May 2020

Working toward a future where people and planet are valued, and our government represents all of us.

May Day 2020, Emerge-Agency
  by GPPA Co-chair Alan Smith

The first of May is celebrated all over the world as May Day, a day to celebrate the power of laborers and the rights won by labor movements. Anarchists and socialists in the United States fought and died at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century winning all kinds of protections for workers against the seemingly invincible foes of capitalism and industrialization. Learn more about the origins of May Day here:(Link) <[link removed]>

 Today those same forces are trying to hang on even as a global pandemic reveals their weaknesses. One can easily argue that May Day 2020 is an SOS call for help. Many of my friends and family have grown weary from all the "bad" news. However, instead of thinking that things are hopeless, we must EMERGE from this with a new sense of our own AGENCY.

I'll never forget that time I had a knife to my throat. Fueled by endorphins, time slowed and a sense of calm washed over me. I will forever remember the adrenaline rush that has pushed me through six marathons and hundreds of smaller races. With our backs against the wall, we tap into our superpowers. Science has shown that since the rush of chemicals causes the brain to retain richer, more detailed, more focused memories of what's happening. Since the brain estimates passage of time by how much information is stored within a given interval, richer memories make it feel like more time has passed. This explains the "slow-motion" effect when we encounter something new or threatening. (link) <[link removed]>

My dad always says learn to love the unpredictability of life and this pandemic has helped me do this as I face new and threatening things sending a rush of chemicals to my brain every day as an "essential worker." It has shown me that we have powers to imagine and bring about incredible changes.

 Let's examine ten things that our x-ray vision, bionic hearing, and telepathic minds have discovered during this pandemic:

1) That money can be pulled out of thin air.
2) That the capitalist treadmill that we're on can be stopped immediately, meaning we can never again use that excuse that, "Oh but change takes time."
3) Earth's other life forms can thrive WITH US if we change our way of life
4) That the cages we have created for prisoners or the boxes we inhabit in densely populated areas are not healthy. Physical distancing becoming a norm will bring about a need for everyone to have access to land, flora, and fauna.
5) It is now quite clear that in the United States we have a wealthcare industry, not a healthcare system, and the demand to change this is overwhelming.
6) A debt forgiveness jubilee is imaginable and feasible.
7) Most of our jobs are deemed "non-essential" and that the ones being paid the most money hold the least essential positions. We are discovering that capitalism just keeps us busy and away from quality time with ourselves and our loved ones and the planet.
8) We can and should slow down and show care and attention in our interactions with others. The lost art of patience is making a comeback as we stand six feet apart and deliveries are delayed meaning we are not able to get what we want immediately. 24-hour stores have disappeared meaning our consumerist tendencies can be shifted.
9) Creating a world that is accessible to all has become imperative.
10) Paying to live in a home is not essential and can and should be stopped. It's never been more clear that as we have shelter-at-home orders that housing is a human right.

 Let's continue to add to this list and EMERGE with AGENCY from this crisis. This emergency has succeeded in showing us that we CAN and MUST prioritize people, planet, and peace. People of the world unite and IMPROVE-ize!

Painting by Alan Smith titled: "improve-i-sing!"

GPPA News Highlights

  edited by Chris Robinson 

Allegheny National Forest: What goes on behind the scenes <[link removed]> By Barbara Laxon

<[link removed]>On a recent visit to ANF, we found oil and gas wells, tanks of all sorts, hoses draining who knows what into the soil and air. Large cleared areas for well pads. Roads all through -- some relatively safe, some very much not. We found wells actively pumping, and wells long abandoned. Once a fossil fuel company is no longer able to get enough gas and/or oil from a well, they will either plug the well (more about this later), or they will just walk away and leave it as is. (show all) <[link removed]>

PA Greens support Lavender Greens on Gender Affirmation <[link removed]> By Tre Schumacher

<[link removed]>On March 22, delegates to the Green Party of Pennsylvania spring convention voted to support the Lavender Greens’ objection to the recent actions of the Georgia Green Party (GGP). This support had been requested by Vice-chair Garret Wassermann of the Green Party of Allegheny County, who had objected to homophobic language in a GGP statement. (show all) <[link removed]>

PA Greens Welcome Bernie Supporters <[link removed]> By Tre Schumacher

<[link removed]>Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) announced the suspension of his presidential campaign on April 8. Sanders had run an innovative campaign, largely self-organized by a diverse network of local activists. The campaign allowed Sanders to bring issues to a national stage from a different perspective than other major candidates and inspired millions of voters. Joe Biden and the Democratic Party have fundamentally different values than Sanders. The Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA, www.gpofpa.org) offers a new home for registered Democrats who are now disenfranchised by the Democratic Party but would like to continue the progressive activism that Sanders’ campaign engaged with. (show all) <[link removed]>

