Want to know more?

Check out our Ten Key Values to see what we base out beliefs on.

Check out the Green Party of Texas State Platform for an issue by issue position statement.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

What is the Green Party?
The Green Party is a grass-roots political party dedicated to building a just and sustainable society and a democracy of empowered citizens.

Are you an environmental group?
No. The Green Party is an alternative to a corporately controlled two-party system. We run candidates for political offices. Between election cycles, we work for fair and sustainable social, economic and environmental policies.

What issues does the Green Party support?
The Green Party supports issues consistent with our Ten Key Values, which are social justice, community-based economics, nonviolence, decentralization, future focus and sustainability, feminism, personal and global responsibility, respect for diversity, grassroots democracy and ecological wisdom. A short list of issues might include health care for all, a living wage, clean air and energy, and an end to child poverty. Does your issue fit one of the Ten Key Values? Chances are you'll find Green supporters.

Is the Green Party liberal or conservative?
It depends. "Liberal" and "conservative" are often just labels that politicians use to avoid taking real stands. Is universal health care a "liberal" objective? Fine. Is not using tax dollars to subsidize large corporations part of a "conservative" agenda? So be it. Some Greens like to be called "progressive," but the truth is that labels are less important than the day-to-day work that Greens do.

Aren't Greens just "spoilers"? Won't they hurt "real" candidates?
Addressing real issues with real solutions is what makes a candidate real. It's true that a Green candidate may take votes from a less qualified Democrat or Republican, just as a good restaurant will take customers from a bad one. Does that mean we tell good restaurants to close up shop because they're "spoilers"? "Spoiling" reflects a flaw in our electoral system (see next question about how to fix it), not a mistake by candidates giving voters an alternative.

Didn't Greens cost Al Gore the election?
As one of 101 factors, perhaps. What Election 2000 demonstrated is that the United States needs serious electoral reform. The Green Party supports a voting reform called Instant Runoff Voting (IRV), which allows voters to rank candidates in the order of their preference. If your first choice (e.g. Ralph Nader) receives the fewest votes, your vote is transferred to your next choice (e.g. Gore) until a winner emerges with an absolute majority. IRV lets all voters vote their conscience without possibly helping a candidate they dislike. It also saves tax money by preventing the need for separate runoff elections.

Campaign finance reform? Greens support publicly funded elections to eliminate control of our government by wealthy individuals and corporations.

Health care? Greens support a single-payer system that provides care to all Americans.

Drugs? Greens support the decriminalization of addiction. Money wasted on a losing drug war would be better spent on education and rehabilitation.

Labor? Greens support strong worker protections and a living wage of at least $10/hr to ensure that families can afford food and housing.

Military? Greens believe a strong defense begins with a lean military. The current military budget is bloated and unrealistic (e.g. Star Wars), designed around Cold War threats and corporate profits rather than current defense needs.

How can I join the Green Party?
Anyone who agrees with the Ten Key Values is welcome as a member of the Green Party. There are no dues or fees, and after attending one general meeting, you will have voting privileges in party decisions. If you'd like to get started now, you can learn more about our various work groups and sign up to participate.

Where can I get more information on the Greens?
You can visit us on the Web at www.harriscountygreenparty.org where you'll find a wealth of information and tons of helpful links to learn more about other green organizations around the world. Visit our contact us page for e-mail addresses, phone number, and mailing address. Come to our general meetings, open to all, on the third Monday of every month at the Montrose Public Library, 4100 Montrose Blvd.