July 2023
PA Green News
Edited by Chris Robinson
Allegheny Greens Endorse Olivia “Liv” Bennett for County Council District 13
Olivia “Liv” Bennett is now running for re-election to County Council District 13 as an independent. Unfortunately, GREEN STAR mistakenly reported in June that the Green Party of Allegheny County (GPOAC) had endorsed Bennett for a different office.
Actually, the GPOAC overwhelmingly endorsed Bennett’s candidacy for County Council District 13 at its May General Assembly. Teams of Allegheny Greens are now circulating petitions to secure a place on the November ballot for Bennett.
Beth Schongar (Allegheny), former GPPA steering committee member at large, told GREEN STAR, “Looking at the record of her first term, Liv embodies and endorses the values that guide the Green Party. Her experience working for the state and credentials in social services inform much of her work on the council. Liv has a stellar record of support for environmental responsibility and was the key in getting a county Civilian Police Review Board set up. As head of the council Public Safety Committee, she has worked hard to prevent the Citizen Police Review Board from becoming a law enforcement rubber stamp. Liv has also prevented a repeat of the failed juvenile detention center model and is working with the Public Safety Committee developing a trauma informed, community based approach. She was a sponsor of the law that was passed to make gender "conversion therapy" illegal in the county. The county has banned hair discrimination and declared racism a public health crisis at her behest. She strongly supports a livable minimum wage for the county. As a resident in her district, I am proud that Liv is my representative.”
GPPA Steering Committee to Review Status of Dues Proposal
On June 11 during the State Party Meeting, there was a vote conducted on a motion to move forward with a specific dues resolution. The resolution was to recognize GPPA as a dues-paying organization and to create a working group to amend the GPPA Rules (bylaws) on specifics of paying dues/membership. Obviously this was a very sensitive resolution and it was a controversial vote. GREEN STAR has learned that the GPPA Steering Committee will be discussing this specific motion, the voting process, and the outcome of said vote at their meeting on June 25. This includes a discussion of who from the initial June 11 vote is by definition a ‘delegate.’ GREEN STAR will try to report in our August issue on the outcome of the Steering Committee discussion.
Campaign Updates
Edited by Chris Robinson
There are two candidates who have contacted GREEN STAR at [email protected].
2023 Election, November 7
Tara Yaney for Re-Election to Edgewood Borough Council
Allegheny County
Michael Bagdes-Canning for Re-Election to Mayor of Cherry Valley Borough
Butler County
Team Reports
Edited by Patrick O. McNally
The Green Party of Pennsylvania has four Action Teams: Core, Communications, Green Wave and Finance. Please visit https://www.gpofpa.org/teams to learn more about each team’s focus and sign up to volunteer.
Finance Team
My term as GPPA Treasurer will soon be at its end, and between being a full-time law student and juggling other responsibilities, I will not run for re-election. As GPPA Treasurer, I have learned basic and universal skills about finance, accounting, and law. I have truly gained a lot from being Treasurer, and I can recommend the role as a way to learn essential skills like bookkeeping and financial reporting (which are technical, but not difficult), and as a resume builder. These are skills that are good to have for any career.
If you are interested in being the next Treasurer, I will train you -- ideally starting ASAP. If you know someone who may be interested in being the next GPPA Treasurer, please reach out to them and share this opportunity.
Among the Finance Team’s goals for 2023 are the hosting of two in-person fundraisers and six phone banks to urge Greens to become dues-paying members. The Finance Team is also debating whether the GPPA should become a Dues Paying organization, and if so, what such a dues system should look like. The Finance Team does not meet on a regular basis, but rather on an ad hoc basis. If you would like to participate on the Finance Team by debating a Dues Paying system, fundraising, organizing a phone banking drive, or assisting in duties such as managing the merchandise, drafting the annual budget, bookkeeping, or compliance and reporting, please sign up at the link below.
Please join the Finance Team right here.
https://www.gpofpa.org/team_finance_join
National Green News
Edited by David Ochmanowicz Jr.
Green Party Virtual Annual Meeting,
Registration Now Open!
The Green Party’s Annual National Meeting (ANM) will be held August 3 - 6, 2023, on Zoom. Our meeting will be held virtually as the world continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. . . . We hope you will join us! Here are some highlights to look forward to:
- Great workshops on: environment racism, grassroots organizing, party-building, peace and war, press conference training, electoral campaign school and coalition building.
