EDITOR’S NOTE: This post originally appeared on my old Carla4NHSenate website in October 2018. It has since been updated to include awesome new stuff like publishing my first book! 🙂
I finished high school when I was 16 years old, and law school when I was 21. My first “job” was when I was eight-ish, when my sister, our best friend, and I would go–with our parents’ permission–to a neighborhood grocery store in Pretoria, and offer to push customers’ shopping carts and unload their bags into their cars for tips. We spent our “mad money” on Fantas and chips. In high school, I worked as a waitress at Giovanni’s Pizza, and in college, my summer jobs entailed making fibre glass bar stools by hand (ouch!) and working as an intake registrar/cashier at a local college.
Daughter of a South African diplomat, I’ve lived on 4 continents and remain an avid traveler, having visited 40 countries (and counting!). I won a green card in the Diversity Visa Lottery in 1994 and became a U.S. citizen in 2000.
I’m a writer, foodie, cook, gardener, photographer, amateur painter, hiker, Scrabble player, and documentary film buff. I practice yoga and shooting. I own a home in West Manchester with Louis Calitz, my husband since 1994, where we live with our new puppy, Obi.
I blog regularly here at Carla Gericke: The Art of Independence.
You can read more about the activism I have done to keep all Granite Staters free on Wikipedia.
On Manchester Public TV, I host The Carla Gericke Show and co-host Manch Talk TV. In the past, I co-hosted the Told You So and Free State Live podcasts, both currently on hiatus. I have appeared on C-SPAN, BBC, CNN, been quoted in the New York Times, The Economist and more, and have been a guest on a variety of news shows and podcasts.
I’m passionate about voluntary interactions, individual liberty, and am proud to call New Hampshire my chosen home. I believe all human interactions should be based on consent. My life philosophy is: Live free and thrive!
Copied below is my professional resume, which highlights my 25+ years of real-world experience and skills.
Carla Gericke
497 Hooksett Rd No.134, Manchester, NH, 03104
home: 603.865.7140 | email: carla@carlagericke.com
www.CarlaGericke.com
HIGHLIGHTS
- Former attorney with 20+ years legal and executive non-profit experience
- Charismatic and visionary leader with strong community support
- Self-starter who excels at successfully completing projects
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and public speaking skills
- Strategic/creative/independent thinker: Law degree and M.F.A. in Creative Writing
- Named one of NH Magazine’s 2014 “Remarkable Women”
WORK EXPERIENCE
Candidate for NH House of Representatives (2022)
- Running as the Republican candidate in Ward 11, Manchester (Hillsborough 22).
Civic Leader (2008+) and Candidate for NH State Senate (2016, 2018, 2020)
- Won landmark 1st Amendment case affirming right to film police encounters and eliminating the claim of qualified immunity; Gericke vs. Begin is widely cited and positively affects the rights of 13 million residents of the First Circuit
- Strong, independent voice on liberty issues, including internet freedom/censorship, government accountability/transparency/overreach/privacy, and health freedom
- Ran as the Republican candidate for NH State Senate in District 20 three times, going from 39-45%. Due to redistricting, I am now running for NH House in Ward 11 of Manchester (Hillsborough 22).
President, Free State Project (March 2011 – March 2016, volunteer since 2008)
- Managed operations: budgeting, fundraising, board and media relations, online/social media
- Drafted strategic plan with measurable outcomes and improved reporting and tracking systems
- Grew two major annual events (+50% over 3 years) and recruited iconic speakers like Edward Snowden
- Managed geographically dispersed team of 20+ volunteers and independent contractors
- Sought-after speaker at national and international conferences, podcasts, radio and television
- Quoted in The Economist, Wall Street Journal, New York Magazine, New York Times, Playboy, GQ, and elsewhere, appeared on CNN and WMUR
- Devised marketing campaigns to promote NH as an appealing destination for liberty activists
- Met organization’s overall mission of recruiting 20,000 participants 2 years ahead of schedule
- Organized the Porcupine Freedom Festival x3 times (2009, 2010, 2020)
Acting Executive Director, New Hampshire Writers’ Project at SNHU (March 2008 – Oct 2013: Acting Executive Director; 2013, Program Director 2010-2012; Program Manager 2008-2010)
- Managed daily operations including events planning and Writers’ Day, budgeting, grant writing, fundraising, and staff
- Liaised with NHWP members, board, other NH non-profit arts organizations and businesses
- Taught writing workshops and judged local writing contests
- Managed media relations, online presence, website, and social media
