February 2020
Working toward a future where people and planet are valued, and our government represents all of us.
2020 Petitioning Kickoff!
February 19 is the first day Green Party nomination papers may be circulated. Watch for a kickoff event near you, or consider hosting your own kickoff! If you're interested and want to learn more, come to the next GreenWave call on February 12th for Petitioning 101. https://www.gpofpa.org/greenwave_team
Our state candidates for Auditor General, Attorney General and Treasurer have an excellent chance to meet the required '2% of the winner's votes' needed for minor party status this year. Minor party status provides several important benefits including the ability to name candidates for special elections, to control our own ballot line, and to see Green Party listed as a choice on registration forms.
GPPA News Highlights
edited by Chris Robinson
PA Greens endorse Global Day of Protest
The Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA) steering committee has endorsed the Global Day of Protest on January 25, to say, “NO! to War with Iran.” The Green Party has been an antiwar party since its inception. Peace is one of the Four Pillars that make up the foundation for everything we do. There are at least six protests planned for PA, and the Green Party encourages everyone to find the nearest action and add to their numbers. Be seen being Green! The world needs to hear us roar, “No more war!” (show all)
Was order to kill Soleimani lawful? By Brian Frey, Lancaster On Line, January 18.
I served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1998 until 2002. As a recruit and a private first class, I was used to receiving and carrying out orders. Later, as a sergeant, I was given orders and I was responsible for giving them as well. One thing was always made clear: The orders given and those carried out were supposed to be lawful orders. So, in looking at the recent assassination of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, I am not writing about whether you believe the decision was a moral one, an expedient one, or even the right one. I am not debating what other presidents’ policies were in the past. I have questioned those as well. . . . I am exploring the question: Was this particular order a lawful one? [Tim Runkle tells GREEN STAR, “Brian Frey is a Dem Party CP, Berner, and on the sly a Green Party advocate.”] Please read the rest of Brian’s column (here.)
Green Party of Wayne County Holds Celebration of Peace
The event was held in Honesdale on Dr. Martin Luther King Day. “Peace is one of the pillars of our party,” said Green Party Chair Beverly Beers of Bethany. “We want to remember Dr. King and his contributions to the cause of peace, especially now, when the chance of war is increasing around the world.” (Read More Here)
PA Greens Hold Winter State Meeting
On January 12, 17 elected Green Party delegates and five observers participated in the GPPA online State Meeting. The delegates elected a steering committee for 2020 and nominated candidates for PA treasurer, attorney general, and auditor general. GPPA Co-chair Sheri Miller reported that GPPA has grown to 10,271 registered voters. Miller was re-elected for a second two-year term.
Demonstrations break out across PA to oppose U.S. war drive
Anti-war organizers in PA sprung into action following the Trump administration’s brazen act of war against Iran to participate in the January 4 National Day of Action. The movement continues with the January 25 Global Day of Protest. [On January 4, events were endorsed by the Green Party of Allegheny County (GPOAC), and by the Green Party of Lancaster County (Lancaster Greens). The Global Day of Protest has been endorsed by GPAOC, Green Party of Delaware County, Lancaster Greens and the Green Party of Philadelphia.] (show all)
“Blame It on My Bladder. I Didn’t Get Arrested” By Doug Mason.
I have been putting my body on the line for more than 30 years now, staring with a protest involving three others at the first such anti-nuke activity at Oak Ridge Laboratories near Knoxville, TN, in August 1988. I've since been arrested at the Pantex Plant near Amarillo, TX, and twice on the Nevada Test Site in opposition to nuclear weapons. I am chair of both the Centre County Green Party and the Sierra Club Moshannon Group in central PA. Blame it on my bladder. I didn't get arrested, as I had planned, with 40 others at Jane Fonda's 13th Fire Drill Friday against federal inaction about climate change on January 3 in Washington, DC. (show all)
Green Party of Allegheny County Published Green Point newsletter Vol. 2, #1
The Green Party of Allegheny County (GPOAC), has been publishing an occasional newsletter since October 2019 for their members and friends. Their Green Point newsletter is edited by GPOAC Vice-chair Garret Wassermann. Volume 2, Issue #1 of The Green Point was published on January 2. You can read the newsletter HERE If you find Green Point useful, please subscribe at [email protected]
Congratulations to Michael Bagdes-Canning
Michael began his 32nd year on the Cherry Valley Borough Council in January. He told GREEN STAR, “The trust my neighbors have bestowed upon me is appreciated. Not many Democrats are elected in Butler County. For a Green, this is a testament to the power of grassroots democracy. And to the power of community.” (show all)
PA Green Party Announces Date of PA Presidential Caucus
On December 30, the Green Party of Pennsylvania Steering Committee announced that their PA Presidential Caucus will take place during the month of April 2020. The Steering Committee further called for all PA county Green Parties to schedule a county Presidential Caucus during their April membership meeting. (show all)
Campaign Updates
edited by Chris Robinson
Garret Wassermann for PA Representative, District 45
Garret told GREEN WAVE that, “I was happy to speak briefly at the Women's March in Pittsburgh on 1/18. I shared with the crowd a quote from Petra Kelly about our need to challenge the moral authority of today's patriarchal system that concentrates wealth and power into the hands of a few.” Garret is vice chair of GPOAC. Garret’s campaign website is https://votegarret.org For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/VoteGarret/
Jay Ting Walker for PA Representative, District 23
Jay announced his candidacy for PA Representative in District 23 on 12/19 at the GPOAC holiday party. Jay, who is chair of GPOAC, told GREEN STAR that he received nearly 10% of the vote in 2018, when he ran for the same office. Jay’s campaign website visit for more information https://jaytingwalker.com
Tim Runkle for PA Treasurer
Tim told GREEN WAVE, “We must create an alternative to the two party system. That alternative will represent people before profits and it will be socially conscious and future focused. As a candidate for PA State Treasurer, I will advance our popular messages like that of a Real Green New Deal and Economic Democracy. My campaign will be clear that the present political system cannot deliver those ideas and that building an alternative is paramount. Tim is chair of the Green Party of Lancaster County and treasurer of GPPA.