Earth Day, Birthday: The Conception of a New World <[link removed]> By Alan Smith

<[link removed]>Earth Day is now celebrated in every corner of the planet by billions of people. I can't help but think that the energy of the first Earth day had a role to play in shaping my life's purpose, to learn about and educate people about honoring the diversity of this planet. From the Black Hills of South Dakota to the Himalayas, from the bayous of Louisiana to the Great Barrier Reef, from the Australian Outback to Antarctica, I have traveled the Earth learning to appreciate its wonders, its inhabitants, and its biodiversity. (show all) <[link removed]>

PA Greens Demand Relief from Candidate Nomination Procedures <[link removed]>

<[link removed]>On Monday, March 30, the Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA, www.gpofpa.org) Steering Committee and statewide candidates demanded relief from the Pennsylvania candidate nomination procedures. In a letter to Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and legislative leaders, the Green Party asked that “the [nomination paper] signature requirement for the statewide ballot be waived or suspended for the current election cycle” for Green Party candidates in response to emergency circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. (show all) <[link removed]>

Campaign Updates

  edited by Chris Robinson  



Garret Wassermann for PA Representative, District 45
Garret told GREEN STAR, “Senate Bill 613 originally tweaked some rules on what government employees were allowed access to private tax data for various legal purposes. However, this bill was amended to overrule Governor Wolf’s stay-at-home COVID-19 orders. This method of amending bills is used to keep things secret, as well as shaming someone into voting for the bill because of one aspect, while another aspect may be bad. Should I become State Representative, I would have zero tolerance for these types of legislative tricks and would call them out whenever I saw them. For more information visit his website [link removed] Or his Facebook [link removed]

Jay Ting Walker for PA Representative, District 23
Jay told GREEN STAR, “My campaign has been endorsed by Our Revolution PA, Mark Dixon (NoPetroPA), Green Party of Allegheny County and Green Party of PA.” Connect with Jay’s campaign on Facebook at [link removed] Jay’s campaign website is [link removed]

Three State-wide Green Party Candidates
For more information visit [link removed]

Tim Runkle for PA Treasurer


Richard L. Weiss, Esq. for PA Attorney General


Olivia Faison for PA Auditor General


Team Updates

Finance Team by Tim Runkle

Join HERE <[link removed]>.

GreenWave Team by Garret Wassermann



sign up HERE <[link removed]> to receive call info or email for more information!

Communications Team by Chris Robinson

During April 2020, the Communication Team sent four news releases to the media. This was the same number as April 2018 and April 2019, if you add those two months together. We still need a volunteer to lead Green Star Live, our YouTube channel. If you would like to join, please contact Chris at chrisrecon-at-netzero-dot-net; for the phone number, visit our website at [link removed], or to join online, sign up HERE <[link removed]>.

Core Team by Charles Sherrouse 

If you are interested in helping, sign up HERE <[link removed]>.

National Green News <[link removed]>

  edited by Gayle Morrow

Statements regarding COVID-19 <[link removed]>

<[link removed]>US Green Party’s and state Green Parties’ statements on COVID-19 (show all) <[link removed]>

Voting in the US, or not.National problem for US Greens—prohibitive & discriminatory ballot access

New Jersey <[link removed]>

(show all) <[link removed]>

More of the same in Illinois … <[link removed]>

Greens are not only considered a “new” [not established] party requiring 25,000 petition signatures to the Democrats’ and Republicans’ 5,000 signature requirements but also have to “establish” themselves over and over. i.e. once is not enough(show all) <[link removed]>

New York <[link removed]>

Getting on the ballot just became even more difficult for 3rd parties in New York(show all) <[link removed]>

NJ Young Ecosolcialist [YES] Caucus <[link removed]>

<[link removed]>Officially recognized by the Green Party of NJ. Press release. (show all) <[link removed]>

PA deadlines and information for vote-by-mail and absentee ballots. <[link removed]>

(show all) <[link removed]>

All states vote-by-mail information <[link removed]>

(show all) <[link removed]>

Global Green News <[link removed]>

  edited by Gayle Morrow

UK Greens going above and beyond <[link removed]>

Medway UK is a city of 270k and sits just south of London. They are very lucky to have their local Green Party <[link removed]> who have created and implemented a very inspired program, titled Road Reps, to get help to people in their town and surrounding towns who are self-isolating and need someone there. Kate Belmont, Medway Green Party Press Officer, has created materials to aid those who would like to volunteer and be responsible for a specific road in their neighborhood. Volunteers place "calling cards" on each door. Residents reply with their needs and place the card back on the door to be picked up by the “Road Rep” of their street; Road Reps will do things like shop, post mail, bring urgent supplies, or simply talk on the phone. Supplies are delivered "no contact style" Kudos to Medway Greens. Greens everywhere should be this creative and involved in the health of their communities during this pandemic. And it seems the Harrogate Greens have volunteered to help their community through as well(show all) <[link removed]>
“calling cards” <[link removed]>
“no contact style.” <[link removed]>