- Implemented CRM system to track progress and measure successes
Adjunct, City College of New York (Fall 2007)
- Taught Freshman Composition while completing M.F.A. in Creative Writing
Writing Lab Tutor, 826NYC (Dec 2004 – Sept 2006)
- Provided intensive one-on-one tutoring and mentoring to at-risk children ages 6-18
- Edited “Nine Novels by Younger Americans” with author and 826NYC founder Dave Eggers
Management Consultant, eFormation Africa (Sept 2002 – May 2003)
- Provided consulting services to South African educational non-profit
Sabbatical (December 2001– 2002)
- Backpacked with husband on $15 daily budget through India, Asia, and Southern Africa
In-House Counsel, Scient Corporation (1999 – 2001)
- Provided legal support to sales and marketing teams
- Drafted, evaluated, negotiated and executed contracts, including IP licensing
- Worked with Finance on risk management, including revenue recognition and pricing
- Implemented company-wide best practices procedures and standardized forms
- Managed paralegal and worked with team of 4 lawyers
- Lead attorney on $30M Japanese subsidiary management buyout
In-House Counsel, Logitech Inc. (1998 – 2000)
- Provided legal support to sales, marketing, and development teams
- Drafted, evaluated, negotiated and executed contracts with private and public sector
Paralegal, Borland (1997 –1998)
- Recruited by Associate General Counsel at Apple Inc. to Borland based on performance
- General contract support: NDAs, Sales/Purchasing, Sub-Contracts, Consulting, Licensing, Independent Contractor, Master and Distribution Agreements
- Corporate/SEC compliance and due diligence
Paralegal, Apple Inc. (1996 – 1997)
- Worked as paralegal while taking the California Bar Exam, passed first attempt
- Provided legal support and contract management assistance to sales/support teams
- Worked on due diligence of NeXT acquisition
Stegmanns Attorneys (1994 – 1996)
- Attorney licensed to practice in Supreme Court of South Africa
- General practice with focus on Legal Aid pro-bono work serving the underprivileged
Anti-Apartheid Activist (1989-1994)
- While completing law degree, involved in various anti-apartheid activities, including producing underground Zine called The Third “I” and writing for and acting in a banned play called Die Klein Krul Swart Haartjie
- Attended Nelson Mandela’s public inauguration at the Union Buildings in 1994
CURRENT EDUCATIONAL NON-PROFIT BOARD POSITIONS
- Free State Project, President Emeritus (2011+)
- Foundation for New Hampshire Independence (President 2016-2021, now Board Member)
- Right-to-Know NH, Secretary (2017-2020) now At-Large (2020+)
AUTHOR AND CREATIVE WRITING EXPERIENCE
- “The Ecstatic Pessimist: Stories of Hope (Mostly),” a collection of award-winning short stories, essays, and opinion pieces now available in paperback and Kindle (2020)
- “Ghost of a Dream” in Lumina (Spring 2009)
- Translation of acclaimed South African author Eben Venter’s short story “Gabriel” (Winter 2008)
- “The Ecstatic Pessimist” short story in Bonne Route No.19 (anthology, Winter 2007)
- “Father Let Me Walk With Thee” in Ep;phany (Fall 2007)
- “The Vitiation of John White Junior” at Lew Rockwell (Spring 2007)
- “Duck, Duck, Goose” at Word Riot (Winter 2007)
- “When We Talk About Words” in Dog Days (anthology, 2006), reprinted in Promethean (Fall 2007). Winner of $1,000 award for Best Student Fiction
- “The Silent House of Noble” in Inkwell (Fall 2006)
- “Blue Inked” at Rumble (Fall 2005)
- “Double Happiness” in HerStory (anthology, Fall 2005)
- “Perfect Timing” in Better Non Sequitur (anthology, Fall 2005)
- “Holding Down a Dream” at Underground Voices (Winter 2005)
- “The Devil in Her Eyes” at Pindeldyboz (Fall 2004)
- “Victor/Victorious” in Wild Strawberries (Summer 2004)
- Editor and contributor at Shire Liberty News
- Editor and contributor at fsp.org
- Founding editor and contributor to The Free Stater magazine
- Essays and blogs at various online outlets
EDUCATION
- The City College of New York, Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, 2008
- University of Pretoria, South Africa, Baccalaureus Procurationis, 1993 (J.D. equivalent)
- Pretoria High School for Girls, South Africa, 1988 (Form Prefect, Squash Captain)
This week, we discuss the extremely low infection rate in NH (under 0.002%), the difference between absentee ballots (request yours today) and mail-in balloting, the upcoming elections, and more!
If you’re looking for the same-old, same-old, please, continue to vote for the 11-term, 82 year-old Establishment dude, a man who is rated an actual “Constitutional Threat,” a man who has now spent several d-e-c-a-d-e-s in the Senate reducing your freedoms, raising your taxes, writing legislation to control your personal choices, lock you down, and destroy your livelihoods. Lou D’Allesandro voted for SB1 this year, the bill that would introduce a statewide income tax! BOO!