Richard L. Weiss, Esq. for PA Attorney General
Richard told GREEN WAVE that he “supports criminal justice reforms including ending cash bail, and decriminalizing drug use. This would reduce jail population for nonviolent offenders and thereby save the taxpayers money.” Richard, a PA attorney since 1992, is a delegate to GPPA from the Green Party of Allegheny County.
Olivia Faison for PA Auditor General
Olivia, a retired analytical chemist, has served as chair of the Green Party of Philadelphia and ran for Philadelphia City Council Member at Large during 2019.
Team Updates
Finance Team by Tim Runkle
We want you to know that we are thankful for the support our donors provide the party. That is why during January we mailed out over 100 letters of appreciation to those who could give in 2019. We also launched an opportunity for folks to join our Sustaining Donor Memberships with a one-time annual donation and are thrilled to have 8 new Sustaining Donors join us in January! With your support we are well positioned to provide for our volunteers throughout this new year. To join us as a sustaining donor visit HERE.
GreenWave Team by Garret Wassermann
Green Wave held its first conference call of the year on 1/22 to review its 2020 goals. We will proudly have a full slate of candidates for statewide office, including Treasurer, Auditor General and Attorney General. We have a few state legislative candidates declared in Allegheny County, with a few more expected across the state in the near future. We're excited to get started and hope you are too!
At our next conference call on 2/12, Green Wave will host a Petitioning 101 training. We invite all organizers and volunteers interested in helping get Green candidates on the ballot this year to join us! Ballot access petitioning kicks off on 2/19. Look for a kickoff event near you, or contact us to learn how to host your own kickoff. To receive an invitation to the next Green Wave virtual meeting, please contact [email protected]
Communications Team by Chris Robinson
The ComTeam has a new member, Hal Brown (Montgomery County). We have posted two news releases to the media during January. Please send us your photos of Greens being Green. If you would like to join our team, please volunteer HERE.
National Green News
edited by Gayle Morrow
Hi, Cory, welcome to our world.
Madelyn Hoffman, Green Party Candidate for U.S. Senate NJ, Responds To Cory Booker Withdrawing from Presidential Race (show all)
Global Day of Protest [against war with Iran] takes place January 25.
Green Party US is requesting that everyone contact their Senators to request that they support the Kaine War Powers Resolution which has already attracted GOP Senators as cosponsors. (show all)
Deep Green Declaration is announced by The Green Party Collective.
Members consist of Linda Cree, Steve Welzer, Greg Gerritt, Margaret Human, Bruce Hinkforth, John Rensenbrink, and Sid Smith. (show all)
Global Green News
edited by Gayle Morrow
25th UN climate conference (COP25) in Madrid.
The EU Green Party declares “there must be consequences for the obstructors of climate action," while expressing disappointment in the results of the conference. (show all)
Could the Merkel Decade end with a Green?
In October 2021 Germans will go to the polls to elect a replacement for Angela Merkel. (show all)
How climate change transformed Germany’s Greens into the country’s most popular political party. (show all)
Ireland prohibits the burning of “smoky coal” in certain areas. The Green Party of Ireland pledges to extend those areas to include banning cars in the vicinity of schools. (show all)
GPPA Coming Events
edited by Chris Robinson
Green Party events are in GREEN. Other Movement events are in RED.
February 2
World Wetlands Day
More information from: https://www.worldwetlandsday.org/
February 3, 7:00 pm
Green Party of Chester County Meeting
Interested parties should contact this link for the location.