Welcome to Europe’s greenest lands <[link removed]>

Fears about climate change are translating into serious political gains for Green parties in German-speaking countries Austria, Switzerland, and Germany(show all) <[link removed]>

Watch out for Luke <[link removed]>

We've heard of this young green many times in his quest to unseat Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in New Zealand. He makes certain his name and the Green Party goals stay in the news, and he is very good at it. Future Green PM? (show all) <[link removed]>

South Korea becoming more Green <[link removed]>

“South Korea to implement Green New Deal after ruling party election win. Seoul is to set a 2050 net-zero emissions goal and end coal financing, after the Democratic Party’s landslide victory in one of the world’s first Covid-19 elections.”(show all) <[link removed]>

GPPA Coming Events <[link removed]>

  edited by Chris Robinson

Green Party events are in GREEN. Other Movement events are in RED.

May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Climate Crisis Awareness Rally
Lincoln Square in Gettysburg (York Street crossing)
Hosted by Adams County Green Party in solidarity with Greta Thunburg's worldwide climate movement.
More information from: [link removed]

May 1, 11:30 am
Lunchtime slack social with Green Party of Allegheny County
More information from: (Email [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> for a slack invite.)

May 5, 6:00 pm
Green Party of Allegheny County Virtual General Assembly
Zoom contact and more information from: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>

May 8, 11:30 am
Lunchtime slack social with Green Party of Allegheny County
More information from: (Email [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> for a slack invite.)

May 15, 11:30 am
Lunchtime slack social with Green Party of Allegheny County
More information from: (Email [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> for a slack invite.)

May 16
NE PA Green Fair and 5K
POSTPONED UNTIL A LATER DATE. Endorsed by Green Party of Lackawanna County.
More information from: [link removed]

May 18, 7:00 pm
Green Party of Montgomery County Virtual Meeting
Virtual business meeting. Please email [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> to receive details.

May 26, 7:00 pm
Green Party of Philadelphia Membership Meeting
Location and more information from: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>

May 29 -- May 31
Left Forum
POSTPONED UNTIL A LATER DATE.
More information from: [link removed]

May 31, 1:00 pm
Green Party of Chester County Virtual Meeting
Interested parties should contact [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> for a link.

June 2, 6:00 pm
Green Party of Allegheny County Virtual General Assembly
Zoom contact and more information from [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>

GPPA Meeting Dates for 2020:

- June (virtual) - Sunday, June 7
- September (in-person, retreat) - Saturday/Sunday September 12/13
- November, Post-Election Day (virtual) - Sunday, November 15

Web Conferences are online - RSVP to get connection information.  The locations for in-person conferences are to be determined.  In-person conferences can be hosted by counties, county groups, or regions. These events are fundraisers.  When hosted locally, the host group receives back half of the revenue after expenses.  To apply for hosting, submit your info toour Application for Local Hosting of GPPA State Meetings or GPPA-Sponsored Events <[link removed]>.  We strive for geographic diversity in reviewing applications, however, all submissions are considered.




Green Party of Pennsylvania Communications Team & Media Committee 

Issue Credits:

EDITORS: Chris Robinson & Gayle Morrow   
CONTRIBUTORS: Tim Runkle, Barbara Laxon, Tre Schumacher, Alan Smith & Chris Robinson 
LAYOUT: Sheri Miller, Hal Brown & Dannee Schoepfer 
GRAPHIC ARTS: Kevin Richardson 
ILLUSTRATIONS: Alan Smith 




Everything we do is based on our Four Pillars and Ten Key Values <[link removed]>. If you find that you share these ideals, come and join the movement.

You can support the Green Party in many ways; however, a monthly sustaining donation helps to fund a solid infrastructure to help local chapters coordinate candidates and provide resources to make their campaigns successful.As little as $3 per month can have a significant impact!

Sustaining Donation <[link removed]>Single Donation <[link removed]>Purchase Green Merchandise <[link removed]>

Join us <[link removed]>and help bring about a future where people and planet are valued over profits. We have a new, tiered membership structure that allows you to determine your level of commitment and support. And if you want to get more directly involved, considerjoining an action team <[link removed]>.  Work with other committed progressives and activists in activities such as planning events, developing media content, or helping with campaigns. Let's join together to make 2020 the year of progressives!

The Green Star is an official publication of the Green Party of Pennsylvania Communications Team * 2020 





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