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Ten Key Green Values
by Linda Pascatore
© 1999 The Gobbler
The Green philosophy was inspired by the peace
and environmental movements of the nineteen-sixties. In Europe,
it evolved into popular political parties which are still viable
today. In the United States, the Greens have formed many local
grassroots action groups, as well as running Green candidates
in local elections.
The Chautauqua Greens was formed almost a decade
ago. Although the group is no longer in existence, their principles
affected us deeply. We originally decided to publish The Gobbler
as a local almanac/newsletter shortly after our Greens group
broke up. This publication was our way of introducing Green
values to our local community. Now that we are publishing on
the web, we hope to reach a wider audience.
The basis of the Green philosophy is embodied
in Ten Key Values which were developed by the American Green's
Committees of Correspondence. The list below was refined by
the Chautauqua Greens Regional Network:
THE TEN KEY VALUES OF THE CHAUTAUQUA GREENS
I. ECOLOGICAL WISDOM
We must operate human societies with the
understanding that we are part of nature,
living within the resource limits of
the planet.
II. GRASSROOTS DEMOCRACY
We encourage the development of truly
representative, responsive systems that allow
and encourage individuals to control
the decisions that affect their lives.
III. PERSONAL & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
We advocate individual responsibility for
healthy lifestyles, personal growth, social justice and an
educational system that promotes these values.
IV. NONVIOLENCE
We must develop effective alternatives to
our current patterns of violence, at all levels, from the
family and the community to nations and the world.
V. DECENTRALIZATION
We nurture the flourishing of regionally based
culture over the dominant monoculture through the restoration
of power to individuals, institutions, communities and regions.
VI. COMMUNITY BASED ECONOMICS
We plan to develop new economic activities
and institutions that allow us to use our resources in ways
that are humane, ecological, self-sufficient and sustainable.
VII. POST PATRIARCHAL VALUES
We must replace the cultural climate of dominance
and control with cooperation and a respect for feminine as
well as masculine values.
VIII. RESPECT FOR DIVERSITY
We honor the diversity and free expression
of cultural, ethnic racial, sexual, religious and spiritual
individuality for all.
IX. GLOBAL RESPONSIBILITY
We wish to be of assistance to other groups
throughout the world by promoting these green values, thereby
helping to reshape the global order.
X. FUTURE FOCUS & SUSTAINABILITY
We hope to inspire people to develop their
own long range visions of a future that will enrich the quality
of life rather than satisfy short term selfish interests.
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