Happy New Year



January

Green Party of PA Members Active in King Day of Service

By Tristan Holland



As the new year comes to life, so do holidays dedicated to maintaining the progressive gains made in years gone by. As Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service draws near on  January 19, 2026, forward-looking and progressive peoples around Pennsylvania organize events to celebrate his contributions to the civil rights movement in which he utilized nonviolent and peaceful forms of struggle to fight against systemic discrimination. 

This coming year will be no different, as The King Center is hosting the King Holiday Observance Kick-Off, as well as aiding in the organization of events in their MLK Day of Service Project, which seek to foster community through education, various volunteer activities, and collaboration with local institutions. Other organizations, such as Global Citizen, have various events already prepared for the Martin Luther King Day of Service.

Green Party members are encouraged to show their support for the efforts made by Dr. King, and to safeguard the liberties and progress gained in the wake of the civil rights movement. The Green Party will keep pushing against the injustices that still exist and disenfranchise millions at home and abroad. In order to do this, there must be a start somewhere, and that start is to begin local community organizing, to build connections, strength, and support for a working class movement. Only through this form of independent struggle will we be able to make change in our society. That is why opportunities like the King Day of Service should not slip by us. They can be an instrumental step to gain experience and to incorporate other struggles into a wider battle for a better future.

Tristan Holland is a registered member of the Green Party of Montgomery County, PA.

For more information:
The King Center, [link removed] <[link removed]>Global Citizen, [link removed] <[link removed]>
“Green Party Endorses STOP U.S. Wars” M.L.K. Week of Action.” Green Party of PA, GREEN STAR, January, 2023,
[link removed]

PA Green News

Edited by Chris Robinson

PA Greens to Elect 2026 Leaders



Meeting virtually on January 11, Green Party delegates from all corners of Pennsylvania will elect five officers for their 2026 Steering Committee: Co-Chair, Treasurer, and three Members-at-Large. The nomination process has already ended, and the election will take place at the Green Party’s State Committee meeting. The meeting will be open to the public, but only elected GPPA delegates may vote. Please register here to receive Zoom information for the meeting,

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Green Party Endorses Declaration of Democracy



Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA) Co-chair Timothy Runkle (Lancaster) announced, “On December 5, the GPPA Steering Committee endorsed the Declaration of Democracy statement from March On Harrisburg (MOH). GPPA Co-chair Theron Gilliland Jr. (Allegheny), who is also active with March on Harrisburg, submitted the proposal.
Focusing on corruption within the PA General Assembly, the Declaration of Democracy says, “When it is legal to use money to buy political power and shape our society, we all pay the price. Our Legislature cannot serve both money and people. You cannot have ‘one person one vote’ and ‘one lobbyists dollar one vote’ at the same time. Every special interest has an army of PACs, and Super PACs to make sure that their voice is absolutely heard and the needs of working people are not. There are countless ways that money gets into politics. Countless ways that private, profit-driven interests are able to buy influence at the expense of the working class, our families, and our communities. While we lobby with reason, emotion, and people power, corporate lobbyists are armed with bribes and misinformation.”

[This story includes quotes from Chair Jay Ting Walker, Green Party of Allegheny and GPPA Steering Committee Member Colleen Schmotzer.]


STORY HERE <[link removed]>

Green Party Endorses Rural-Urban Transit for All



On November 21, the Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA) Steering Committee decided by consensus to endorse Rural-Urban Transit for All. 

In an increasingly interconnected world, the disparity between rural and urban areas remains a significant challenge. One of the most critical aspects of this divide is transportation. While urban centers often boast extensive public transit systems, rural communities are frequently underserved, leading to isolation, limited opportunities, and hindered economic development. "Rural-Urban Transit for All" is not just a slogan; it's a necessity for creating equitable and sustainable communities . . . . 

In conclusion, "Rural-Urban Transit for All" is an essential goal for building inclusive and thriving communities. Bridging the transit gap requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the unique challenges of rural areas, leverages technology, fosters collaboration, and prioritizes community engagement. By investing in flexible transit options, re-evaluating funding mechanisms, and empowering local communities, we can create a transportation system that connects all residents to opportunities, services, and each other, regardless of their location. STORY HERE <[link removed]>


Campaign Updates

Edited by Chris Robinson



GREEN STAR will keep you posted about Green Party members who seek the nomination to run for public office. All Green Party members who are pursuing the GPPA nomination to run in 2026 and 2027 are welcome to contact GREEN STAR at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>.

The Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA) is looking for voters who plan to run for elected office in 2026 as Green Party candidates. Below is some basic information for new candidates who might be running for the first time.

