OntheWilderSide

Grassroots Democracy; Social and Economic Justice; Ecological Wisdom; Non-violence

You want to know the 10 Key Values? It is the four above, plus some expansions on those ideas: Decentralization; Community Based Economics; Feminism; Respect for Diversity; Personal Responsibility; Sustainability/Future Focus.

And, you should also know that with the corporate money that they have, the entrenched politicans they have, and with the system geared toward patriarchy and hierarchy, fighting for peace can’t be something that is done once a year at the voting booth, or once a month at a Green Party meeting. You have to be careful not to fight against Hillary Clinton and her stand on war half the time, and then be one of the reticent people who doesn’t speak up for the Green Party or against the Democrats the other half of the time. If you are going to be an electoral activist, you must constantly fight the battle of the ballot and your right to Freedom of Assembly with your third party.

Here are some concerns and some solutions that I have seen as a Green Party member and peace activist:

Wear a Green Party Button, or T-Shirt or Bracelet.

I have sat at many a peace meeting where 2/3 of the participants were greens. But, at the same time, no one was willing to put "Green" or "Green Party" on the sponsorship list on the flier. We have to let people see how much work we do. We have to speak up. You can start by at least showing them how many of the people doing the work are greens! And, of course, where lots of green to the demonstrations you attend. And, carry a green banner. Maybe march with a green contingent. But, at least get credit for your work and your mission and your Green Party identity.

Discuss politics loudly and often.

There is a rule in our culture, "It is not polite to speak about religion or politics." I guess that one was made up by the priests and incumbents. As anyone who has done politics, you will know that there is always an incumbency advantage. And, if there is no room for discussion or dissent, the incumbents will plug away being elected over and over again. In order to have change, you have to break the ice, shake things up, create dialogue.

So, even if it is uncomfortable, don’t let your food-cop, or peace group, or church group get away with social or overt pressure to not get into political discussions. Free Speech is something that must be constantly exercised. And, yes, you have a right to say "Green Party." Even, if you are in a group which has old loyalties to the Democrats.

If someone says, "We can’t do that here we are a non-profit," investigate!

Many people are innocently confused concerning admonitions that non-profits can’t be political. Often, they are over-reacting in fear, in a way that shuts down political discourse, and stymies a groups ability to at least educate people electorally. Sometimes a non-profit will state that their facility can not even be rented by a political group. In fact, almost any non-profit may allow almost anyone to use their facility if the group pays for it fairly.

Often, a "no" to the Green Party has reasons behind it. Keep pushing. Study if the group has supported/rented to other political groups in the past. Be persistent. This is politics, and some people–even nice people–are trying to shut you out, because they believe in the duopoly. It isn’t easy by Green. Though, it is worth the struggle.

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