ensure the platform stays true to its mission.
The Steering Committee is the governing body, making decisions that will shape the directory’s future.
What the Steering Committee Does
Approves New Business Listings – Businesses submitted to the directory are reviewed and verified to ensure they align with BIPOC-owned & friendly criteria before being added.
Oversees Business Removal & Accountability – If a business is reported for being exclusionary, harmful, or unwelcoming, the committee will review evidence and vote on potential removal.
Handles Community Reports & Concerns – The committee investigates complaints, ensuring businesses listed uphold ethical and inclusive values.
Meets Regularly for Strategic Planning – Members attend virtual or in-person meetings to discuss expansion, funding, and improvements to the directory.
Supports Community Engagement & Outreach – Members promote the directory, build partnerships, and help produce editorial-style business features to uplift business owners.
Maintains Financial Transparency – The committee reviews revenue reports and helps decide how funds are reinvested into marketing, technology improvements, or hiring staff.
Core Values & Decision-Making Approach
The Steering Committee operates with the following guiding principles:
Community-Centered – The directory exists to uplift marginalized business owners and protect consumers seeking safe, inclusive spaces.
Transparency & Accountability – Decisions are made openly, and businesses can address concerns before being excluded.
Evidence-Based Decisions – A business will not be removed based on a single complaint—only when credible reports and supporting evidence show a pattern of harm.
Phased Expansion – The directory first prioritizes BIPOC-owned businesses, with ally businesses added later under a separate category.
Democratic Oversight – The Steering Committee votes on all major decisions, including flagged businesses, funding allocations, and expansion plans.
A Balanced Approach to Business Inclusion & Exclusion
Who Can Be Listed?
• In Phase 1, the directory will only list BIPOC-owned businesses.
• In Phase 2, non-BIPOC-owned ally businesses can apply for inclusion under a separate category.
• All businesses must demonstrate an inclusive, equitable, and respectful environment.
How Are Businesses Removed?
• If a business is flagged with multiple credible reports, the committee will review evidence and vote on removal.
• Businesses have the right to respond before a final decision is made.
• If a business shows tangible efforts to improve, it may be reconsidered for reinstatement.
What’s Next?
We’re currently in Phase 1, and the Steering Committee is accepting applications from community members who want to take part in shaping the future of Virginia Evergreen Book.
You probably noticed that the founder of this project is not a member of the BIPOC community. For transparency’s sake, our aim is to:
Raise funds to contract a member of the BIPOC community to design a better brand design for the project.
Establish an LLC owned by one of our steering committee members, who will be entrusted to run the company in a community-guided fashion. (At the moment, this is a privately-owned and individually-funded endeavor.)
If you are a member of the BIPOC community and want to be involved in decision-making, we’d love to have you on board.