The Green Party of the U.S. has some good information, especially “What Every Green Candidate Should Know,” [link removed] <[link removed]> This guide was written in 2004 and was based upon a poll of candidates who ran in 2003. Little has changed since that time, and this document remains the best, brief guide for deciding whether or not you want to run for office as a Green.

The next step is to register to vote as a member of the Green Party. Most citizens with a Pennsylvania driver’s license or similar identification may register online to vote, [link removed]  Please note that you are not a registered Green Party member until you receive a Voter ID which says “Green” under the Party designation. Some people must try several times until this happens. If you have a problem with voter registration, please let us know.

Your Campaign Committee

Once a Green Party member decides to run, the first task is to organize a campaign committee (usually eight or ten friends and relatives) who will volunteer to assist. In forming a campaign committee, diversity is the best characteristic. One person (perhaps the most well known) will be chair of the committee, and one person (perhaps the most trustworthy) will be its treasurer. 

For more information, please contact [email protected]

Team Reports

Edited by Patrick O. McNally

The Green Party of Pennsylvania has four Action Teams.

Communication Team

2026 is starting on the right foot for the Communications Team! As we are expanding, we are finding many talented writers for GREEN STAR. Writing for GREEN STAR is a great way to learn and to expand your resume. Our bimonthly meetings are held the first and third Tuesdays. Please apply via email to [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
      Please join the Communication Team right here.
www.gpofpa.org/team_communications_join <[link removed]>

Finance Team

Green Party of Pennsylvania provides support to Green candidates and local parties and coordinates statewide efforts. We do not take any money from corporations. To get ahead in 2026, we have made an easy way for you to lend the Green Party your support. Even if you aren't a registered Green, you can join us to promote a more peaceful, sustainable, and equitable future through grassroots democracy, [link removed]

      Please join the Finance Team right here.
[link removed]

Green Wave Team

Our 2026 and 2027 candidate nomination process has begun! County locals are encouraged to reach out to potential candidates. Potential candidates from all counties are encouraged to contact Green Wave to learn more about what offices are available and what the process is to receive Green Party nomination and get on the ballot.



Please join the Green Wave Team right here.
www.gpofpa.org/team_greenwave_join <[link removed]>

Core Team

The Core Team establishes party rules, develops the platform, and manages the tools and systems that maintain the Green Party and allow it to grow. The Core Team meets at 6:30 pm on the first Monday of each month.  Please RSVP to receive the Zoom information for the next Core Team meeting,
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National ‌Green‌ ‌News

Edited by David Ochmanowicz Jr.

Meet People Powered Green Party Candidates



Candidates Spotlight hosted by our hard-hitting 2024 Presidential/VP team, Jill Stein and Butch Ware.

Meet some of the upcoming dedicated Greens running for public office, ready to fight for you at all levels of government: Andy Ellis, running for governor of Maryland; Michael Dublin, running for U.S. House in North Carolina’s District 13; and Justin Filip, running for U.S. House in Oregon’s District 4

VIDEO HERE <[link removed]>

Subscribe to Illinois Green Party’s Livestream Podcast



New shows 2x weekly with Green Party hosts Eyde Arndell and Scott Freë




VIDEO HERE <[link removed]>

SUBSCRIBE HERE <[link removed]>

NY Green Party Slams Hochul’s Retreat on Climate Action



The Green Party of New York harshly criticized Governor Hochul and the state legislature for its failures in taking action to address the climate crisis. State officials admit that NY will fail to meet the moderate goals laid out in the state’s climate law (CLCPA), which are far weaker than in the legislation that the Green Party had promoted. STORY HERE <[link removed]>


157 Greens in Elected Office in 2026



At least 157 Greens hold elected office as of November 4, 2025, elections — Greens have been elected at least 1,662 times in history in the U.S. — and over 7,100 times Greens have run for public office in the U.S. – 62% for county, municipal, educational and special district offices and 38% for state and federal partisan office. STORY HERE <[link removed]>

New Merchandise Available from GPUS



Be seen being Green. All proceeds benefit the national Green Party.



GPPA Meeting Dates for 2026

All State Committee Meetings will begin at noon
Sunday, January 11, via Zoom



GPPA Communications Team
Issue Credits

Editors: Hal Brown, Patrick O. McNally, David Ochmanowicz Jr. and Chris Robinson

Contributors: Theron Gilliland Jr., Tristan Holland, Chris Robinson, Timothy Runkle, Colleen Schmotzer and Jay Ting Walker

Layout: Hal Brown, Sherri Miller, and David Ochmanowicz Jr.

Graphic Arts: Kevin Richardson



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

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, consider joining 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.  

The GREEN STAR is an official publication of the Green Party of Pennsylvania Communications Team * 2026.



Green Party of Pennsylvania
[link removed]



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