If, however, YOU are looking for someone who is an independent thinker and can represent YOUR interests to keep government limited and in-check, someone who can restore balance to the Senate, then I’m your gal…
If you are looking for someone who is FRESH, HONEST, and has ‘TEGRIDY, who believes the content of your character matters, then I’m your gal.
If you are looking for someone to stand up to a sales or income tax, then I’m your gal.
If you are looking for someone who has 25+ years of mad, mad skills as an author, attorney, and activist, then I’m your gal.
If you are looking for someone who has been a lawyer on two continents (South Africa when I am originally from and California where I worked in-house for Apple and Logitech focusing on business deals and intellectual property), then I’m your gal.
If you are looking for someone who, as a diplomat’s daughter and trained mediator, works exceptionally well with diverse groups of people who don’t necessarily get along, then I’m your gal.
If you are looking for someone who enjoys life to the fullest, including the arts, and who, in addition to her law degree, has a Master in Fine Arts and has written a book, The Ecstatic Pessimist: Stories of Hope (Mostly), now available on Amazon or buy it directly from me, then I’m your gal.
If you are looking for someone who has dedicated a good chunk of her life to fighting for the underdog, from her days as an anti-apartheid activist in South Africa, to fighting against government overreach as a liberty activist in New Hampshire, then I’m your gal.
If you are looking for someone who strives for optimal balance in life and has done the work (including losing 65 lbs, quitting alcohol, and practicing mindfulness) to improve her own health so she can best inspire you, then I’m your gal.
If you are looking for someone who understands the future socio-economic problems that are going to emerge as a result of what 2020 has thrown our way, then I’m your gal.
If you are looking for someone who has been married to the same brilliant and loving man since 1994, and whose own parents just celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary, I’m your gal.
If you are looking for someone who will support open, accessible, transparent, and responsive government at every turn, then I’m your gal.
If you are looking for someone who understands criminal justice reform is critical, someone who has worked on police accountability issues for years, and someone who thinks cannabis should be legal for adult recreational use, including home grown, then I’m your gal.
If you are looking for someone who supports the Second Amendment because she understands exactly how important the right to defend yourself from government tyranny is (e.g. her great-grandmother was put in a British concentration camp during the Anglo-Boer War where 25% of all Afrikaaner women and children perished), then I’m your gal.
If you are looking for someone who is personally pro-life and does not support taxpayer funding of abortions, but also understands that this is a difficult personal decision that should not be fully outlawed, then I’m your gal.
If you are looking for a Senator who will record her votes, who is willing to wear a Go-Pro camera at the state house to show you exactly how the sausage is made, and who will continue to report local political shenanigans, then I’m your gal.
If you are looking for someone who will make New Hampshire politics as exciting as it is going to get, delivered with the widest, brightest smile you will find at the State House, then I’m your gal.
If, despite your party affiliation, or because you are “undeclared,” you want someone who loves New Hampshire so much, she chose NH as her forever home above all other places in the whole wide world, someone who will always put New Hampshire, the NH Advantage and Granite Staters first, who is dedicating her life to the notion that together we can “Live Free and Thrive!”, then I am your gal.
Change is possible! But it is up to YOU! Choose me, CARLA GERICKE for State Senate, in Goffstown and Manchester (Wards 3, 4, 10 and 11). I prevailed in my Primary in September, and now I ask for your vote on November 3rd… Pick me, Carla Gericke, because I’m your gal! 🙂
Request your Absentee Ballot to vote-by-mail.
Contribute to my LIVE FREE AND THRIVE! campaign today.
Show your support, request a yard sign and we’ll deliver it asap!
Carla Gericke (JD, MFA) is an advocate of liberty specializing in localized voluntarism, self-determination, and how responsible human action can lead to peace and prosperity. She is president emeritus of the Free State Project, and lives in New Hampshire with thousands of fellow freedom fighters. In 2014, Carla won a landmark case affirming the 1st Amendment right to film police encounters.
She has appeared on WMUR, CNN, and Fox News, been featured in GQ and Playboy, been quoted in The Economist, and has discussed libertarianism on the BBC. She has visited more than 40 countries, hiked to the base camp of the 10th highest mountain in the world, lost a shoe in a taxi more than once, had her passport stolen in Goa, got kidnapped in Vietnam, and has noshed on more “mystery meat” street food than she cares to admit.
Carla once spent an entire summer while working as in-house counsel at Logitech eating tuna fish sandwiches with Doug Engelbart (the Mother Of All Demos dude), she worked on Apple’s acquisition of Steve Job’s NeXT, and bought her first Bitcoin for $6. Carla co-hosts the Told You So podcast, and co-chairs Manch Talk TV. She serves on several non-profit boards, follows a Keto lifestyle, practices yoga and shooting, and plays a mean game of Scrabble.