- Keynote speaker (TBA), Caucus meetings, Candidate Cafes, Press Conferences, Presidential Candidate Forum
- Our annual entertaining Fundraiser
Standing with the Uhuru Movement in the Bronx
On April 18, 2023, Joe Biden’s Department of Justice announced indictments against four U.S. citizens – “members of the African People’s Socialist Party – on the following charges: unregistered relations with Russian native Aleksandr Viktorovich Ionov, and allegedly “sowing discord and spreading pro-Russian propaganda.” The Bronx Greens hereby condemn the recent charges against the African People’s Socialist Party (the Uhuru Movement). As citizens and patriots, we call out these indictments as inherently Racist, a violation of US rights to freedom of association and an outright transgression of the First Amendment and human rights overall.
Campaign Treasurer 101 Webinar
One of the most important and necessary roles in any campaign is the Campaign Treasurer. In most cases, without a Treasurer, a candidate cannot legally collect and spend money, which is pretty much the same thing as saying "no treasurer, no campaign." Yet candidates struggle to find qualified and willing volunteers to serve in this critical role. But it's not rocket science! You too can learn to be a Campaign Treasurer and help enable someone else to run for office!
This webinar was designed for anyone interested in being more active in Green Party campaigns, particularly in the role of treasurer.
WEBINAR HERE
Global Green News
Edited by Hal Brown
Political Ecology at Center of 2nd Congress of Moroccan Greens Party
Political ecology was at the center of discussions during these meetings. Thematic workshops furnished the work of the congress and focused on the following themes: democracy, the law of collective management, ecological issues, international and humanitarian law and human rights. These were meetings rich in experiences and sharing for the different green parties in Africa. At the end of the deliberations, outgoing President Dr. Farès was re-elected as head of the Moroccan Greens Party for a second term. The delegations present gave him their sincere congratulations for this new mission, convinced that with him, the Moroccan Greens Party will always win... READ THE FULL STORY HERE
In England, Green Party Condemns Labour Party’s U-turn
Labor has backtracked on its flagship “green prosperity plan,” which promised to invest £28 billion a year in climate-friendly investment until 2030 if it wins the next general election. An act that the Green Party has denounced while accusing the Labor Party of having failed the climate and the British people after having watered down its promise. “It underscores more than ever why there is a need to have more Green Party MPs [Members of Parliament] elected in the next general election,” said Green Party Co-Leader Adrian Ramsay. Ramsay thinks the UK is seeing environmental degradation at an increasingly alarming rate... READ THE FULL STORY HERE
British Columbia Green Party Proposes 4-day Work Week
Vancouver, British Columbia [BC] – The BC Green Party has proposed a four-day workweek pilot program in an effort to promote work-life balance and increase productivity . . . . Sonia Furstenau, Leader of the BC Green Party, stated in the press release that “the four-day workweek is a win-win solution for workers and businesses. By reducing work hours and increasing flexibility, we can improve work-life balance and create a more sustainable and resilient economy”... READ THE FULL STORY HERE
Global Greens Congress 2023 Opens in South Korea
The Global Greens Congress returns to Asia-Pacific for its 5th Congress and 20th anniversary. This exciting event, uniting the green world, will be held in Korea . . . and will bring together the four federations and the Global Young Greens. Over 4 days, Greens from across the world will come together for policy discussions, decision-making meetings, plenary sessions, and networking events. And of course, to get inspired and motivated by fellow Greens across the passionate and dedicated global movement. The World Green Congress Korea 2023 aims to unite the global green movement from over 100 different countries, together to protect people and the planet.
GPPA Meeting Dates for 2023
All State Web Conferences will begin promptly at noon.
Sunday, September 24, in Philadelphia. Details to be announced.
Sunday, November 12, via Zoom.
GPPA Communications Team
Issue Credits
Editors: Hal Brown, Patrick O. McNally, David Ochmanowicz Jr and Chris Robinson
Contributors: Michael Bagdes-Canning, Peter Gilmore, Jeremy R. Griffin, Chris Robinson, Beth Schongar and Tara Yaney
Layout: Hal Brown, Sherri Miller and David Ochmanowicz Jr.
Graphic Arts: Kevin Richardson
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