How to Decide if You're a Green Party Supporter

The Green Party, which counts presidential 2000 candidate Ralph Nader among its adherents, refers to itself as "the political party of grassroots democracy." The issues and principles listed below are among those included in the Green Party's platform, which can be found at the Green Party Web site. (See Related Sites.)

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Radios
• Fax Machines
• Televisions
• Newspaper Subscriptions
• Postage Stamps
• Notebook Papers

1. Evaluate your feelings about decision-making at various levels of government. Green Party supporters want to include citizens in all governmental decisions.
2. Judge your position on conflict resolution. The Green Party platform advocates nonviolence to promote peace internationally.
3. Consider the power of local government. The Green Party pushes for restructuring of social, economic and political institutions so that decisions made at a local level benefit the majority of people.
4. Decide how you feel about the environment. The Green Party advocates working on a global scale to promote social and ecological issues. Green Party supporters emphasize a focus on future generations.
5. Think about other issues that are important to Green Party supporters. For example, the party advocates re-creating the economy so that workers and the environment will be protected and sustained. The party also emphasizes equality between the sexes and respect for cultural differences.

Tips & Warnings

• Opposing political parties may actually agree on certain principles and issues.
• Be aware that there is some disagreement within most political parties about the abortion issue.
• Watch political TV programs on CSPAN, Fox News and CNN. Also, read the political sections of "The New York Times," "The Wall Street Journal" or other national newspapers, or peruse the latest issue of "Mother Jones." Most publications are available online.
• Write or fax your congressperson about issues that concern you.
• Voters should familiarize themselves with several party platforms before voting or registering with a party.