I. Name and Affiliations
The organization is named the Harris County Green Party (HCGP). In this document, it is called “the Party.” In addition, the Party affiliates with and represents both the Green Party of Texas (GPTX) and the Green Party of the United States (GPUS).
II. Purpose and Values
A. Purpose
The Party promotes the Ten Key Values of the Green Party Movement. It acts through electoral participation, public education, and direct citizen action. As a result, its primary tasks include recruiting and supporting candidates, as well as providing informative materials across different forms of media.
B. Values
The Ten Key Values appear on the Green Party of the United States website and in national documents. Therefore, members of HCGP should remain aware of national updates.
The values include:
- Grassroots Democracy. Every person deserves a say in decisions that affect their life. Therefore, the Party works to increase participation at all levels of government and ensure accountability of representatives.
- Social Justice and Equal Opportunity. All people must have equal rights and opportunities. In particular, the Party confronts racism, class oppression, sexism, homophobia, age discrimination, and ableism.
- Ecological Wisdom. Human beings are part of nature. Consequently, the Party supports environmental balance, sustainable practices, renewable energy, and respect for natural systems.
- Nonviolence. Violence is harmful and self-defeating. Instead, the Party promotes demilitarization, opposes weapons of mass destruction, and encourages peaceful conflict resolution.
- Decentralization. Centralized wealth and power cause injustice and destruction. For this reason, the Party supports shifting power to democratic, local structures that protect civil rights.
- Community-Based Economics. The Party encourages workplace democracy, employee ownership, economic security, and fair distribution of income. Furthermore, it values unpaid contributions such as parenting and volunteer work.
- Feminism. The Party promotes cooperation, honesty, and gender equity. In addition, it recognizes that decision-making processes are as important as outcomes.
- Respect for Diversity. The Party values cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual, religious, and spiritual diversity. Moreover, it promotes biodiversity and supports leadership opportunities for historically excluded groups.
- Personal and Global Responsibility. Individuals should live sustainably. At the same time, societies must foster global peace, justice, and ecological health.
- Future Focus and Sustainability. Decisions must serve present and future generations. Therefore, the Party emphasizes long-term sustainability over short-term profit.
III. Membership
A. General Membership
Membership is open to anyone who affirms the Ten Key Values. In addition, it includes individuals regardless of origin, citizenship, residence, age, orientation, gender identity, religion, or military status.
Furthermore, the Party does not require fees to begin or maintain Membership.
B. Voting Membership
Members may vote in General Membership Meetings after they have attended at least two prior meetings of the Party, its committees, or its working groups.
Meanwhile, the Secretary maintains records of members, including their attendance and contact information.
C. Suspension and Revocation
If a member disrupts Party operations, the Steering Committee first documents attempts at mediation. However, if mediation fails, the Committee may recommend suspension by a three-fourths majority. The General Membership then votes at the next scheduled meeting, at least two weeks later.
- The member receives written notice within 24 hours of the decision.
- In addition, they have at least two weeks to prepare for the vote.
- At the meeting, the member and their supporters receive equal time to present their case.
- A three-fourths vote of the General Membership may suspend the member for up to three months.
If the same behavior continues after suspension, the Party may revoke Membership using the same process.
IV. Structure and Meetings
A. General Membership Meetings
The Membership holds ultimate decision-making power. Therefore, the Party must meet at least quarterly.
B. Consensus and Objections
The Party strives for consensus. A principled objection must show conflict with one or more of the Ten Key Values. In practice, any attendee may raise a concern, but only Voting Members may block a decision.
C. When Consensus Is Not Reached
If consensus fails:
- Members discuss and propose amendments.
- If necessary, dissenters may “stand aside” so the proposal can proceed.
- However, if dissenters block and two-thirds of Voting Members believe the issue is urgent, a vote occurs immediately.
- Otherwise, the issue is tabled until the next meeting.
D. Participation
All attendees may join discussions. Nevertheless, only Voting Members may vote.
E. Agendas
The Steering Committee approves a Draft Agenda before each General Membership Meeting. Afterward, the Facilitator distributes it at least one week before the meeting. Finally, the General Membership approves the agenda at the start of the meeting.
F. Facilitator and Co-Facilitator
Each meeting has a Facilitator who manages the agenda, directs the discussion, and ensures the meeting runs on time. In addition, the previous Co-Facilitator becomes the Facilitator, and members select a new Co-Facilitator at the end of each meeting.
V. Steering Committee
The Steering Committee includes two Co-Chairs, a Treasurer, a Secretary, and four At-Large Members. Gender balance is encouraged. Moreover, the Committee reflects the diversity of Harris County.
- Members are elected at the second General Membership Meeting of the year and serve two-year terms. Terms are staggered to maintain continuity.
- The Committee manages day-to-day operations between General Membership Meetings. However, it may not place the Party in debt or act against Membership decisions.
- The Committee meets monthly and sets agendas for General Membership Meetings. Furthermore, meetings are open, and members are encouraged to attend.
VI. Standing Committees and Working Groups
A. Definitions
- Standing Committees handle essential ongoing Party functions.
- Working Groups address temporary or urgent issues, such as events or internal concerns.
B. Formation
The General Membership or Steering Committee may create Committees and Working Groups. In either case, they must follow Party bylaws.
C. Goals and Missions
Each group should set a mission statement, define goals, review them annually, and send reports to the Steering Committee.
D. Participation
Steering Committee Members should join at least one group. Likewise, all members are encouraged to participate. Each group may choose a Chair, who reports at General Membership Meetings.
E. Ad Hoc Groups
The Steering Committee may form temporary groups with set terms. If necessary, it may extend them when issues remain unresolved.
F. Reporting
Each group reports on its activities at General Membership Meetings. Therefore, the Steering Committee and Facilitator must include time for these reports in the agenda.
G. Information Sharing
All committee members must receive the same information at the same time.