Carla enjoys cooking, gardening, painting, reading, and watching documentary films. She has twice run for New Hampshire Senate, garnering 42% of the vote in 2018 against an 11-term incumbent, and believes in 2020, third time will be the charm! DONATE to her race TODAY!
Carla’s first book, a collection of award-winning short stories, essays, and speeches, The Ecstatic Pessimist is now available on Amazon. Says Nick Gillespie, Editor-at-Large of Reason Magazine: “It is a fantastic package of writings that veer from fiction, to autobiography and memoir, to political polemics. It’s great, mixes stories about substance abuse, lack of focus, historical wrongs and utopian attempts to remake the world as a better place in a very pragmatic way. I highly recommend The Ecstatic Pessimist: Stories of Hope (Mostly).”
Resources for today’s show…
- Follow Life With Jack on Instagram
- TSP Facebook Group
- Join the Members Brigade
- Join Our Forum
- TspAz.com
- Move it On Over – George Thororgood and the Destroyers
Carla’s Links
- CarlaGericke.com
- The Ecstatic Pessimist: Stories of Hope (Mostly)
- The Told You So Podcast
- Carla For NH Senate
- Carla on Facebook
- Carla on InstaGram
- Carla on Twitter
- Free State Project
Sponsors of the Day
THIS VIDEO IS 7 YEARS OLD AND STILL RINGS TRUE TODAY, MAYBE EVEN MORE SO… Watch to the end!
Ah yes, memberberry when I warned you the state was getting out of control and wasn’t really there to serve YOU but rather themselves?!?
Now, seven years later, they call themselves “essential” and YOU, “nonessential.” They take all the protective gear for themselves first, and lock you down. They tell you all of these unConstitutional precautions for “your own good,” but deep down inside, you no longer believe them because it is clear this is NOT true, that nothing that is happening right now is benefitting you or your business, all it is doing is spreading fear, paranoia, and distrust between friends and neighbors, almost like they want to divide us into two classes–you know, two classes like “essentials” and “nonessentials.”
Perhaps you are starting to wonder why the state is forcing you to do things to your own body against your own will, why they are forcing you to do their bidding when it is clear they are overreacting and the science does not support the destruction to the economy they are creating IN RESPONSE to the virus (it’s NOT the virus itself, it is the government’s response!). Perhaps you are starting to wonder why they are making you, the “nonessentials” enforce their regulations on their behalf, turning YOU into an agent of the state by threatening to take away your livelihood if you don’t comply. Perhaps you are starting to wonder why you should comply with these absurd and slavish rules that violate the trust and relationships you have developed with your customers, friends, and neighbors.
Here’s the reason why: Because they will harm you if you don’t. They will take your business license (permission slip) away. They will fine you. They will lock you down, and, eventually, they will lock you up.
Does this sound like a healthy relationship to you? Or does it sound like, perhaps, you are in an abusive relationship with a bully, and that you need space, and possibly a divorce?
At a minimum, I hope you will vote for me so that YOU can have a voice in the Senate, because if there is one thing that is truly, undoubtably essential, it is… liberty.
As I always say, Freedom is the answer, what’s the question?
You can find the text of this speech, together with 12 other essays about my liberty activism in my first book, The Ecstatic Pessimist, now available on Amazon. BUY YOURS TODAY.
Delighted to announce I have been endorsed by ReOpen NH, a PAC made up of concerned individuals devoted to getting New Hampshire back to work through a restoration of balance and reason, a petition drive at ReOpenNH.com, and coordinated demonstrations against arbitrary government.
See the press release here.
See the full list of endorsed candidates here.
Read my opinion piece at NH Journal, titled We Are All Essential: Time to ReOpen NH.
My goal in life is to seek contentment in everything I do, and I am delighted to share highlights of this journey with you at my lifestyle blog: The Art of Independence. I am an activist, author of The Ecstatic Pessimist, and I am currently running for New Hampshire state Senate in Goffstown and Manchester (Wards 3, 4, 10, 11) against an 11-term establishment elite. I ran against “Uncle Lou” D’Allensandro in 2016 (when I got 40%) and in 2018 (going up by two points to 42% despite a massive 12-15% “blue wave” swing). I bring a fresh, independent voice beholden only to YOU, the taxpayer. I have the integrity, character, and 25+ years of experience as a Fortune 500 in-house counsel and successful nonprofit executive needed to lead in the Senate. Just like I practice yoga and shooting, I understand what it will take to restore balance in Concord, and I’d be honored to represent YOU.
You can learn more about Carla Gericke HERE.
You can donate to Carla Gericke’s “Live Free and Thrive” campaign for senate HERE.