More information from: [email protected]
February 4, 6:00 pm
Green Party of Allegheny County General Assembly
Panera Bread, 3401 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA
More information from: [email protected]
February 7, 14, 21 and 28
Climate Crisis Awareness Rally
Lincoln Square in Gettysburg (York Street crossing)
Hosted by Adams County Green Party in solidarity with Greta Thunburg's worldwide climate awareness movement.
More information from: https://www.facebook.com/events/2206600726129147/
February 7, 2:00 pm
Fracked Gas LNG Forum
Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Webb Room, University Center (Bldg. 4, East 14th Street),
Widener University Main Campus, Chester, PA
More information from:
https://www.delawareriverkeeper.org/lng-terminal-open-forum
February 10, 7:00 pm
Green Party of Lackawanna County Membership Meeting
Hosted by the Green Party of Lackawanna County,
2043 North Maine Avenue, Scranton, PA.
More information from: [email protected]
February 13
National Fossil Fuel Divestment Day
More information from: https://www.facebook.com/events/2158186504240641/
February 14 through February 17
23rd Annual Great Backyard Bird Count
More information from: https://www.audubon.org/conservation/about-great-backyard-bird-count
February 17, 7:00 pm
Green Party of Montgomery County Meeting
501 South Easton Road, Wyncote, PA.
More information from: [email protected]
February 19
Begin to Circulate Green Party Nomination Papers
Please contact your county Green Party or GPPA Green Wave
More information from: [email protected]
February 20, 6:00 pm
Green Party of Centre County Meeting
Websters Bookstore Cafe,
133 East Beaver Avenue in downtown State College, PA.
More information from: [email protected]
February 21 - 23
United National Antiwar Coalition (UNAC) Conference
People’s Forum, 320 West 37th Street (between 8th & 9th Avenues), New York, NY.
More information from: https://www.unacconference2020.org/
https://www.unacconference2020.org/registration/
February 25, 7:00 pm
Green Party of Philadelphia Membership Meeting
Members will elect leaders for 2020.
For the location, please contact: [email protected]
February 27
International Polar Bear Day
More information from: https://polarbearsinternational.org/get-involved/international-polar-bear-day/
March 2, 7:00 pm
Green Party of Chester County Virtual Meeting
More information from: [email protected]
March 3, 6:00 pm
Green Party of Allegheny County General Assembly
Panera Bread, 3401 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA
More information from: [email protected]
March 9, 7:00 pm
Green Party of Lackawanna County Membership Meeting
Hosted by the Green Party of Lackawanna County, 2043 North Maine Avenue, Scranton, PA.
More information from: [email protected]
SAVE THE DATE March 21, 10:00 am, through March 22, 4:00 pm
GPPA Convention
GPPA will host a weekend convention at the Historic Harrisburg Resource Center, 1230 North Third Street, Harrisburg, PA
Please register here: https://www.gpofpa.org/2019_03_conv
GPPA Meeting Dates for 2020:
- March Convention (in-person) - Saturday/Sunday March 21/22 at the Historic Harrisburg Resource Center in Harrisburg. Go to https://www.gpofpa.org/2020_03_conv for more information.
- June (virtual) - Sunday June 7
- September (in-person, retreat) - Saturday/Sunday September 12/13
- November, Post-Election Day (virtual) - Sunday November 15
Web Conferences are online - RSVP to get connection information. The locations for in-person conferences are to be determined. In-person conferences can be hosted by counties, county groups or regions. These events are fundraisers. When hosted locally, the host group receives back half of the revenue after expenses. To apply for hosting, submit your info to our Application for Local Hosting of GPPA State Meetings or GPPA-Sponsored Events. We strive for geographic diversity in reviewing applications, however, all submissions are considered.
Green Party of Pennsylvania Communications Team & Media Committee
Issue Credits:
EDITORS: Chris Robinson & Gayle Morrow
CONTRIBUTORS: Tim Runkle, Garret Wasserman, & Chris Robinson
LAYOUT: Sheri Miller & Dannee Schoepfer
GRAPHIC ARTS: Kevin Richardson
Everything we do is based on our Four Pillars and Ten Key Values. If you find that you share these ideals, come and join the movement.
You can support the Green Party in many ways; however, a monthly sustaining donation helps to fund a solid infrastructure to help local chapters coordinate candidates and provide resources to make their campaigns successful. As little as $3 per month can have a significant impact!
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Join us and help bring about a future where people and planet are valued over profits. We have a new, tiered membership structure that allows you to determine your level of commitment and support. And if you want to get more directly involved, consider joining an action team. Work with other committed progressives and activists in activities such as planning events, developing media content, or helping with campaigns. Let's join together to make 2020 the year of progressives!
The Green Star is an official publication of the Green Party of Pennsylvania Communications Team * 2020
