Ten Key Values of the Greens
Grassroots
Democracy
Every human being deserves a say in the decisions that affect their
lives; no one should be subject to the will of another. Therefore
we will work to increase public participation at every level of
government and to ensure that our public representatives are fully
accountable to the people who elect them. We will also work to create
new types of political organizations that expand the process of
participatory democracy by directly including citizens in the decision-making
process.
Ecological
Wisdom
Human societies must operate with the understanding that we are
part of nature, not separate from nature. We must maintain an ecological
balance and live within the ecological and resource limits of our
communities and our planet. We support a sustainable society that
utilizes resources in such a way that future generations will benefit
and not suffer from the practices of our generation. To this end
we must have agricultural practices that replenish the soil; move
to an energy efficient economy; and live in ways that respect the
integrity of natural systems.
Social
Justice and Equal Opportunity
All persons should have the rights and opportunity to benefit equally
from the resources afforded us by society and the environment. We
must consciously confront in ourselves, our organizations, and society
at large, barriers such as racism and class oppression, sexism and
heterosexism, ageism and disability, which act to deny fair treatment
and equal justice under the law.
Nonviolence
It is essential that we develop effective alternatives to our current
patterns of violence at all levels, from the family and the streets,
to nations and the world. We will work to demilitarize our society
and eliminate weapons of mass destruction, without being naive about
the intentions of other governments. We recognize the need for self-defense
and the defense of others who are in helpless situations. We promote
nonviolent methods to oppose practices and policies with which we
disagree, and will guide our actions toward lasting personal, community
and global peace.
Decentralization
Centralization of wealth and power contributes to social and economic
injustice, environmental destruction, and militarization. Therefore,
we support a restructuring of social, political and economic institutions
away from a system that is controlled by and mostly benefits the
powerful few, to a democratic, less bureaucratic system. Decision-making
should, as much as possible, remain at the individual and local
level, while assuring that civil rights are protected for all citizens.
Community
Based Economics
We recognize it is essential to create a vibrant and sustainable
economic system, one that can create jobs and provide a decent standard
of living, for all people, while maintaining a healthy ecological
balance. A successful economic system will offer meaningful work
with dignity, while paying a "living wage" which reflects
the real value of a person's work. Local communities must look to
economic development that assures protection of the environment
and workers' rights, broad citizen participation in planning, and
enhancement of our "quality of life". We support independently
owned and operated companies which are socially responsible, as
well as co-operatives and public enterprises that spread out resources
and control to more people through democratic participation.
Feminism
We have inherited a social system based on male domination of politics
and economics. We call for the replacement of the cultural ethics
of domination and control, with more cooperative ways of interacting
which respect differences of opinion and gender. Human values such
as equity between the -sexes, interpersonal responsibility, and
honesty must be developed with moral conscience. We should remember
that the process that determines our decisions and actions is just
as important as achieving the outcome we want.
Respect
for Diversity
We believe it is important to value cultural, ethnic, racial, sexual,
religious and spiritual diversity, and to promote the development
of respectful relationships across these lines. We believe the many
diverse elements of society should be reflected in our organizations
and decision-making bodies, and we support the leadership of people
who have been traditionally closed out of leadership roles. We acknowledge
and encourage respect for other life forms and the preservation
of biodiversity.
Personal
and Global responsibility
We encourage individuals to act to improve their personal well being
and, at the same time, to enhance ecological balance and social
harmony. We seek to join with people and organizations around the
world to foster peace, economic justice, and the health of the planet.
Future
Focus and Sustainability
Our actions and policies should be motivated by long-term goals.
We seek to protect valuable natural resources, safely disposing
of or "unmaking" all waste we create, while developing
a sustainable economics that does not depend on continual expansion
for survival. We must counter-balance the drive for short-term profits
by assuring that economic development, new technologies, and fiscal
policies are responsible to future generations who will inherit
the results of our actions. Our overall goal is not merely to survive,
but to share lives that are truly worth living. We believe the quality
of our individual lives is enriched by the quality of all of our
lives. We encourage everyone to see the dignity and intrinsic worth
in all of life, and to take the time to understand and appreciate
themselves, their community and the magnificent beauty of this world.
Glendale Greens
PO Box 10063
Glendale, CA 91209
